Interview with... Keith Scott

And now it is my honour to bring to you an interview I conducted with one of the most hardest working voice actors in Australia... Keith Scott.

From Blinky Bill, to George Of The Jungle, to The Adventures Of Rocky And Bullwinkle, you have no doubt heard Keith's voice here or there.



Here's the good man himself.

And yep, here's Blinky. Remember Blinky Bill?

Keith does. :)

Now on to the interview.

1. What drew you to voice-over work?

I was drawn to voice-over work from a very early age. Once we got a new-fangled TV set way back in 1959 (when I was just six), I was immediately aware of the tonalities of the actors doing voices for cartoons, and I was only in primary school! I took it so seriously, in fact, that in my teens I wrote to Daws Butler (voice of Yogi Bear, etc.), Bill Scott (original voice of Bullwinkle, etc.), June Foray (voice of Rocky the squirrel) and various other actors to ask about their careers and for advice on techniques, and I only kept getting more intrigued with the history and art of audio acting as the years went by. So I think I was destined to be a voice actor. And I was a mimic at school, due to possessing a pretty sharp ear for inflections.

2. What preparation work do you do before each production?

As to preparation before each production, I always try to bring something extra to whatever I’m asked to do, whether it’s an exaggerated accent, a zany cartoon voice or an impersonation. So I maintain a very large audio library of reference samples (voices of politicians, movie stars, cartoon characters, and so on). And I still study them diligently, as I like to be authentic.

3. You’ve worked on both Aussie and American icons (Blinky Bill, & Rocky And Bullwinkle respectively). What expectations and differences did you experience between the two?

There were no differences in expectations working on the bigger American productions. Just that the budget was bigger, the cast members more famous; but my approach was exactly the same as for local work. I simply believe in lots of pre-job practice, and trying to give 110 per cent in my performances.

4. You’ve done impersonations of some of Australia’s biggest political figures. Have you ever met them in person?

Yes, I’ve met various political big-wigs who have actually seen me performing (doing their voices) while they were sitting in the audience – pretty scary (they being Gough Whitlam, Malcolm Fraser, Bob Hawke, John Howard and others).

5. It seems these days that people believe they can step in and do voice-over work. What advice do you have for wannabe voice-over artists?

For wannabe voice-over artists my advice is try to be unique. Today there is MUCH more competition, and the trend has moved to more ordinary man/woman-in-the-street type voices. It’s also much more a youth market these days. So my advice is simply to be unique and don’t copy what sounds trendy. Years ago my advice was different – back then I would urge people to develop a large range of accents and voices, but that really no longer applies. I came from the last generation of radio actors and today that is a forgotten art-form, more’s the pity.

6. What was it like to work on the big US production, The Rocky And Bullwinkle Movie?

The Rocky & Bullwinkle Movie was a real dream come true for me, as I was the show’s biggest fan back in the late 1960s/early 70s. I ended up writing a book about all the cartoons from that studio (Jay Ward Productions). So it was an honour and a real kick to be flown to Hollywood (same thing for George of the Jungle which I narrated).

Well there you go everyone. I hope you enjoyed that as much as I did setting it up, composing the questions, and literally bugging Keith for his responses.

My apologises also to Keith for the delay in getting this blog finalised. I hope you like the finished product.

Thanks also for taking the time and answering my questions Keith. You're a top bloke and I really appreciate all the effort you went into making this interview happen.

Of course I wish you all the very best, as I'm sure my readers do too.

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

The Final Destination

It took me 4 movies to actually sit down and watch one of these films, and I bloody enjoyed it!

Despite being promoted also as Final Destination 3D, it is actually the fourth film in the series. Halfway through watching the film I got a little confused but then I realised, it doesn't really matter.
When you set out to watch a film like this you know what you want to see; mindless murder. You get it in spades here too.
No death by spades though.



Here's the movie poster.

And here's our cast. You can remember their names if you wish, but it doesn't really matter.
That being said, I wouldn't be surprised to see any of these four pop up in another blockbuster film.

They're a pretty likable bunch.

Here we have Nick (Bobby Campo) as the main character.

The story begins at a race track in which Nick unexpectedly begins having visions of moments leading up to death.
He uses these visions to avoid death (obviously), and the movie spins off from there.

As you can see in the image above Nick is trying with all his might to save his girlfriend. I'll show you why later.



Here's Hunt (Nick Zano), whom I took to be Nick's best friend.
Hunt's pretty much a jock wanker, and a pretty unlikeable character. I'm sure the actor's a nice bloke, but Hunt? Not so much.

I'm not big on spoiling the film but I will say, I cheered when Hunt was killed. Hunt sucked ass, literally. (haha)

From then on we have George (Mykelti Williamson), who was the security guard at the race track. George has a pretty meaty backstory, and Mykelti has the acting skills to make you notice.
George also seems to take on the role of Nick's best friend from here on out, and it works well. I liked seeing George on screen, and he gave a fresh feel to a movie genre usually taken up with know-it-all youngsters.

For those of you scratching your heads, Mykelti Williamson also played Bubba Blue in Forest Gump, as well as appearing in the TV show, 24.

Now here we have Nick's girlfriend, Lori (Shantel Van Santen). My God!

Need convincing she's one hot woman? Here you go. Yowzer!

As stated above, Lori's a pretty likable character, and Shantel plays her in a fun way. You actually find yourself siding with Lori, rather than just waiting for her to get knocked off.

Unlike Janet (Haley Webb), who is a bit vapid for my liking.

Here we having Lori crying because she knows that being vapid, Janet's going to get wiped out pretty soon.

It shouldn't matter though as it seems Haley Webb has a successful modelling career to fall back on.

She'll do alright I'm sure.

I've been reading the trivia for this movie and supposedly it has the highest death count of the series.

Clearly the girls are shocked by this news.

I'm unsure about the other films in the series but some of the deaths are laugh-out-loud funny.

Krista Allen makes an appearance as the MILF, and her death scene is both funny, and sad. You'll see why when it happens.

All up the film ends on a funny note, as if to say that death is watching over all of us, and there's nothing we can do to change this.
But it's an entertaining film nonetheless. It's like watching a funniest home video show, if the videos sent in were from Faces Of Death.

What, you're unfamiliar with the Faces Of Death video series? Let me just say this, I'm not in a rush to review THOSE movies anytime soon. Whew.
Literally, brutal stuff.

For fun, here's the trailer for The Final Destination
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zs01icuzwzY&feature=related

Here's the DVD if you want to make a purchase
Final Destination in 3-D

I will mention that my DVD copy has the warning about downloading pirated movies, as well as burning or purchasing pirated copies.

I'm all against the practice of pirated movies. For a whole manner of reasons, one of which being quality.

What I really dislike though is purchasing a DVD and then having to sit through the pirating lecture at the start, every single time I want to watch the movie.

I paid my money for the legit DVD copy, and still I'm forced to sit through this warning.

Can I fast forward past this warning either? Nope!

Just a little bit frustrating methinks.

Now, back to the review.

I have read online that some viewers weren't too pleased with this movie. I can see their point of view.

For a movie like this though, you watch it to have a good time. It's not meant to be dissected and broken down, over-analysed and then discussed.

You go to see the deaths, and the interesting (and sometimes very funny) ways in which people die.

So if this is your cup of tea I highly recommend you purchase the DVD, or hire it from your local video store.

I just might track down the 3 previous movies, and from what I hear, a fifth one is in the works.

Sweet!

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

Til next time.

Universal Soldier: Regeneration

The rule of movie making is that the first film is a huge smash, then the sequel is another huge hit.
Then the third movie is a piece of shit.

Not in the case of Universal Soldier: Regeneration.

If you want to get technical, this is the fifth movie in the franchise, however it's the third Universal Soldier movie to star Jean Claude Van Damme, so in my mind it's the third movie in the franchise.
Not to discredit the makers of the two tele-movies, and I apologise to Burt Reynolds for not crediting him for his work on the franchise.

Anyway, on to Universal Soldier: Regeneration.
Here's the trailer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJ2-83QBy4I
And here's the redband trailer (you must be over 18 years of age to watch this one....)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RsyGoe5Royo



Here's the movie poster.
It really doesn't leave you with much, hey? It is a straight-to-DVD release but as I've written before, don't let that discourage you from seeing this.
This movie has SO much going for it, and in many ways does things so very, very right.



The director, John Hyams, really sets up something great here. If you're going to watch this movie, you know what you want to see.
And you get it.

At the moment one of the most popular video games on the market is Call To Duty.
Whilst watching this movie I certainly felt like I was watching a Call To Duty movie.
This movie really shows how tough the US military are. Something which wasn't shown to much extent in the previous films, and is one of the reasons this movie works so well.

It's gritty, it's real (despite being a movie about soldiers brought back from the dead to fulfill impossible military objectives). Best of all it shows Jean Claude Van Damme at his career best.

At the age of 50 I was thinking beforehand that we would see close-ups of Van Damme, and get a stock standard action film.

The cinematographer, Peter Hyams, really needs praise for his work on this film.
Unlike most American action films, in which the camera is up-close-and-personal when it comes time to film an action scene, in this film the camera stays well away.
I call this the Hong Kong style of filming action movies. It worked so very well in the 1970's-1980's Hong Kong action films, and it certainly works well in this film.

By having the camera well away from the action, we get to see everything. The foreground, the background, the two protaganists.
And best of all, we get to see that it's really Jean Claude Van Damme pulling off these amazing feats of action, rather than some body double.



And boy is there action. Just look at these images!

This movie has a plot. There's Chernobyl, there's a bunch of terrorists, and a rogue military outfit conducting their own tests on Universal Soldiers.



And yep, they've brought back Andrew Scott (Dolph Lundgren), who is still as crazy as ever.

At 53 years of age Dolph is still as fit as ever. I knew he was big in the original movie, and especially in Rocky IV, but my God look at him here. He's huge!

With Andrew Scott running around Chernobyl, you know Luc Deveraux (Jean Claude Van Damme) isn't far behind. Luc's been spending his time in between the sequel and this film, trying to integrate himself back into society.

To not much luck.

So when the fan gets a nice spraying, the military get him suited up and back into action.

Needless to say, when Luc confronts Andrew, it's not a happy reunion.

I was certainly pumped to see the ensuing fight scene though. It's a doozy!

As you can see in this image though, they hug it out. :)

That's not the end of it though.

Throughout this movie NGU (Andrei "The Pit Bull" Arlovski) has been causing headaches (and causalities) for the US military. Even up against other Unisols, he can't be stopped.

And when NGU is a Former Ultimate Fighting Champion, it's not hard to see why and how he kicks so much ass.

Here he is again.

You just know NGU and Luc are going to have a showdown.

It happens, and I loved every second of it.
It's fierce, it's brutal, and as I wrote about above, it's there in all it's glory.

Thankfully though by the end of the movie they all fight out their problems, for a group photo.

Isn't that nice? :)

In all honesty, if you're a fan of the Universal Soldier movies, or even if you just want to see a traditional, hardcore action film, please check out this movie.

You can purchase it here
Universal Soldier: Regeneration

Or you can hire it from your local video store (unless you live in Australia, in which you need to go to a speciality DVD store handling US-based DVD's).

In closing, for an action film I give this a 9 out of 10.
It comes with my highest recommendation.

If you're in the mood for an action film, watch this.

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

Until next time.

Interview with... Dana Fares

And now it's my esteemed pleasure to introduce my blog readers to Dana Fares.
In case you haven't heard of Dana yet don't worry, I think soon enough she will be on her way to becoming a household name.

I've had the pleasure of interviewing Dana about her previous and current work, of which I will present to you shortly.

For the moment, here's a headshot of the gorgeous Dana.



Yep, Dana's a red head. Isn't she lovely?
Dana started her movie career in the 2004 released, Tied Up, in which she played Autumn.



Dana can now been seen at http://watersigns.tv/
I've checked out the site, and it's a lot of fun.
Watersigns is a web series about three women dealing immersed in the Los Angeles music scene.
There's a slew of clips on YouTube if you want to check them out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8F5xOThWtN8



Dana appeared in a handful of other films, however this one caught my attention.
Dana appears as Nurse Burdette in this film dealing with the life (to date) of director Roman Polanski. If you don't know who Roman is, well, you're just not a movie buff.
Here's the movie trailer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgmxp4FFKjY



After Roman Polanski: Wanted And Desired, Dana then starred as Flora in Heist, a movie about the Columbian drug cartel.
If anybody knows where I can find a copy of these two movies I'd love to have a look-see.

And now, on to the interview! (Please note that the text in blue is written by me)

1. The horror genre is seeing a resurgence after being in prominence in the 1970’s. What pressures does this put on you as an actress?

As an actress I am delighted when any genre strengthens because that means that more roles become available. Horror is tricky to master because there are so many factors that are outside of your control as an actor. Audiences demand believability not only from the actors but also in the writing and production choices, so you have to put a lot of faith into all of the players on the project.

2. What drew you to appear in a horror production?

Horror tends to be fast paced and active. I am a very energetic person who loves applying physicality to my performances and horror scripts usually facilitate that desire.

3. There seems to be a constant pressure for young, attractive actresses to appear nude on screen. How do you feel about this as a professional actress?

Nudity is a tricky thing... everyone wants you to do it and some will even go out of their way to capture a cheap shot or two. I believe that as long as it adds to the dynamic of the character and story it is appropriate. I have walked away from more than a few roles because I did not want to partake in gratuitous nudity.

4. What would be your dream role?

There are a million stories I would love to tell...picking just one is hard!
If I have to... I would say it is a tie between playing Frances from Ann-Marie MacDonald's Novel Fall on your Knees, and a portrayal of the silent film star Clara Bow in a film about her life.

(I'm a big fan of Clara Bow, so this is something I'd love to see)



5. What is coming up next for you?

My next film One in the Gun which is directed by Roulfe Kanefsky. It just premiered in LA and is in the final stages of locking down distribution. (Red carpet arrival footage is viable at maximo.tv and at the following youtube link www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRpmywo-xDQ ).

This has been my favorite project to date! I play the mentally unstable, Heather Newmark. I had the opportunity to take a lot of chances with this role and made sure to give an "out of the box" performance. I don't want to give too much away as it is a film noir mystery thriller so check out http://www.oneinthegun.com/ for more info.

I am also currently starring in the webseries Water Signs, which is set to air in Fall '10. It is a quirky comedy that dives directly into the eccentricities of the Los Angeles music scene. Highlighting three friends who work in the music industry and happen to be water signs in the astrological calendar… I play Cassandra, a mothering Cancer and a spunky choreographer with love on the mind who wants to find the perfect family and bake muffins. The series combines the bizarre yet definitely unforgettable stories of single life with a new-age mantra of “What if there is something greater at play in our lives and we’re just too self-involved to see it?”

Thanks for answering my questions Dana. You're tops!



Here's Dana appearing at the One In The Gun movie premiere.
Have a look and I defy you to tell me she's not going to be the next big thing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRpmywo-xDQ

For more info on Dana she has asked that I direct you to the following sites
http://www.watersigns.tv/
Her fan page on Facebook at
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Water-Signs/134818006775?ref=ts
http://www.oneinthegun.com/
and
http://www.danafares.com/

In closing I want to thank Dana for this incredible opportunity. It really means a lot to be able to interview such a lovely actress.
I wish her all the very best, and I ask my readers to do the same.

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

Ghost Ship

Ah, Ghost Ship.

In 2002 Warner Brothers commissioned (haha) for this to be released. There were a few script changes, and the lead actor was replaced by Gabriel Byrne (originally Captain Sean Murphy was to be played by Brian Cox).
What we were left with was this film.

I don't know anyone who has seen it in the cinema, however I wish I had.



Here's the movie poster.
Yep, that's right, "Sea Evil." It's a ship at sea, and there's evil aboard.
Get over it fellas. :)

Laugh if you want to, but I defy you to watch the opening scene of this film and not say, "okay, that was cool." I certainly did once I saw this on DVD.



Ghost Ship is not to be confused with the 1943 classic, The Ghost Ship. Although both films are pretty tops in their own right.
Just check out that poster. Who wouldn't want that snazzy poster framed up on their study wall? Honestly!



So yep, Gabriel Bryne replaced Brian Cox, and he did a pretty good job of leading this crew onboard the ghost ship.
Too bad about what happened once they got onboard though. :)



Here we have Maureen Epps (Julianna Margulies) in a particularly creepy scene.
What horror film would be a true horror film without a ghost girl freakijng everyone out?
In this scene the little girl is asking, "Do you know George Clooney?"



Being an Aussie I was particularly proud to see Alex Dimitriades appear. Alex plays Santos; maybe it's just me being an Aussie but I enjoyed every scene Alex was in.
For your money you certainly get a top actor, and Alex does a great job in this film.



Now here's something for the Star Trek/Lord Of The Rings fans. Karl Urban shot this before starring in Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers.
He plays Munder, a surly, drunken crew member.



Karl Urban is not to be confused with Keith Urban, by the way.
I can't tell you how many times I've done that! Phew!



Starring as Greer is Gray's Anatomy star Isaiah Washington.
I'm not too found of Greer, simply because he cheats on his partner in this film. "What happens at sea stays at sea" doesn't cut it for me buddy!



But then again, this is the woman he wanted to cheat with. Francesca (played by Francesca Rettondini).
Greer soon gets whats coming to him.
I guess he just wanted to cheat because of this reason...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kY84MRnxVzo

If you're interested in checking out the trailer you can do so here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcmOENVZU7c

I won't spoil the movie for you but I think you can tell from my review that I think it's a good film. It is. It's fun. And if a movie is fun than how can that be bad?
Especially a horror film. You want a bit of fun in your horror film.

Well, I do anyway.

Here's the DVD if you wish to purchase it
Ghost Ship (Widescreen Edition)

Here's the Blu Ray version
Ghost Ship [Blu-ray]

And here's the score
Ghost Ship

Of course you can always track it down and hire it from your local video store. I highly recommend this for any of the movies I review.

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

Interview with... Lindsay Pulsipher

You all love the TV show, True Blood, right? Come on, these days who doesn't?!
If you haven't caught an episode yet you're doing yourself a disservice, honestly. Anna Pacquin as Sookie Stackhouse, vampires galore, and the real reason to watch the show....

Lindsay Pulsipher.

Lindsay's appeared in some high quality tv shows. The aforementioned True Blood, as well as House M.D., Touched By An Angel, and The Beast (starring Patrick Swayze).



Here's an image of Lindsay here...
I recently had the priviledge of interviewing Lindsay, who offers some incredible insights into her TV and movie career.
I hope you enjoy!

1. Touched By An Angel has a huge fan base. What has being involved in a show like this meant for you?

Touched by an Angel holds a special place in my heart because it was one of the first jobs I booked professionally. It was only the second audition I had ever been on, and when I booked the job I was ecstatic. It was a wonderful place to start my career.



2. The Beast garnered worldwide press due to Patrick Swayze’s involvement. What was it like working with him?

I honestly can't say enough admirable things about Patrick. He was a hard working, amazingly talented, funny, warm person, who inspired me everyday. He had a strong, positive outlook on life, and an amazing work ethic. I feel extremely blessed to have known him, and to call him a friend.

3. What preparation work do you conduct before each role?

I am a very visual person. I do a lot of visualizing when I prepare for a scene, or an episode. I like to remove myself from the character, and really be an observer. I like to watch as a third person, almost like you do when you read a book. When you read a book these characters and story lines take on a life of their own. That's how I like to approach a script.

4. Vampire stories seem to be the in-thing these days. Do you have any pressures or expectations from the fans of True Blood?

Right now I am focusing on bringing the character of Crystal Norris to life. I haven't thought too far beyond shooting. I hope that the fans identify with her, and enjoy seeing her come to life. She has been an incredibly well written, lively character to play.

5. What would be your dream role?

I don't know if I have one singular dream role. I'd like to continue to grow, and develop as an actor, and always push myself. When I am challenged is when I feel the most creative.

6. What is coming up next for you?

I have a few films I shot right before I started working on True Blood. The first one is called, The Oregonian. It's kind of an esoteric, adventure film, directed by Calvin Lee Reeder. I am really excited about it. It's different from anything I have ever done. It will be hitting the festival circuit later this year. I also shot a film with Eric Balfour called, "Do Not Disturb". Directed by Petro Papahadjopoulos. It's a series of short vignettes edited together into a feature film. The segment I am in, "Rocket Man" has a bit of a Sci-Fi theme to it. We had a wonderful time shooting it.

Lindsay also would very much like you to consider the following;

I strongly support this amazing Animal Rescue here in Los Angeles called The Mutt Movement. They are an incredible non-profit organization that rescues animals from high-kill shelters and finds them adoptive families. I adopted my lil dog from them, so they hold a special place in my heart. Their website is: http://www.themuttmovement.com/
I also strongly support Stand Up to Cancer. Having lost a few important people in my life to cancer, I fully support finding a cure, and funding research on Cancer prevention. They are dedicated to finding a cure for all types of cancer. http://www.standup2cancer.org/

So there you have it. Another fantastic interview, by another fantastic actor. Be on the look out for Lindsay, as when she's on screen she's a sheer delight.

If you're interested in buying seasons 1 & 2 of True Blood on DVD you can do so here
True Blood Season 1 & 2 Box Set

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