TOXIC TV INTERVIEW
With JimmyO
1. Tell us a little about your background, where are you from and when did
you decide that you wanted to become a filmmaker?
I was born and raised on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi, and lived there until I was 20. Now I live right outside of Baltimore Maryland. I've always loved movies, and wanted to have some part in them... at first special FX and then acting. But, it as not till the digital age kicked in that I was able to make any of these dreams a reality. Before that I did a lot of theater work, including writing and directing four of my own musicals.
2. Tell us about your latest directorial project “Chainsaw Sally”. What was your experience like both writing and directing the film?
I love writing and directing. I also do the editing and some of the production work. I just love the whole process. It seems natural that one would start with a blank sheet of paper, and end it with the final cut. Start to finish, just like any other artwork. Also, I enjoy working with my wife and friends. So it was a very fun time. A lot of work... but fun all the same.
3. What inspired you to make “Chainsaw Sally”? story and visual.
Chainsaw Sally was a character that my wife, April, who plays Chainsaw Sally, and I came up with to actually help promote my theater work. We gave her a web site and she started getting a lot of web fans. So, after making my first film, Silver Scream, it only made sense to make a Sally movie, since she already had a huge fan base.
4. What do you think is the most important thing for a Director to bring to a set?
A knowledge of communication and delegation.
5. Tell us about your other project “Silver Scream”.
Silver Scream is one of my musicals that was fairly successful. It played in front of live audiences since 1995... and built up it's own little “Rocky Horror” type of fan base. I shot the movie of Silver Scream, really just to get a good record of it. I was tired of theater and wanted to stretch out a bit. It is a horror, musical, comedy... and many people seem to like it, for which I'm very grateful.
6. What has been your favorite project to date and why?
The one I'm in the middle of right now. Because it's right now.
7. Any other future projects in the works? Can you give us the scoop?
Chainsaw Sally 2-Blood Kin will be shot soon after Chainsaw Sally 1 hits the streets. Bigger budget, shot on HD and with many more horror celebs. Gunnar Hansen, Ed Neal, Marylin Burns, John Doogan, Herschell Gordon Lewis, Debbie Rochon, Suzi Lorraine, Melantha Blackthorne, Amy Lynn Best, Johnny Terris.. and a few others.. plus, of course, April as Sally and Alec Joseph as her brother Ruby. We also have Toe Tag doing the gore and FX this time.
8. What is the biggest problem with Hollywood today?
Remakes... and assholes who wear neck ties making artistic decisions.
9. Do you have any advice to aspiring filmmakers?
Make movies... today. don't wait. Get a camera and start learning. Also read... read a lot. There are great books out there that can teach you a lot. Don't forget to tell a good story. FX and gore are not shit without a good story with interesting characters.
10. When all is said and done, what 3 things would you like for people to remember about you?
He loved his family, He loved his friends, and He loved his work.
11. Here's where we give you a word or phrase and you give us the first thoughts that pop into your mind.
Hollywood: blind
Indie Film: up hill climb
Toxic Shock TV: fun
Biggest Influences: Alice Cooper, H.G. Lewis & John Waters
Biggest Regrets: Bourbon
Biggest Prick: When I rode my big into a rose garden when I was 7. Lot's of pricks... all over.
The funniest thing that has ever happened to you on a set: Rowing a small row boat dressed in a tux and cape as The Count in Silver Scream.
Your biggest “break-thru” moment: Getting picked up for distribution.
You can only watch three movies for the rest of your life, which three: Blood Feast, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Pink Flamingos
You can only listen to three ALBUMS for the rest of your life, which three: Alice Cooper Love it to Death, The Who's The Kids Are Alright, The Ramones It's Alive
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