Action Actress Monique Ganderton Interview (C) 2016, A Dan's Movie Report Exclusive!

All Photos Unless otherwise noted http://www.kristinecofskyphotography.com  (C) 2016

http://www.kristinecofskyphotography.com

Greetings valued Dan's Movie Report readers. Four years ago I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Actress/Stuntwoman Monique Ganderton. http://dansmoviereport.blogspot.com/2012/01/monique-ganderton-interview-c-2012-dans.html Her star has risen to super hero status. In 2016 the indie film she starred in, 'The Hunted' sees a release, and she is involved in huge projects including X-Men: Apocalypse', 'Captain America: Civil War', and 'Suicide Squad'. Monique chats about life in the business, being a world class stunt action hero, and gives my audience her creative mind to match. It is time to go one on one with Monique, get your pencils ready, cause it is time to learn MO! 3-2-1- Go!

Chat about how you got involved with The Hunted Feature Film. Casting etc...

'The Hunted' was definitely a passion project for Bob. To be honest ... It was so long ago I don't even remember how Bob asked me! I know he had seen Sam and I's Short film 'Seven Layer Dip' and I think he just reached out and I was stoked to be the lead on an indie film! It was a great experience! For more info: https://www.facebook.com/thehuntedtv/?fref=ts

Although you have acting credits discuss some of the transitions and challenges for you to become the leading lady in 'The Hunted'?

I didn't see 'The Hunted' as a challenge in a negative way at all. I love working on a small family type project. I was able to play and practice and try anything I wanted in a really comfortable safe environment. It was great! Everyone that worked on it had a voice that was heard and then Bob ultimately decided the direction it would go. I loved the finished product. I think Bob did a great job, and I laughed out loud so many times watching it! 

I am assuming you have a bit of a fun sarcastic side, and enjoy the humor of this style of movie.

Absolutely! I thought every single actor totally kicked ass in this. The humor is right up my alley. 'The Hunted' really let us open up and try anything. It reminds me of how restrictive working on a studio project can be. A lot of times it doesn't feel like an open collaboration and that is just the nature of corporate film making. It goes through a lot of approval channels before it gets to the actor so a lot of times you are basically a puppet. Not always of course but it is common.

Robert Chapin is a legend in 80s and 90s B movies, and 'The Hunted' had that cool factor, did you challenge your inner B movie self?

I love the tone of the movie. I felt everyone else was living the B movie dream and my character was watching them from the present. I think that is what her part was to ironically be the voice of reason and a Vampire!

Does working with great friend Tara and other fantastic action ladies like Lauren and Michelle Lee, makes the days go by much easier?

I love all these ladies so much! I am a huge supporter of women in film and these women all bring their unique bad ass selves to the table. It was so much fun.

What are your thoughts on the final film?

I loved the movie! I laughed so hard and really enjoyed the effects and the tone. It was made for the price of a beer so the love and hard work  that went into it really showed.  I wish we had had 5 million to play with. We could have really really nailed it with that (amount), but that will be the next one right?

Chat about working on Jesse Johnson's 'The Package' and playing a bad girl surprisingly named Monique. I know you love indie action, how was it working with Stone Cold Steve Austin onset, heard he was a pretty no nonsense guy.

Steve was great!!! He's "No Nonsense" but has a grey wry and dry sense of humor! I really enjoyed my experience with him. I got to tie him to a chair and punch him a bunch so that was fun!  

Above Pic: Monique and Stone Cold in 'The Package' (C) 2012 Anchor Bay


Your work in 'The Package' was memorable! I think you make a great bad girl in film, do you like playing the mischievous bad girl or protagonist, or is it more of a case by case basis

I feel like my HIT (Actors use this term to describe the casting 'Stereotype' we exude) is a strong and 'bad girl' type. I am very physical, so I tend to book roles that need that domineering physical presence. However, I personally feel very connected to comedy and I am also a very emotional person so I love exploring that as well. I will cry and I will yell and I will explore the vulnerable emotions that maybe casting sometimes wouldn't expect a tough stunt woman to have. But, I am a human being with emotions. a lot of them. I love to go there, to express myself, and to connect with the character in whatever way is needed to tell the story. 

A dynamic individual. Monique, It has been a 4 year gap since out last interview, where we chatted about 'X-men: The Last Stand', and alas, now you are Death in the new 'X-men Apocalypse', I know it is a guarded secret, but can you shed some light on your character and how long you were on set for the project?

I play Death. That is all I can say! But I can tell you, I absolutely loved watching Bryan Singer do his thing. I know he has a reputation for being nuts and this and that. Sure. But watching the passion he brings to set and to the characters is unreal. He literally will act out the scene and make it come alive. It was fun for me to watch his process! I also got to work with my buddies Rochelle Okoye, Fraser Aitcheson and Warren Sheer. We had major giggle fits on that set. Praise Berg!(Ed Note: Make sure you watch for Monique her scene is in the beginning of Apocalypse!)

If you could be any comic book hero who would it be?

Captain Marvel!!!! I know she's usually Blond, but she's tall and bad ass!

Monique is tall and very bad ass! I saw the demo of you on a horse fighting Xena style are you up for the Xena reboot?

 I wish!!! I think they are going really young, maybe I could be her cool, young mom. HA!

Very cool! DC or Marvel, have to ask? Or does it matter as long as the story is good? What are your favorites to watch? Do you like the dark shows like Netflix 'Daredevil'?

To be honest, I really haven't had time for the action TV shows. I watched the first EP of 'Daredevil' and it was great! I want to watch more for sure. I am definitely partial to Marvel films. I love the fun nature, and the action is great! I love a good dark story too though. I am looking forward to seeing 'Suicide Squad'!

Red Carpet from 'Civil War' Premiere (C) Contactmusic.com

'Captain America: Civil War' and 'Suicide Squad', a busy year for you in action, can you describe any of the stunts or situations you had to do on those projects? Perhaps share a couple of funny or interesting stories from the set.

'Captain America' was obviously AMAZING because I got to work with Sam. Its hard to explain my role on that show. He would have too explain it. I did help out with the organizing of his brain during the action designing. I was on set as his right hand for a lot of it and helped organize folks for the crazy pre vis schedule. Sam was spread very thin on that show so I helped where I could. 

'Suicide Squad' is hilarious because I doubled Cara Delvigne for a small portion during the initial shoot and then Tara Macken doubled her for the re-shoots with Sam while I've been in Canada working! So funny! It will probably be the first and last time we double the same person! I love it! And she totally KILLED it. Cant wait to see the movie!

Wow you and Tara doubling the same actress, that is cool, ha! Shifting gears, I am really excited about 'Coldest City' looks cool, I see you are doubling Charlize Theron, and are credited as the Assistant Stunt coordinator. I know this will be full of action, can you chat about working on the project?  Also do you like to work in Europe as much as the USA or does it matter as long as the material is great.

Yes 'Coldest City' will be a whole other interview closer to its release date! It was an amazing experience. I loved Budapest. What an amazing city!!! And Berlin is one of my favorite cities in the world. I love it so much.

I am sure we will get into that closer to the release date. Chat about Charlize Theron, she seems intense and driven, a real force in action. Did 'Mad Max' inspire you to up your own game more? How is she to work with, quiet, reserved, or fun?

Haha! We challenged Charlize beyond anything she's done before in this movie. 'Mad Max' wasn't even on the radar for us. It was basically, Make Charlize the most bad ass ACTOR - male or female. And She brought it. She's up there with Hugh and Keanu... probably better actually, because she puts her Oscar on the action. BOOM!!

Charlize is one of my all time favorite actresses, is there any actress you have not doubled but would like to, or a project you would love to work on?

Honestly I don't have a lot of actors in my mind that I haven't doubled. Charlize was always one and Sigourney Weaver. I would love to double her again, or work with her again in something!

Not mentioning the project of course, have you had any experiences you would not put yourself though again, bad situations. Perhaps share a bit about it leaving specifics out, unless you want to.

I used to feel like I had to (say) yes to jobs or I would never work again. Now I say no to people I don't trust. I have had a coordinator say: "come for martinis and Ill think about hiring you". I've had whiplash because a rigger didn't listen to my concerns. Basically told me to shut up, and do the gag. I have watched horses flip over with actors on them, I have been asked to do ratchets all day with no adjustments, I have seen coordinators set actors up for failure so the stunt person looks better, The list goes on and on. I don't work with these people. There are amazing, respectful, safe coordinators out there and if I can say anything to new folks: Trust your gut. If your not comfortable, chances are something is wrong, or will go wrong. You should fully understand the stunt, and be able to openly voice concerns to the coordinator.

Excellent advice Mo, let us shift the topic again. How about dream projects for Mo, You and Sam directing a feature film is in the cards in the near future? You guys have the talent and skills for it, and plenty of animals and friends to help, ever think about it?

Everyday! I think about it literally everyday! Sam and I have been so busy working that its a matter of us saying no, and doing our own project. Its a hard thing to do, but at some point you have to pause and take a risk to get to where you want to go!

I know the area of film in Georgia is pretty controversial now, what needs to be done to keep the business in Georgia?

I think for now the pressure from studios to veto the Religious freedom bill has done some good for the state. But the bigger issue is that there are no laws currently protecting LGBT from discrimination. Or anyone who is a non Believer (Of a Christian God) for that matter. Did you that is 7 us states you if you deny a Christian 'God' then you may not enter into public office? There is work to be done against all kinds of discrimination so baby steps! And Nathan Deal veto'ing that bill was a good step in the right direction. In my opinion.

I appreciate your honest opinion about non movie related subjects. Another sore subject for me also is the lack of Academy Awards for stunt people. I think two need to be given, one for best stunt, and one for best coordinator, as you have sound and sound editing etc, what do you think has to be done to change the mind of the Academy?

I think it is definitely feasible to have a Best Stunt Coordinator Oscar. It is a long time coming, especially with Mad Max being nominated so many times, as well as all the massive action movies getting Oscars for visual effects and sound. Its time. The film content these days is full of stunts and deserves recognition.

Any statements you would like to make to action fans, how do you feel the state of action film is currently as opposed to say 10 yrs ago, more work, but more competition? Longer shoots etc...?

I feel like the massive surge of gaming and social media has limited the attention span of viewers and it is reflected in film. In the action especially. Its a hunch, but I'm guessing there is a lot of thought that goes into how the younger target audience perceives action. Quick ferocious editing and a super fast pacing. I watched 'Lego' movie and 'Zootopia' and the amount of information being thrown into little minds these days is staggering. It happened to our parents and grandparents... now its us. Ill be talking about the good 'ole' stunts to my kids I'm sure, as they are watching interactive hologram movies HA!

Perhaps compare this 'X-men Apocalypse' film to 'X-men The Last Stand'. Has the technology helped more?

The past 'X-men' movies relied on the Stunt creativity to create the illusions of these super hero skills. Lots of clever wire work blending with the CGI of the time. Now you can more readily fall back on CGI to fulfill your vision. It has its pros and cons for sure. We are experiencing worlds we never could have before but ... we are also losing that tangible human creativity. Those Mcguyver moments. Those Jim Hansen moments. There is something quite beautiful about a movie that had human hands  building the world.

In 10 years Mo is directing, stunts, acting, or growing organic gardens, riding her horse, and gathering eggs, or a combination of everything?

Could be any and all of the above! I live in the moment, driven by the moment so anything can happen. I would love to direct Act and I still love stunts. My body not so much though. As for different futures.. If I book a series acting, get pregnant or get injured, my future changes. No matter what path I go down it will be the one I am supposed to be on and no matter, what path I will always have a garden and my horse around! I am as curious about the future as you are!

Final words of advice to people who want to do equine stunt work how often do you ride and practice etc.. you have a unique skill, chat about the relationship and trust with your horse. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gO1Yi5lVOFo Short action demo with Monique and horse!

Horse stunts is an ethics question as much as it is a skills question. I am so close to my horses. I feel them, their curiosities and tendencies. And to be honest. They want to be roaming, socializing, exploring and experiencing on their own terms. I want to be the kind of person that is a positive experience for them. I love to hop on bareback with a roper halter and go on adventures. Ones that they enjoy. I have had mixed experiences with horses on set. Its a rough job for humans and more so on the animals. Of course there are great horse wranglers out there that take exceptional care of the animals and its these people I would work with.

Monique on the web: Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/MoniqueGanderton/?fref=ts
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/MoGanderton
Official site, including short films @ http://www.moniqueganderton.com/index.html

Thanks so much Monique, Check out 'The Hunted' Support indie films!

http://dansmoviereport.blogspot.com/2016/03/the-hunted-feature-film-2016-movie.html

The film is available for purchase now on Vimeo @ https://vimeo.com/ondemand/thehunted
Follow the crazy indie story online at https://thehuntedtv.wordpress.com/category/internet-epic/?order=asc


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The Martial Arts Kid (2015) Movie Review (Retail DVD) (C) 2016 Dan's Movie Report

Above Picture: Poster for 'The Martial Arts kid'


Greetings valued Dan's Movie Report readers, today we take a swerve into the family film genre. Kickstarted to the tune of over $175,000 'The Martial Arts Kid' deals with a myriad of real world scenarios. Robbie (Jansen Panetteire) deals with his mom's death, and eventually moves to Florida with his Aunt and Uncle (Cynthia Rothrock and Don 'The Dragon Wilson). Once in Florida life is marred by bulling.

With the rash of R rated and strong PG-13 rated films that basically are escapist entertainment, 'The Martial Arts Kid' is full of reality, a bully Bo, (Mathew Ziff IMDB link @ Matthew Ziff ), all knowing small town folk, and general regular people.

The rest of the film plays out a bit like the original 'Karate Kid' but updated to more of a real world, true life happening. There is a very good backstory tale in 'The Martial Arts Kid', by the time the audience gets to the meat of the story, the characters are well established, and the 103 minute film is the perfect length.

The large cast including Tj Storm, who plays a coach at 'Dojo Extreme' brings a sense of family, home life and honor to a subject that is often swept under the rug. Don 'The Dragon' Wilson waxes poetically describing the martial arts edict, distinctively describing the differences between that and street fighting.  Molding young minds is the message and in 'The Martial Arts Kid' it hits home.

The airy setting of Cocoa Beach, FL and the easy going music allow the viewer to be transported to a vacation like atmosphere, without being preachy. There is a copious amount of dialogue, dealing with relationships, family, and of course martial arts.  TJ Storm's character offers the lead character a choice to learn the more extreme way, 'winners and losers'. TJ brings his forceful, and honorable style to 'The Martial Arts Kid'.

The action is filmed very clearly, yeah! the audience can see the movements and hits. Obviously the main cast have decades in experience in martial arts, and I expected this family oriented film to show detailed form and movement.Of course there is humor, with Cynthia and Don, not everything is stuffy and serious.

After 'The Martial Arts Kid' had its long film festival run, it is nice to finally see a finished product. The retail packaging includes, a theatrical trailer, commentaries from film makers and actors, deleted scenes, and additional material.

I can definitely recommend 'The Martial Arts Kid' to anyone with kids, or a teacher, schools as required viewing. Even the casual viewer will find the message uplifting and inspiring. Overall, 'The Martial Arts Kid' rates a 8.5 out of 10, it is really cool.

The film can be ordered directly from their store, support indie film making! @ http://www.martialartskidmovie.com/shop
Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/MAKMovie2014

Director Daniel Zirilli Interview A Dan's Movie Report Exclusive! 'Time Rush' ' The Asian Connection'

Greetings Dan's Movie Report readers, time to take a trip behind the lens to the director's chair with the independent action man Daniel Zirilli. Mr Zirilli has several films under his belt, he takes time out of his hectic schedule to chat about the Archstone release 'Time Rush' and the upcoming film 'Asian Connection'. Daniel is quite a prolific film director, with many projects currently available. Grab some coffee, learn the inner workings of the indie film world, as the two Dan's speak! 3-2-1- Go!

How did Dean and yourself connect to do 'Time Rush'? What attracted you to the concept? Can you tell us more about it?

Dean and I have been trying to find a film to help break him out as an action actor and producer, and he came up with a great hook (originally titled “Reflex”) that he wanted to use for a short film… But I thought it would make a great full length film, so we shot as much as we could as an experiment, with a small budget, as I knew I could show distributors a teaser, and get a deal to finish it. Time Rush is basically about a guy who wakes up everyday in a military hospital, has to fight his way out with armed men (lead by Ron Smoorenberg) chasing him through various scenarios each ending in his death. It's like an action “Groundhog Day” - each loop Deans character learns a bit more about his life and situation, meeting Selina Lo’s character along the way (his ex-girlfriend) who helps put the pieces back together, along with Byron Gibson, the resistance leader helping him escape. On the last loop, hopefully he has learned enough to live…  (you’ll have to watch the movie to find out if he does :-)…   the good news is, we did make the distribution deal and money to complete the film we needed and more (through distrobution company -Archstone- who retitled it "Time Rush") so it was a happy ending creatively and business-wise. So the experiment worked, thanks to everyone that helped on the film.

Above Photo: Car flip stunt in 'Time Rush'

Delving deeper into 'Time Rush', chat about directing skilled fighters like the Jaika Team. Ron, Dean, and Selina. must have been a bit easier, but at times probably harder to slow the action down enough for the audience to grasp.

On 'Time Rush', it really was a team effort, we are all friends, and all love action. So aside from the script of course we had many meetings with stunt actors with unique skills, and then incorporated them into the film, from Dean's parkour in front of a train, to Ron's amazing high kicks, to lighting a guy on fire and having him fight (safely- more on that later) to live action - real car flips and more…. for example - the fantail boat sequence was an idea I had mid-shoot, and we did that with a handful of crew on our “day off”…. I wanted a boat chase - shoot out, so we just went to the docks and rented the boats on the day, and shot the shit out of it.. that sequence cost something like $500 bucks, because everyone was game to do it.

Above photo, bad ass flame kick in 'Time Rush'

It is quite amazing what can be done by passionate people. On the ending credits it states that Dean did the editing, did you guys collaborate at all in post, in concept and ideas?

Dean did the offline edit of the film, and yes i gave many notes, and once it was sent to the post house in Los Angeles, I worked through the color correction, sound FX, sound mix, and had my composer Nick Rivera score the film… but yes- Dean did the heavy lifting, he is a very talented dude and a great guy to work with.

Chat about some of the challenges in shooting in an open location. Looks like the Train Market scene was shot gorilla style. How long was the total principal photography in Time Rush?

We did some gorilla type shooting like the boat sequence above, but everything was done with safety being paramount, and with the train, we had permission in advance and monitors / train guards on set the whole time. so as crazy as it may seem having a guy running in front of a train, bear in mind that track is actually on an active market where they clear within seconds of the train about 8 times a day. its hard to image until you have seen it, but they have it down to a science- hundreds of people and vendors move out of the train's way right before it passes. also- its moving slower than it appears, and we shot on long lenses to compress the shot and make dean seem closer than he was. 

We shot with a full crew for maybe 12 days, then second unit would go off many days to get pieces of the fight. Sometime it was literally just Dean and Ron and a camera and they would to pick up shots on fights and lock off shots with the camera on sticks. there was one abandoned building we used, maybe 20 stories high, no elevator, hot as hell, literally with bats in the staircases we’d walk up and shoot over and over. some of the coolest sequences were creative over cash.

Great insight on how to use location. Very happy that the lovely and talented singer and actress Zom Ammara worked on the film,( pats self on back haha!) Looks like you had many locals in walk on roles, chat about the importance of that in a film like 'Time Rush', does it give it more scope?

Yes, thanks for hooking us up with Zom, she provides some comedy as well as the Taxi Driver…. almost everyone was from Thailand, and as mentioned above, we’d access their skill set and try to utilize it on the film, I wish I could tell you all the budget, you would be surprised what we made this movie for, and again, could not have been done without the team and everyone's amazing attitude. There were NO assholes in this crew or cast at all. which is rare. Everyone wanted to do the best for the project, and I appreciate them all.

Above photo: Cover art for 'The Asian Connection'

Daniel, this is very informative, I sincerely hope other directors read your insight you could teach a master class on directing. On to 'The Asian Connection'. Seagal and Michael Jai White chat about working with the two MA legends. Did the three of you meet private to discuss the film?

I met with Seagal and MJW separately. Seagal and I were connected through my producers, and hit it off creatively over the phone. We made some revisions to the script Seagal asked for, then he signed on and we met in person in Thailand… did some casting and I into’d him to a couple of my stunt/actor buddies including Ron Smoorenberg (from Time Rush) and Nick Khan. After doing a few martial arts moves, Ron actually said Seagal has the fastest hands he has ever seen. Later, when we were shooting, Seagal told me he worked longer hours for me than any other movie in 20 years or something like that. Seagal has certain things he wants to do his way, and I respect that, because he is obviously very experienced in action, and why not use his feedback? But, at the end of the day I also made sure I shot what I needed to make each scene work. It was a good collaboration. Seagal also told me he put his heart into this film, so I appreciate that.

MJW I’ve know for a number of years through my Los Angles Stunt Coordinators - the legendary James Lew and Arnold Chon… we were close to doing a film together in the past, but this one came about in a fun way. MJW was prepping his film Never Back Down 3, (which he directed and starred in) in Thailand at the same time I was prepping Asian Connection… he sent me a message through Facebook and asked me for casting suggestions, which i gave him and I also asked him if he wanted to play a roll in my film. So I pitched the character, he was open to it, and after reading the script, he made himself avail right after he wrapped. so it worked out perfect for us, and he was a total pro and a great actor. It was very satisfying for me to direct Seagal and MJW, and I hope to work with them again.

How is it this time around filming in Thailand filming 'The Asian Connection' as compared to Time Rush?

'Time Rush' was a much smaller film, fewer characters and a small but dedicated cast and crew… there was actually a bit more freedom in that, but then again on 'The Asian Connection' it was great to have large lighting packages and cranes and such, so they both worked out well for different reasons. I've always have had a wonderful experience shooting in Thailand, it is my favorite place to shoot right now, crew that really work hard, exotic locations, and high production values.

Above Photo: Daniel Zirilli in the Bahamas swimming with LIVE SHARKS for 'Isolation'

What is next for Daniel, upcoming projects for 2016 and 2017

Since I have 3 films I directed coming out in the first half of 2016, I'm being very careful what i direct next, i just signed onto develop and possibly direct a film (for producer/writer Paul Collett) called 'Extraction' (though the title will change) and I have couple other scripts I'm looking at, but the key to me is finding the right actor for whatever the next film i direct will be,…. the quality of acting is just as important as the quality of action so i’m looking for the Liam Neeson type of actor who can do the action, but also pull off the Drama. (I’m not saying I’ll be able to cast Neeson, but always looking for guys like that who can really Act!)... in the meantime I’m producing a film or two…

Daniel, thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to conduct this interview.

Thank you Danny for your site and your support, it is not easy being an indie film maker.

Dan's Movie Report firmly believes that Mr Zirilli has cut his teeth on the indie circuit. His latest film 'Crossing Point' is amazing, even some of the big sites are mentioning it, and he deserves a big budget to work with.

For more information on Daniel go to his IMDB Page @ http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0957169/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

Pop Art Film Factory Page  @ http://www.popartfilmfactory.com/

Actress Priscilla-Anne Forder Interview A Dan's Movie Report Exclusive! "The Pineville Heist" Chat

Headshot Credit: Mark Flower http://www.markflower.com

 

 

 

Greetings Dan's Movie Report readers, another worldwide exclusive interview    for your reading pleasure. Hailing from Australia, Priscilla-Anne Forder had a breakout performance as Amanda in the new thriller 'The Pineville Heist'. Her character is thrown into the middle of a small town maelstrom of crime and murder. Today the actress is thrown into the textual madness that is the Dan's Movie Report interview. Fasten your seatbelt, time to get inside the mind of Priscilla-Anne and her unique words of wisdom.

  Check out her promo for Dan's Movie  Report https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8b-pb0LhCY

Chat a bit about your childhood and what made you want to become an actress? 

My Mom and Dad were both international models, so I was kind of born into the entertainment industry. My mother was also a professional Ballerina, and then went onto teaching acting and ballet, so I was in my first show playing a little dancing chicken at the age of two. I grew up in the theatre and then studied Drama in high school, after leaving I tried to give up acting after listening to people say that I could never make a career out of acting. I studied Human Biology at University, with the intent of becoming a doctor but woke up every morning dreaming of acting. After 6 months I changed my degree to Film and Television and Performing Arts in the hope of working behind the scenes as a director. While directing my actors, all I wanted to do was act, so I finally decided to bite the bullet and chase that dream that was placed in my heart! I have never looked back since. I am a massive advocate for following the dreams that are placed in your heart, no matter how big! 

 

I agree, following your dreams is the way to go. Speaking of acting, chat a bit about your character Amanda, who is she and how did you formulate ideas to portray her? ‘

Amanda Becker’ is the Drama teacher at Pineville High. She grew up in Pineville and hopes to one day leave Pineville to become an international actress. So far, these dreams have yet to come into fruition, but Amanda will never give up hope. She refuses to let the bitterness and hopelessness of the town she lives in damage her dreams. Three words to describe Amanda Becker? Determined, protective and relentless.

Delving deeper Into the Amanda character, she has to go through a myriad of emotions including fear and rage at times in the same scene, how did you channel your energies to convey the feelings on camera?

Some of the scenes were quite heavy and required me to really let my emotions go, so I needed alone time in between takes to take control of my thoughts and truly understand the weight of what was happening in each scene. Most of the time Amanda is fighting for her own survival, so it was incredibly draining and emotional, but exciting at the same time!.The old abandoned school was actually really scary and dark so some of it was actually genuine fear!

There is a scene where you character seems not afraid and actually fights back with weapon, without spoiling it, how did you manage to turn to the raging angry side in such a quick manner? Can you share a behind the scenes story from the film?

There was a scene where my character smashes a beaker over another characters head, which I was really excited about doing. I would do all of my own stunt work if I could! It was sugar glass and we only had a couple of takes, so I had to get it right. The first take, it didn’t smash, so the next time I was instructed to swing with more force. I was totally up for that! Unfortunately, I swung a little too hard and it cut the other actors face a little bit! I felt SO bad, but the take apparently looked fantastic, so everybody was happy in the end.



 

In actuality, the events in 'The Pineville Heist' seem entirely plausible, as it is a small town with very little judicial oversight. What would Priscilla-Anne do different from Amanda in a similar situation?

I would like to think that I would act the same way Amanda did, if I was taken hostage in Pineville! She did everything in her power to stay alive and tried her best to take the control of the situation. I admire her fire and courage… perhaps, If I am honest, I may have shed a few more tears…

I see from your bio you are quite an active person, what are some of the hobbies and exercise regimen you like to do throughout the week? 



 

I love exercise and I am always on the lookout for fun and new activities! My staple routine is running, I run around 6k’ms 5 times a week, and then add in boxing and Personal Training sessions whenever I have the time. Beach runs would have to be my fave though, with a cheeky dip in the ocean at the end for a treat!

Is it exciting to be in the US promoting 'The Pineville Heist'? What are some of the things you want to do and see here?

I love America! It is my third time here and it really does feel like home. If I could plan the best day ever, it would include a swim and sunbathe at Santa Monica Beach, watching a Disney movie at El Capitan’s, eating a big slice of cake from The Cheesecake shop, and then running it off in the Hollywood Hills!

What is next for your projects, new films, tv, etc...

 



I am working with a few directors and writers on developing Features and Shorts in Australia, as well as working on a couple of TV mini-series, alongside various modelling jobs. A few opportunities have opened up as a result of staring in the Pineville Heist, so time will tell! I love every aspect of film making, so I try to keep busy both in front of the camera and behind the scenes. Sometimes when there is no work, you just have to start creating it yourself!

Thank you for the great insight to you career and 'The Pineville Heist'. Any final statements from Priscilla-Anne, words of advice, wisdom for the Dan's Movie Report audience? 

You have the power to turn your dreams into a reality. If you are passionate about something, go for it because nobody else is going to do it for you. Use your gifts and you will fly! 

https://www.facebook.com/Priscill.Anne.Forder/?fref=ts

 IMDB page @ http://www.imdb.com/name/nm4404887/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/prissy_anne 

 https://www.instagram.com/prissyanne/

No Touching (2016) Movie Review (Short Film) A Dan's Movie Report Worldwide Exclusive!

Above Pic: Logo for 'No Touching'



Greetings Dan's Movie Report readers, it is time to take a trip into horror, with the brand new short film 'No Touching', and what an action trip it is! Kickstarted and passion filled, 'No Touching' is a 13 minute wild ride from start to finish, and trust me there is a bunch of touching, kicking, and jabbing! Heidi Moneymaker as Michelle,  Zoë Bell as Jackie, and Jake Busey as Carp walk up to a unique haunted house. In this place, the performers are ALLOWED to touch the guests walking through, but the patrons are not allowed to touch back.

'No Touching' successfully combines the horror/comedy genre with snide remarks from Jake Busey and a small jab from Ms Bell aimed at the size of Ms Moneymaker. Things get creepy when the pair of ladies enter the hauntd house, as only couples are allowed to go in at once. The house is very dark, covered in sheets and really creepy. Have no fear though, unlike most horror films, where women just rush headlong into their impending doom, Ms Moneymaker and Ms Bell, are hardly the delicate flowers ready to fall victim to, dumb guys in silly masks, or even smart and action guys without masks, haha!

Of course there is copious action in 'No Touching',  Moneymaker and Bell are two of the best stunt ladies on earth and they have a distinct brand of balls to the wall action coupled with truculent humor. Upon watching 'No Touching' a few times, I realize that in the event I am in an: A) Dangerous situation B) Around men who like to grab C) In need of sarcasm or quick wit or D) Need mine, or someone elses ass kicked, I will make sure that they are on my emergency call list!

The film takes a supernatural turn, which I will not spoil, and hopefully the Directors/Writers Adam Davis, Will Corona Pilgrim take the concept further, with a series, and or feature film. Everything about 'No Touching is technically sound, the film exudes the proper elements of horror, cool masks, creepy music, action scenes that are quite physical, foreboding music, and a killer ending tune. 

Overall 'No Touching' is great, finally women are not the victims in this type of horror film. Heidi and Ms Bell have upped their acting game to match their action prowess, hope to see more films with their witty dialogue. Trapped in a dark house with a bunch of crazies, 'No Touching' rates a 9.5 out of 10. Please check out the Dan's Movie Report exclusive interview with Heidi Moneymaker @ http://dansmoviereport.blogspot.com/2015/09/exclusive-heidi-moneymaker-interview-c.html

Watch for future exclusives on Dan's Movie Report later in 2016, including exclusive interviews with the film's creators and Ms Z Bell! Stay away from the same old shared news, get exclusive on Dan's Movie Report! 

Check out the 'No Touching' FB and twitter feeds @  https://www.facebook.com/notouchingshortfilm/?fref=ts
Twitter @ https://twitter.com/NoTouchingFilm