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INTERVIEWS
INTERVIEW WITH CHRISTINA WILLIAMS
DANIELLE STEVENSON (AGE 17)
How did you get the part of the killer in Dead End Massacre?
I started out as part of the behind the scene's crew. I met up with Scott on Saturday and started working. A few hours later he got a delivery and was very excited. It was the mask for the movie. He held it in his hand looked at everyone and asked me "how tall are you?" I said "5'8, why?" He said "Perfect, want to be the killer in the movie?" I was speechless and of course I said yes. (or more like hell yea).
Tell us some funny things that happened on the set. Such as any fun times, or thing's that happened in which you will never forget.
There was a lot of funny things I will never forget. But I think one of my favorite one's was when we were filming one of the last scene's at Scott's house upstairs. I was walking after Dan (Angelo) and he had to trip and fall on purpose (I couldn't stop laughing under my mask) then I had to grab him by the throat and throw him up against the wall. We were struggling and trying to knock the picture's off the wall, it just wasn't working and we kind of kept swaying back and forth until the 4th time, and we just busted out laughing. Another funny moment was when Angelo and Joe were outside "fighting". Joe put Angelo in a head lock and sort of threw him and then Angelo got up and kicked Joe by accident..........we all started laughing and Scott was having a fit because we had to get the scene done and we all started laughing and Scott threw the mic down and we just made fun of him for a while.....everytime he was upset he would say "Come on guys, seriously, shit!" That was line for the next 2 weeks of filming.
What were your hours like?
The hours were crazy. Most of the time we would have to meet Scott by 8am on Saturday and Sunday and most of the time not start until 11......if we were lucky we had to meet him by 9am. Finishing the day was usually 10 or 11pm. Between setting up and waiting on a certain light of day and having to do the same scene over again from 10 different angles, we were all dead by 8pm.
INTERVIEW WITH Brian Michael Finn
Jason Geller, and also Sound Recordist on "Dead End Massacre".
I don't want to do sound forever. In fact, I think this will be my last movie as sound recordist. What I really want to do is direct and/or work the camera. I have always been more of a visual person which helps me as an actor because I can see myself doing an action with the lines before I do it. That ability also helps me as a director. As far as what I like better... I'm not sure if I have a preference but acting can be fun. When I was younger, I wanted to be an actor and nothing more. When I was 15, I realized that I could have more presence behind the camera than in front of it. I suppose I am in Dead End just to see for myself if I could have been a good actor had I gone that route.
INTERVIEW WITH SUE MACDONALD
Jenny Stevenson
How did you get the role of Jenny Stevenson?
Well, I got really excited when I first found out about this film. It was
posted as a "Long Island Slasher flick". Sounds cool right? As I read on,
I saw that a single-mother-type was needed to play the mother of "the murderer".
I got even more excited. It just seemed like it would be a lot of fun and
a really great experience too. I think it takes a lot of really creative
personalities and perspectives to be able to put together a film like this,
and that's what really drew me in. Working with new and interesting people is
what makes acting so much fun for me.
I was really confident when I read for the part of Jenny,
because her
character was so real to me (except the fact that her child becomes a
murderer, of course). I really love working with children too, but never
imagined that
I would meet such an amazing young actress. Mia was absolutely incredible to
work with.
And despite my interest or desire to be in the film, I kind of
think that
Scott already had is mind made up before I even read for the part of Jenny. I
think he had envisioned Jenny to look exactly the way that I look. When I first
met Scott, he just smiled and had this expression on his face like he was
really happy to see me.
How did you first get into acting?
Well, my High School English teacher who was also the drama teacher took a
liking to me. She did the things teachers aren't supposed to do, like give
me rides home from school and bring me breakfast in the morning. I was sort
of the teacher's pet, but no one knew it…I would never tell anyone. She
made me feel like I had something to offer, and I was pretty insecure as a
teenager. She encouraged me to join the drama club and to take theatre arts, the
following semester. I did, and it was my best year of high school. I had
found a way to express myself creatively and it was such an awesome high for
me.
Well, I got the lead role in the high school play and then, I was hooked.
How does Jenny Stevenson, being a single mother and raising a
young child in
the movie, compare and contrast to yourself in real life?
I knew I was going to get asked this question. Well,
I am a single mother
too and have been since my son was born. I'm really proud of my son and I'm
proud of myself as well, for being a good mother. I can definitely relate
to the struggles of working full-time and raising a child. It's often a
difficult
task for two parents to raise a happy, healthy child that grows up to be a
successful and productive member of society. Not to mention have a good
education and a functional lifestyle. Well, these are some of the things I
worry
about. Anyway, being single and trying to do all that, along with making
enough money, keeping the house clean and maintaining a somewhat normal social
life without getting too stressed out is definitely worth a pat on the back…
Jenny works hard, but she lacks the compassion and empathy that you need to
provide your child with emotional support. Jenny tries, but she's naïve to her
daughter's pain and emotional suffering. I guess the moral here is that, no
matter how hard you work and how stressed out you can become, you have to put
your
child first, otherwise (she laughs) they could end up becoming a mass murderer.
What was the most memorable or funniest thing that
happened on the set, from
your recollection, during production?
There were a lot funny things that happened on and off
the set, like when
Mia came down the stairs and was stabbing the bear… It suddenly started
playing music and we were all looking around like where the hell is that noise
coming from, and she just kept going along like it didn't matter. But what's
most
memorable to me is the bonding that occurred between all of us. Max and I
have made some really great friends and will never forget all the fun we had
making this film. Scott, Mia, Holly (her mom), Brandon, and Helen are all
really
awesome people and working with them has definitely been the best part of
this production.
What is your opinion on horror movies and kid's
watching them at such a
young age? Do you feel it's not appropriate for, let's say, a 12 year old
to watch a horror movie? If so, why? Also, do you feel that if a young adult
does watch a horror movie, it will persuade them to start being more
violent?
I don't like the idea of young children watching horror
movies because they
can have nightmares as a result. My son doesn't like to watch anything too
scary because he knows he won't be able to sleep at night. He isn't even
going to watch Dead End after the part when he gets killed. By the time they're
12,
there more equipped to handle it, so it's not as bad.
Having earned my bachelor's degree in psychology and still pursuing my
school psychologist certification, I tend to over analyze things a bit too much.
But, the psychologist in me seems to think that horror movies don't
necessarily influence children, but that the kids who enjoy watching horror
movies do
so because they have more aggressive or violent tendencies than other
children. Just a thought. It's kind of like: which came first? the chicken or
the egg?
We understand there was a very heated scene between
your character and the
principal of the elementary school, Principal Jackson, played by T. Berry. What kind of mindset did you use to get
to the anger and build up for that scene?
Well, as a single mother myself I know that if anyone
ever accused me of
not giving my child enough love or attention, I would definitely be offended.
So that started it. And T. Berry actually helped to provoke some of my anger
also. He got in my face a lot and was so abrasive and overbearing, which
is enough to piss anyone off. He's really a nice guy though, just a little
harsh as a principal. I was actually prepared to cry for the scene, and was on
the
verge of tears just before we started shooting, but T. Berry kept making me
laugh so away went the tears, and out came the anger. I think it ended up being
more in character anyway. Jenny's a lot tougher than that.
INTERVIEW WITH HOLLY PRODICA
The mother of Mia Procida, playing Danielle Stevenson.
We understand that Mia is your
daughter. What are some of the most memorable INTERVIEW WITH FRANK
MILITO JOE CAPO
moments during filming? Give us a couple.
I thought her negotiations were amusing. She would talk Scott into bribing
her to do the scene (she was planning to do it anyway) For the murder scene,
she was a little too comfy handling the knife, prior to this she had never
even cut her own PB and J. Overall I was really inpressed at the amount of
willingness to shoot scenes that were sort of repetitive or depressing.
(Walking past the fence after the playground scene) I liked when she
insisted on hitting Scott over the head with the glass bottle before she hit
Max, whom plays Steven Doyle. Oh, and how can we forget when she accidently
put my car into reverse during a break in filming when she was sitting in
the drivers' seat talking to her brother and cousin in the back. I wonder if
Scott ever got the dent fixed. Also, for the killing scene, it was very
creepy to see her with the blood on her. She made my niece go first to see
if it was too gross. They decided it was fun. I can't comment on my reaction
to seeing her "kill" someone since the filming didn't even conjure that up.
Ask me after I see the movie. I'm sure you'll get a different answer.
When did Mia first get into acting?
Mia first got into acting when she was 5 . The Missoula Childrens theater
came into town from Montana with a couple of actors and a van full of
clostumes. They put together a show in one week. She was a "Flower" but her
eyes were glued to the stage through every minute of rehearsals, she loved
it right away.
How did Mia get to play the role of Danielle Stevenson?
Interestingly, Mia was first cast in a small role as the girls that
rediscover the Stevenson house. After the first rehearsal I noticed that
Scott was still searching for a "Danielle". I didn't read the script very
well before saying she could do a bigger role. Scott agredd probably
figuring he was never going to find another sucker who would let their kid
commit a murder at age 7. As I said the filming was taseful in that it never
seemed to be that and.... she just will never see the final movie. Until she
is of age of course.
So tell us how you got picked to play the part of Joe Capo?
I knew Scott because we were in a band together. I kicked him out because he wasn’t improving and this band was the real deal with musicians that have played for a good amount of time, and also it was his first band. You don’t stay in the same band forever unless you luckily make it big. It was actually funny, because Scott improved after her left the band, and I guess it gave him the will to be stronger. The band broke up and then Scott and I, kept ties. Scott approached me in December because he knew I had a lot of acting experience, and I feel calm on stage. Scott came up to me and asked me about being lead actor at the time, and so far I think one of the only members left of the January/December members. I watched the script grow and it’s an amazing script in my opinion.
Do you feel that the character of Joe reflects you in real life, and if so, what parts?
Certain ways he does, I mean like, when you act, the character has to be someone you can portray. When Joe approached Dana, he’s kind of shy in his own way and he’s in his own world. He’s cocky yet reserved in himself. The character and I kind of bonded in a sense. Joe has this whole Italian thing going on, and that’s what I’ve had my whole life. It’s who and what I represent and its what I’m about. Basically the way he approaches things, he tries to be immature, yet he’ a little immature like me. I know who I am, but I mean, there’s always things that I’ll discover that I never knew what there. In the story, when he’s with Dana, he discovers new feelings. Every time you meet someone new, it changes you life. In the story, Joe discovers himself as does Dana and a lot of other characters. Although Joe’s not a musician or a soccer player or a jock like I am, so I don’t get that in the story, but we shall see what is to be discovered as we finish up rehearsals
What do you like to do in your spare time?
A lot of things. Playing guitar is one of my favorite things. It’s one of the best things I’ll ever have. Work’s a pain in the ass, parents drive you up the wall, sports you get tired.... I never get tired when I play guitar. It’s fun to figure out stuff on guitar when I listen to songs on the radio. I attempt to be a renessianse but I try to be a jack of all trades, which is not bad. It’s good to have knowledge in every area.
What intrigues you about your character?
Joe is adopted in this movie, so I know a few adopted people. Most adopted kids don’t act like part of the family like other siblings would whom weren’t adopted. Joe never seems like he’s never distant from home. He takes command very much of the time. Joe seems to be the type of character that if the parents were out, he would keep care of his younger brothers. I’ve always wanted to be someone like that.
What is your favorite horror movie?
Favorite horror movie? That’s a tough one. Um... see the funny thing is that I don’t watch that many horror movies. But from what horror movies I’ve seen, I really like A Nightmare on Elm Street. Freddy Krueger gets me. I only saw part 1 though. I never saw the others. I like the way it ends...its makes the audiences think, “What just happened? Was it a dream or is it real?” A good suspense film I thought was good was Signs. Signs in a way is horrific in its own way.
What would you like to say to all the nay-sayer’s?
As for all of my friends whom are nay-sayer’s, I find there’s a lot of ignorance and it kind of pisses me off. You’re gonna see what happens in the end when we have achieved something, as in putting in hard time and work to make a film. Are you with a bigger company with Dreamworks or something that sells? Shit slap us in the face if you have the $5,000 to pay a whole cast for just one day of shooting a feature film...otherwise don’t say anything unless you can back it up. If you’re interested in the movie, come see it when it’s out, and if not, then don’t see it. Negativity doesn’t make the world go around. Negativity only holds you back. If they want to continuously bash peoples work, they can do that. No ones gonna stop them. Who knows? Maybe ten years from now, this movie will be a cult classic. You never know.
What influences you to perform the way you do?
Well basically, it’s from when I was younger, I always looked at myself and said “I want to do something with my life”. The arts intrigued me in a way. It’s just a passion to be on stage or in a production and do something some people can’t do, and/or things that other people look up to. You can’t really acquire talent; you need to have it in you. You do have to work at a talent, otherwise it will die in the dust. I play music, and music is a big pusher in my acting. When you’re acting on stage, it’s like you’re on top of the world. The audience wants to be with you. You can say the word “holy shit” in so many different ways to express one emotion. It’s how you say it, to move an audience. It’s not what you can give to the audience, not what they give you. You have to give and you will receive back if you give, and give, and give. If you give your heart and soul, people give it back. If you think u have to get high to have a god time, you’re wrong. Artificial highness of acting lifts you higher than anything else. That’s what drives me. I can’t specifically thank any one person, artist or act. Everyone has influenced me, whether they have been bad or good, you learn from both.
INTERVIEW WITH SCOTT GOLDBERG
DIRECTOR OF DEAD END MASSACRE
What have you been up to lately?
Well, I'm in my final semester at Five Towns, and I'm working on a short film in which I am directing, and will be out by May, called: MY VALNETINE. It's a slasher, of course. It stars Helen Proimos and T Berry, alongside with Brandon Hannan (just to name those involved in Dead End Massacre). But, I am 2nd Assistant Directing this April on a short film entitled DANCE WITH ME, directed by Corrie Moore, from Seattle. We have a production meeting lately and things went really well. It's very different when you're a director of a movie, such as Dead End Massacre, and then you work on a movie and your the 2nd AD. There are more tasks involved believe it not. I'm looking for more work this summer.
How did the script come along?
Back in 1999, I was a counselor at a summer day camp here in Glen Cove. Many of the hours spent there were just watching kids (seven year olds) and sitting around. During my sitting by the poolside as the lifeguard would watch the kids swim, I remember starting a story about a kid named Joe Stevenson, and this kid murdered a school bully and was sent away to jail and escaped 10 years later. The story now, of course, is a little different but the same concept. But back in 1999, I had many different things that what is in the script now. For one thing, I did not hire a crew, I used a VHS camera, and we got through about a ½ of a scene before the shooting had to stop (due to the cast, AKA my friends at the time, not being interested anymore). Then in the fall of 2000, I started working on a script called: The Symbol. That movie fell through as the people lost interest. I didn’t know back then, what it took to make a movie. I didn’t know the procedure. I just thought it was shoot and it’s in the can. Boy, was I wrong. So here I was, in January 2002.... I found an old copy of the 1999 script, which was 30 pages and not even finished...and I began to rewrite the script. I wrote about 58 and was unable to finish it yet again. I waited 10 months. I started to write the ending to the script in October 2002. I got some idea’s from Frank Milito, whom I wanted to cast for the role of Joe (he had the look, now I just wanted to know if could act the part), and I added on about 32 more pages, and this was gory deaths, and more meat to the story, and more characters. Frank had told me that when he read the 58-page script, he felt it needed more meat to it. So, I took that to heart and finished it up. And as we speak, I’m still tweaking some dialogue for the summer shooting. Ha.
Who is your favorite cast member? Tell us about some of the cast members.
Ha, that’s like asking, “What is your favorite type of food?”. There are so many types of food that I love, and that’s the same with the cast. Everyone is my favorite. Some examples of what make each character unique in their own ways: Mia is a great actress. A little diva-ish at times, but isn’t that how all great actresses are? She’s amazing at what she does. Frank is also great because he brings some of his own lifestyle into the character of Joe. T. Berry is pretty fucking funny. He makes me laugh and his raw energy is what lifts him and makes him special. Max actually didn’t act before this movie. He did a great job in Dead End. Sue delivered very well. I had cast her right when I met her. I asked her to come back for rehearsal. I had gotten, four emails from women on LONG ISLAND to try out for the role of Jenny Stevenson. The problem with Sue was that she lived in New Jersey... That didn’t matter though. I didn’t care if there were other actresses with easier location roundabouts. Sue is Jenny Stevenson. She is what I envisioned and she pulled it off very nicely. Jennifer Oda did very well as the school teacher as we had only one rehearsal before she went up on April 21st, 2003 and did the lines and blocking. Dan DiLaurio is also great at acting. He has pure passion and what more can you ask about that. Brandon Hannan is a pure actor in the sense that he takes direction very well and he understands what to do. The rest of the cast are also unique in their own ways but I’d be sitting her all day and night writing about them.
What do you envision for the future with this movie?
I hope a job comes out of it for myself, as a director. I want to direct. I have a passion to direct. It’s just a matter of getting a big break. One of the reasons I am doing this movie is to have a movie under my belt, and to have experience for the field I want to go into. I want to get my vision out there. No one wants to be a nobody. The word ‘director’ has such power in it. I want people to see what I can see. The whole script is mainly things from my head with the help from other people. As T. Berry would say “The script is your baby”, as well it is. I want people to fear what I fear, and laugh at the parts they think are funny...I want to be able to have an audience member see the movie at a film festival and have it move them. I want to bring back to horror what Hollywood movies have been keeping out of horror. As of now, we have plans to put it on DVD with bloopers, interviews, special features, commentary, and many other fun things that horror fans will enjoy. It’s all about blood, and killing, and all that fun stuff!
Who are your favorite directors?
I’m a fan of Tim Burton. The way he films the movies, and makes them like fairytales, such as Edward Scissorhands, and Pee Wee's Big Adventure. It just amazes me.
Any plans after Dead End?
Well, unfortunatly, we did not make the first film festival
in which we submitted to, which was the NYC Horror Film Festival, but many other
film festivals are coming up, and believe it or not, a lot of festivals are demanding
more horror movies, especially in Europe, which I think is really coo
