Interview with... Lawrence Montaigne

People who know me know that I love Hogan's Heroes. Especially the behind-the-scenes related stories.
So when I had the opportunity to interview Lawrence Montaigne, Hogan's Heroes was going to be one of the questions.
As all as questions about Star Trek, Batman, and The Great Escape.
Lawrence's feedback is not to be missed! Enjoy.



1. What was it like on the set of Star Trek: The Original Series?

It appeared to me as if we were all in a state of confusion. We had nothing to relate our characters to and we were flying by the seats of our pants. I think that Gene was the only one who knew where this whole thing was going.

2. What difference, as an actor, did you find between Star Trek, and the Batman TV series?

Batman had an historical background. You only had to pick up a comic book to research a character and if it wasn't there, at least you were familiar with the characters around you which seemed to make it easy to relate. With Star Trek it was "try this" or "try that" until the director said it felt right.



3. Which do you prefer, comedy or drama?

I've always preferred comedy but with a face like an ugly Jack Palance, I didn't have much choice. The few comedy parts I did land (The Flying Nun, Hogan's Heroes, etc.) they were a piece of cake.



4. What was it like on the set of Hogan’s Heroes?

I can't speak for other actors but the particular episode in which I played Sergeant Steinfeld, although the role was fun, the conditions under which I was working were physically taxing. We were shooting on the back lot of Desilu in Culver City in the heat of August. I was wearing a winter, German uniform, including a topcoat. The temperatures were in the nineties and the regular cast was in the habit of goofing off and doing retake after retake. No one took into consideration that the new guy on the block was melting right in front of the camera until I finally blew my stack and we all settled down to getting in out of the heat.

5. I’m a big fan of the show so would like to ask, what can you tell us about the Hogan’s Heroes cast?

I think I've covered it!



6. The Great Escape is an iconic film. What was it like to film?

In my autobiography, A Vulcan Odyssey, I stated, "Every actor should have A Great Escape." I meant it. Not only was it a great learning experience but it was a key to the kingdom. I no sooner arrived in the U.S. after the release of TGE, than the doors to every casting office in L.A. opened up to me. Unfortunately, most of the cast has passed on but working with such a renown group of actors was a blessing for which I shall be forever grateful.

7. What’s coming up next for you?

Lunch, if I live that long.

8. Is there an event or charity you would like to bring to my readers’ attention?

My wife, Patricia, and I are avid animal lovers. Every day we learn of some horrible abuse or neglect of pets and it drives us up the wall. If you can adopt a pet or give a dollar to any humane society, we would thank you from the bottom of our hearts.


Lawrence has a brilliant website all of his own, www.lawrencemontaigne.net/
It's well worth checking out if you're interested in knowing more about Lawrence's work.

I thank Lawrence for his time and responses. I certainly got a really kick out of them.

What did you think of this interview?
Please comment, or email me directly at mgbouw@yahoo.com.au
Until next time!

Interview with... Debbie Dutch

I always love interviewing horror genre actors because they're always so enthusiastic about their work.
And none more so than Screen Queen Debbie Dutch!
I want to thank Debbie for her time with this interview. Debbie goes into incredible detail about her work, and it's a very fascinating read.
Hope you enjoy.

1. You’ve been titled as a Scream Queen. How do you feel about that?

I LOVE IT!!!!!I feel eternally youthful because I have to keep up with the modern rhythm of the entertainment world.My fans r loyal til the end,appreciate me, my work,& art & respect who I am!It's given me the GREAT opportunity to meet so many beautiful people,work in wonderful projects for the media,(your interview included),travel,appear in fabulous shows across the country& make some nice money.It is an honor & a privilege,& I want to repay my debt of gratitude by helping the next generation to make their Dreams Come True...I also want to add that when I first was crowned a "Scream Queen" it was the "APEX" of this HOT TREND.I was in w/the ORIGINAL Scream Queens!We also had Tee Shirts,Coffee Mugs & trading cards not only w/our picture & signature on them,but also our lip prints!#

2. What about the horror genre appeals to you?

I've ALWAYS LOVED the Horror Movies since I was a little girl.Bella Lugosi as Dracula & Boris Karloff as Frankenstein have been great influences.Halloween has ALWAYS been my Fave Holiday!I LOVE dressing up & creating "Horror Intriguing Alter Egos &Persona's"!!!! I'm fascinated & scared by Death & the Unknown.I love anything super natural or Ghosts & Spirits from the other side.I believe that there is a connection between life & Death,a fine seemingly invisible line,"Beyond the Border"!

3. Can you please tell us about your modelling work?

I modeled 4 PLAYBOY mag in the late 80's,& then of course 4 the Horror Mags,VAMPIROTICA,SCREAM QUEENS ILLUSTRATED,SCREAM BEAT,PLATINUM & Movie mags,"Celebrity Skin","Cinema"(in Europe),"FEMMES FATALES"& many sets of trading cards.I also modeled extensively for a graphic artist, Larry Barsky who owns the company "Art Asylum"I posed 4 many Movie posters & Box Covers.1 of my High lights was posing 4 the famous photographer,Levon Perion.I'm also in his book.I have to give adulation to a great celebrity photographer,Jon Cottam from London & was honored to b in his London Photograph exhibit!I also currently model frequently w/Debbie D a celebrity Scream Queen Internationally in our "The Double D's" production company.We've had pictorials in 5 Issues of the popular mag,"Celebrity Sleuth""GIRL-GIRL POWER",& I've appeared in a solo layout in "Woman 2 Woman" &"Women of Fantasy"Celebrity Sleuth Issues.I also do custom modeling 4 Fans & various Companies.My modeling career continues I very much enjoy the varied & creative wardrobe,Hair & make-up.I remember working w/David LaChapelle,the well known famous photographer & music Video director for Elton John & many huge Rock Stars & being wardrobed in an Authentic 70's disco cat suit all in champagne gold & rhinestones from Paris.Size 0,(very rare)4 an Elton John Music video,"Good-Bye Yellow Brick Road" that premiered @ CAESAR'S PALACE when Elton John played there.Definitely a "Golden Memory".It was SO MUCH FUN!!!!& GOT PAID WELL!!!

I was on the COVER of SCREAM QUEENS ILLUSTRATED,DRACULINA,(a pictorial interview by Peter Evanko & published by Hugh Gallagher),SCREAM BEAT,& VAMPIROTICA,as a Model!




4. Have you done much work at conventions?

I've done a lot of conventions,but not as much as I could because I'm still very active working & pursuing my acting work & teaching Yoga.It would remove me from my immediate arena by traveling & "taking off".However,there are several cons that I appear @ regularly!Kevin Clement's,The CHILLER THEATRE,1 of the Best Horror Cons in the World,"The SuperMega Show",Ken Laurence Director,Definitely a FAVE on the East Coast,also Gary Lyon's,"The Gotham Collector's Shows",in N.Y.C.& Mickey Sinardi's "Showstopper's Stars Spectacular" here in L.A. & MOST RECENTLY A new cool con,"THE L.A.ROCKIN'COMICON"Produced by Cindy B!I've appeared in many other Conventions 2 name a few:FANGORIA,GLAMOURCON,EXOTICON,REZNHEDZ,(Chicago)COMICON(SanDiego), The Collector's Show,By CREATION ,SCI-FI HORROR CON,The BIG SHOW,& MONSTERS AMONG US.They're ALWAYS A BLAST!!!I get 2 see so many friends & fans both new & old,devoted to the sci-fi/horror genre.I party & have fun & almost always get a new gig from appearing since many Directors who r putting together new projects come looking for actors!Cons r a Fabulous event to continue to fulfill my mission as an actress,make money & have FUN!& Most importantly LIVE my life from my heart & express my love & appreciation for making my Dreams Come True!Another thing I LOVE about conventions,they always take place in a Beautiful Hotel & I LOVE TO STAY IN HOTELS!!!!!Room Service,Free Champagne,Big Beds w/chocolate on my pillow b4 I go 2 sleep,wake up calls,everything fresh & new, towels,sheets,etc.,luxury Bath Tubs,swimming pools & make-up mirrors in the vanity room!---

5. What would be a dream role for you?

My Dream Role is "The Hollywood Warrioress"!It's a role that I created from an inspiration 4 a photo shoot w/Jonas Mohr from Europe 4 the European edition of Penthouse & Cinema magazine.He was doing a pictorial story on the top "B" movie starlets in the U.S.A. & I was chosen 4 the article!He asked me what persona am I known as?I said that it seems I'm always a Femme Fatale being pursued by "Bad" entities,both human & non-human & I'm either killed or I kill them!My weapon of choice is usually a sword,so I consider myself a Warrior!We shot under the Hollywood sign,& the rest is part of my destiny.I've been modeled as the "Hollywood Warrioress"as an action statue,been in the Hollywood Christmas parade & was filmed in Alexander Lehr's,"The Dream of Alvareen" playing the Warrioresss!I've created a screenplay soon to b produced on the silver screen starring as the "Hollywood Warrioresss"!This character is my alter-ego.I practice Buddhism & chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo to attain World Peace & the happiness of all humanity. I translated my faith & breathed this life force in2 this character.I believe in having faith & overcoming all our obstacles,being victorious over our unhappiness,making the Impossible Possible. & making our dreams come true & never b Defeated!This is my mission & also The Warrioress's!I can share this experience w/ others so that they can be encouraged to challenge & win in their lives 2!She also falls in love & shows the power of our heart & a woman's sexuality.It is a multi-faceted role & demonstrates the power,love,compassion,truth,justice,purity,vulnerability & eternity of a woman in the modern world combating against the Demon of evil,the age-old battle.

6. What’s coming up next?

My most recent feature film release is titled,"Vampiress:Lady of the Night"Directed by Philip Cable.I star in it & am Associate producer!I love my role as Danielle,a prostitute who becomes a Vampire!It received a rave review by Brian Kirst of the well known horror website,www.horrorsociety.com.I also was on their talk radio show.Vampiress will be screened nationwide in various film festivals & will be on sale on Amazon.com!i also just finished filming the 2nd episode of "Destiny,the Vampire Mermaid" in which I have a Guest Starring role w/Debbie D who plays Destiny. The episode is titled Death In The Dark and it was directed by William Pietrzak, screenplay by Bob Statzer. We filmed in a studio castle w/authentic wardrobe & props.It is an interesting Vampire story w/a unique twist,beautiful woman,Handsome Count Dracula,sex,blood ,sword fights & mystery.I don't want to give away the plot,I want it to b a surprise!I play an historical Pirate,Mary Reid & carry a big sword. It was an Amazing acting experience!Everyone on the movie is GR8!!!!!There's also a new book published about me,"Debbie Dutch,A Scream Queen in Pictures"!It's published by Michael Enoches & is beautifully illustrated!It's on sale on Amazon.com.Also,pls check out my website,www.DebbieDutch.com orchestrated by Andy Neal a talented artist & producer.I want to thank all my friends & fans & especially you Maarten 4 giving me this golden opportunity to share my experience.thank-you from the bottom of my heart!I send all my love & Blessings & hope 2 meet u someday in person,Debbie Dutch




Thanks again to Debbie for all her correspondence, and kind words. They're always appreciated.

What did you think of this interview?
Please comment, or email me directly at mgbouw@yahoo.com.au
Until next time!

Interview with... G. Larry Butler

I interviewed G. Larry Butler some time ago now, and today received his autograph in the mail.

The photo was from one of his many movies, showing him holding a plastic bag with a bloodied-head inside.
With that in mind I figured I better get this interview up on the blog site, quick!



1. You’ve appeared in some big hits, and some direct to DVD films. Which film has been the most rewarding for you?

The most rewarding film to me has been FRANKENSTEIN VS THE CREATURE FROM BLOOD COVE because it was my first starring role in a movie. It also won Best Feature at the World Horror Festival in San Francisco in 2006, which got me quite a bit of attention.

2. Some of the movies you’ve appeared in have some great titles. Frankenstein Versus The Creature From Blood Cove is just one example. Does the name of the production have much appeal for you to be involved?

The title has some appeal but any actor worth his salt is attracted to the role and the script itself more than the title. I always salivate when I am offered a a very juicy role where the character is full of flaws, defects and conflicts. I specialize in psychotic personalities...seemingly normal individuals who crack under pressure and kill everybody with an axe( DOWNSIZED) or delightfully kooky perverted bums like Al Purplewood in THE DOUBLE D AVENGER. I have played everything from a cannabilistic hillbilly to a pompous professor who is hiding a demonic secret.



3. What do you think is the appeal of the horror genre?

Horror appeals to the children in all of us who were terrified of the dark, afraid to look under their beds, and absolutely sure that there was a monster in their closet. We feel like a rabbit staring at a snake, fascinated but frozen with fear...and we love it. If there were no monsters it would be necessary to invent them...and we have. When we invented religion to explain the mysteries of the universeand entertain ourselves, we invented the realm of the macabre as well for much the same reason. Read my book HERE LIES MADNESS which explains it in much greater detail.

4. Have you even been to a Horror convention?

4. I have been in several Horror conventions: to name a few--THE WORLD HORROR FEST, DRAGON CON, OMEGA CON, FRIGHT NIGHT, FANGORIA, SACRAMENTO HORROR FEST.



5. What would be a dream role for you?

A dream role for me has already been created in the guise of Dr. Monroe Lazarof in FRANKENSTEIN VS THE CREATURE FROM BLOOD COVE, a tribute to classic horror from the 1940s. He slowly goes mad throughout the course of the movie. Another one is Mr. Garrity, a seemingly mild mannered boss who snaps and destroys most of his staff in DOWNSIZED. I enjoy playing people who go through this meteoric metamorphasis emotionally, and create chaos. But I always hunger for other roles that surprise people. I love to shock people out of their emotional constipation, to move them to tears or convulse them in belly laughs or rivet them with revulsion. I want to shake the audience out of its stupor, make them think, make them blink. After all, that is why they come to the theater...to live a harrowing adventure vicariously. If they aren't intrigued or intimidated on some level then I feel the movie has failed them. I don't want to just do another horror film...I want it to be unique and original, and I want my character to be memorable as well.

6. What’s coming up next?

I have an enormous amount of films coming out in the next few months. First and foremost are 23 Japanese animation projects from the 1980s remastered and dubbed into English, spearheaded by none other than William Winckler who is an absolute genius.I had major speaking roles in all of them and I will mention a few: GAIKING (I play Daimanji, the lead scientist and Keyla, the alien general, CAPTAIN HARLOCK (Yattaron--a pirate,and Kirita), DANGUARD ACE (Dr. Oyedo and Cook, the flamboyant chef), NADJA (George, a circus friend and Duke Preminger, Nadja's grandfather), FIST OF THE NORTH STAR ( Raul, the lead villian, Kaio, his brother, Ogai and the Narrator), STARZINGER (Don Hakka, a cyborg), LUN LUN (Grandpa, Old shoemaker, Gasker and The Detective), KITARO'S GRAVEYARD GANG (Nurarihyon).
A movie which has been 5 years in the making is NIGHT TERRORS in which I play a psychotic,cannabilistic hillbilly. I used method acting for that. John R. Carpenter (the director) served me raw meat and locked me in a cabin in the mountains to prepare me for the role. Then there is a movie which has been 16 years in the making called SHYSTERS, a slapstick comedy about two imposters paroled early if they see a psychiatrist on a regular basis. They drive him and the audience crazy with their antics. When I was helping to edit it I almost didn't recognize myself. Jason Crowe's HELLHOUSE is coming out on Halloween, in which I play a cranky judge who sentences juvenile psychopaths to prison for life, who eventually escape with revenge on their minds.
Also, PANMAN, directed by Tim Pelleri (my arch nemisis in DOWNSIZED) will be out Halloween as well. Professor Hunter is my most demanding role since FRANKENSTEIN VS THE CREATURE FROM BLOOD COVE. The plot is convoluted and creepy. It is a thinking man's horror film. Just when you thought you figured it out, you haven't. More than a few twists and turns and a very big surprise ending. Who you thought were good are evil and vice versa. Quite demonic! Check out the trailor on whoispanman.com. CELLMATE, directed by Mark Cummins, where I play a sympathetic jailor to a serial killer.



I want to thank G. Larry Butler for his time and his very interesting responses.
I just hope he likes the look of this interview, as he now has my home address!

What did you think of this interview? Please comment, or email me directly at mgbouw@yahoo.com.au
Until next time!

Interview with... Robert Benedetti

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Robert Benedetti.
I use the term "interview" loosley as Robert read over my questions, and sent back answers to something completely different!
It was like a one-person interview!

So, without further ado here is Robert Benedetti, interviewing Robert Benedetti.



Strange that you ask about my acting, which I haven't done for 25 years. I am mainly a producer - writer, having won three Emmys, 2 Humanitas Prizes, and a Peabody Award. Wouldn't that be a better arena for questions?

I have a long history with Australia. The first film I produced was shot in Australia, at Village Road Show Studios in Surfers Paradise. It was an all-Australian cast except for the two leads, Scott Bakula and Robert Loggia. It was called MERCY MISSION and was a true airplane rescue story about an Air New Zealand flight that found and saved an American pilot in a small plane.



I also directed the Australian premiere of GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS for the Melbourne Theatre Company, and did a production of A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM for the ABC, and taught at the Victorian College of the Arts for a time, where I directed THE HOSTAGE. Last month, the Australian Shakespeare Company did my adaptation of A COMEDY OF ERRORS.

Four years ago I did a four-week workshop in Sydney with Cicely Berry of the RSC for professional actors and teachers.

John Clark, now retired from NIDA, is a dear old friend, as is Dean Carey, founder of The Actors Centre in Sydney, where I have spoken.

I generally find Australian actors to be far superior to American actors.



If you are interested in learning more about Robert I highly recommend you check out his website at www.robertbenedetti.com/
It's very interesting, as was this interview.
Thank you Robert. It was very much appreciated.

What did you think of this interview? Please comment, or email me directly at mgbouw@yahoo.com.au
Until next time!

Interview with... Kelsey Matheson

It's always fun to interview a multi-talented actress.
Kelsey Matheson-McCord has done work for TV, film, and even video games. So yeah, I think she qualifies as multi-talented.
I just hope my wife doesn't mind my interviewing such an attractive actress...



1. Which do you prefer, voice over work or film?

I enjoy both, but I prefer film work. I love the interaction among the other cast members and the crew while on a film set - you don't get the same type of dynamic in voice normally. When I’m on a film set and I get a sense of being away at summer camp then I know it’s a great experience and I’ll walk away with a lot of great memories.

2. What appeals to you, working on video games?

Currently what appeals to me is working on something like the Planet Earth or Life series. I’m fascinated by those two BBC series and I fantasize about traveling with a crew and scuba diving to capture some rare footage of humpback whales, or spending time in Africa to film the gorillas. That would be a dream job.



3. Have you ever attended a video game convention?

I’ve never attended a video game convention but they sound like a ton of fun. If someone hired me play one of the characters at a convention, I would definitely be interested in the gig and I know I’d have a great time! Do people do that? I’m sure they do.

4. What was it like working on Dracula 2000?

Dracula 2000 was a blast. My scene as a stripper isn’t actually in most cuts of the film but I was also the body double for Colleen Fitzpatrick so I spent a lot of time on set. Peter Pau was the DOP and probably one of the most memorable people from the crew. He was such a professional and so lovely to work with.

Working with Christopher Plummer was also a special treat. That man is the epitome of class. What a gentleman.



5. What would be a dream role for you?

The dream role for me would be a situation where I could play multiple characters. For example, a script where my character suffers from Dissociative Identity Disorder…or a script where I play twins. I’ve always been fascinated with the idea of playing multiple characters within the same project.

6. Is there an event or charity you would like to bring to our attention?

I’m the Director of Operations for a non-profit organization called the First Weekend Club. FWC is a national organization that helps to promote great Canadian film. Unfortunately in Canada our shooting budgets are so minimal that filmmakers have no funds for promotion and can’t compete at the box-office with huge American blockbusters. So FWC works with filmmakers, distributors, and exhibitors in building awareness about Canadian films. Check us out: http://www.firstweekendclub.ca/ It’s free to join!!

7. What’s coming up next for you?

I just had a baby girl named Maya Rose so my time these days is spent mostly with her. I’m also the co-owner of a new retreat center in Costa Rica called Anamaya so I’m busy with that as well http://www.anamayaresort.com/

I’m someone who always has a few irons in the fire. I thrive on being busy and productive.

In 3 weeks the Toronto International Film Festival is starting and for me it’s the busiest 10 days of the year so I’m also gearing up for that. There will be a lot of meetings, parties, networking receptions, and (of course) films!! It’s a crazy time for me but always a good time. You can follow my live blog during the festival at http://www.firstweekendclub.ca/ I’ll be blogging at all the parties and screenings – giving people a sneak peek into TIFF.


So there you go guys, check out Kelsey personally at http://www.firstweekendclub.ca/ and be sure to join up to check out her live blogging. Should be interesting stuff indeed!

What did you think of this interview? Please comment, or email me directly at mgbouw@yahoo.com.au
Until next time!

Interview with... Scott Squires

It's always fun to interview an actor who has been in some monumental films.
However I think it's even better to interview someone who has worked behind the scenes on some truly monumental films.
Of course I'm referring to Visual Effects Artist, Scott Squires.

I hope you like this interview...



1. How do you go about becoming a Visual Effects Artist?

At this point you try to get some training either using books, online training or in schools that provide basic training in vfx. Much depends on exactly the type of work you wish to do.

If you're asking how i became a vfx artist - I came to Los Angeles right out of high school. In high school I had a super-8 and 16m camera which I shot animation tests and other experiments. I was also a newspaper photographer and theater projectionist so tried to learn as much as possible. I met with Doug Trumbull who was bidding on Close Encounters. He wanted someone to work as his assistant.

2. What has been your favourite production, so far?

They've all be interesting. Space Race was a simualtor ride I directed so that was fun.
On The Mask Jim Carrey was fun on set.
Dragonheart was great to have full control over the end result.



3. What was it like to work on Blade Runner?

I worked primarily on the video displays. It was interesting working with Ridley Scott since he did a number of his own storyboards while you discussed a shot or idea. The sets at night with the rain machines was also visually interesting.



4. How do you feel about the visual effects for Close Encounters Of The Third Kind? They are simply iconic.

I think they still hold up today. Steven and Doug had some very well designed shots and integrated them well into the film.



5. What is your feeling towards the use of computers to enhance visual effects?

Computers are just another tool. I helped ILM get the digital age started by working with ILM and kodak to build one of the first film scanners for vfx work. The computers allow us to control the technical aspects so we can hopefully focus more on the artist side of vfx.



6. What’s coming up next for you?

I'm not sure. My agent and I are looking at potential projects but the types of projects are somewhat limited these days.


I want to thank Scott for his valuable time and insight. It was very much appreciated to be able to interview him.

What did you think of this interview? Please comment, or email me directly at mgbouw@yahoo.com.au
Until next time!

The Terminator

I caught this 1980's classic on TV the other night and decided to sit through it again for old times sake.
I hadn't seen it in a number of years and even to this day it stands the test of time.

Ironic considering it's about a man and a cyborg travelling back from the future.

Here's the movie poster.



For a better look at Arnold Swartzenegger as The Terminator, here's the image again.

Check out that hair! From all of the cast he seems to be the only one to carry this hair style into the 1990's.



Or... maybe not.
Still, his haircut isn't too bad.
And when he has a gun pointed straight at you you're not very well going to complain, are you?



Unless you're Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton).
I saw this image and was wondering what she was thinking in this scene...
"I wonder when the 80's will be over and I can get a real haircut" maybe?
Or, "At least Kyle has an okay haircut..."
Kyle Reese (Michael Biehn) has been sent back from the future by Linda's unborn son in order to protect her from The Terminator.



Whilst watching this film I couldn't help but think that this is one brilliant pick-up line.
If you have the proper wing-man who can help you pull it off.
And if you can find someone dumb enough to fall for it.

But when you have Kyle Reese pointing a sawn-off shotgun in your face you're not very well going to complain, are you?



In this middle of this are two good cops, Detective Hal Vukovich (Lance Henriksen).



And Lieutenant Ed Traxler (Paul Winfield).

Both officers have fairly okay haircuts for the 80's, so you know The Terminator isn't solely tracking them down.



Sarah, on the other hand, has little hope.
At least until the sequel when her haircut drastically improves.

To her credit you can see she has the best of the Los Angeles police force working tirelessly to find a solution to her hair problem.



One look at this guy (Bill Paxton) and she's feeling much better.



Here's the trailer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHz95RYUbik

All up I give this movie an 8 out of 10. It's raw, and violent, and very much a product of the 1980's.
So, it's all good!

What did you think of this review? Please comment, or email me directly at mgbouw@yahoo.com.au
Until next time!