Phil interviews actress Miranda Robin from the upcoming film B.C. BUTCHER from Troma Entertainment - April 8, 2016

Actress Miranda Robin (Courtesy of Miranda Robin)

Hello again and welcome back to my series of interviews with the actresses from the upcoming Troma Entertainment film B.C. BUTCHER directed by Kansas Bowling. Today's installment I had the esteem pleasure of interviewing actress and film enthusiast Miranda Robin, who plays Dina in the film. Read all about this up and coming actress who not only holds two major degrees, but is also a avid Charlie Chaplin fan. Thoughtful, insightful, intelligent, and passionate about art and life, this is one individual that will be changing the world for the better.

PC: So I see you were born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. When I interviewed your costar Leilani Fideler she said she was one of those rare breeds that was born, raised, and still lives in LA. Your IMDb page says the same thing. Why do you think people are leaving LA and why do you still live there? 

Miranda Robin: I love Los Angeles! It has a bit of everything here and more to explore. Sand, sea, mountains and snow in the same day, can't beat that. I really don't know why people are leaving LA, possibly parts are seeming to get over crowded, but I have a feeling they will be back. I believe it is important to get out and see the world when you can. And along the way you will know where your heart and home are. My heart has a love for the mountains and the city, and my LA life captures both. Raised in Westchester (LAX), in a generational household and I am still living there part time with my mom and grandma. Grandma June is 98 and a fan of B.C. BUTCHER too. The other days I live in Topanga Canyon with my husband William Preston Bowling (caveman #1), and step-daughter Parker Love Bowling (B.C. BUTCHER Poster Girl and character of Po). I will travel and explore with my family, but Los Angeles will always be home for me. 

PC: So tell us about your childhood? What's your family like?

MR: I am an only child and my mom and grandma are two of my best friends. I grew up living with both of them, a generational home is truly magical. In my house growing up, and still, creative freedom is accepted and who you are is loved unconditionally. Childhood is about exploration and play, stories and dancing in the kitchen, I definitely had that. There were hard family dynamics mixed in as well, parents not being together since I was two, tears and sleepless nights, but looking back, my childhood was pretty good. Museums, theater, concerts and art materials always at my fingertips. When I thin about it some of my most fun times involve acting, dancing and singing of some sort. I have always loved to dress up as other characters or different versions of myself. Childhood is precious and I know that from looking back on it and from studying it in school. When you remember parts of your childhood, good and bad, write them down. Creativity will bring them about years later in another form. 

PC: Were you scholastic when you were younger or was school a bit boring? 

MR: I have always enjoyed learning new ideas and concepts, but school was not always easy for me. I preferred the art classes to the textbook ones. Test taking is a nightmare! I know the material and then the test comes in front of me and it looks like it is in another language. I also find it very difficult to read about a subject if I am not interested in it/ It was college that made me fall in love with education. Studying what I am interested in, I took off like a rocket. 

PC: How old were you when you became interested in acting? 

MR: I have always loved acting since kindergarten, even though I has a shy moment during a performance once and hid underneath a table. Acting is freeing. I did a lot of musical theater in elementary school and I was part of the drama conservatory at Crossroads High School. I have see a lot of theater from Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, Oregon to the hits on Broadway in New York City. Pure inspiration. Honesty acting is a medium, whether on stage or on screen, is such a gift to the actor. We can step into characters and try on new hats, simultaneously getting to know ourselves better. In the past decade I have really focused on the programming behind the camera. I find producing and creating fascinating. The role of Dina was the first acting role in quite a while and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I had so much fun in this film. I got to run in the dirt, wear leopard, play with fake blood and see Kansas in her natural element. 

PC: Were you always a big fan of the cinema?

MR: I LOVE FILM! Give it to me in black and white, silent, with sound, in color-I will take it all. Watching a film is like taking a trip. I am always willing to see something new. What I love about films too is watching the favorites over and over, reciting the lines and tearing up at the same scene. I took several film classes in high school and college, one film insight more intriguing than the next. 

PC: I read that you received you BA at UCLA and your MA at Loyola Marymount. What subjects were you majoring in? 

Robin as Dina from B.C. BUTCHER.

MR: I loved UCLA, what a gorgeous campus and great professors. I received a B.A. in Women's Studies with a minor in Sociology of Sexuality and Gender. The classes made you think about life, our social interaction and why we behave the way we do. It is like a diary entry you didn't know you could write. The next educational adventure was at LMU. I was in a cohort of 20 students and we studied everything together. The leadership skill classes were my favorite. The lessons involved a lot of situational role play interaction, acting skills plus acquired knowledge put to the test. I received my M.A. in Early Childhood Education. I don't think I am done with my educational path. I think I am ready for more. I guess I  would consider myself an education junkie. 

PC: Explain on how you became involved with the Topanga Canyon Film Festival. What is your role in the festival? 

MR: My husband, William, has been working with the festival since the beginning. When I joined the Topanga community five years ago we went to a film screening that was presented in the Chaplin screening room at Raleigh Studios in Hollywood. Later that night at an after party in Topanga a discussion of Chaplin came about and all my Chaplin facts started coming out. Someone suggested doing something Chaplin for the festival, and the Chaplin Showcase at the Topanga Film Festival was born. I am a true admiration of Mr. Chaplin, his talents changed cinema forever. I have been producing with the festival ever since. One of my favorite producing experiences was the 45th anniversary of Hair the Musical. The night was a fundraiser for the Topanga Film Festival & Institute held in a beautiful establishment called Rosewood, decorated in Baroque Fashion. We had original Broadway and Los Angeles cast members break into a song flash mob of "Let the Sun Shine In." It was magical and made an imprint on the canyon! 

PC: You made your film debut in B.C. BUTCHER. Tell me the process of how you became involved with the project? 

MR: Kansas Bowling is my step-daughter and I was ready in anyway to help her with her film. I started behind the scenes, helping with make-up, props and craft services type stuff and then the role of Dina fell into my lap. The camera was set up, using 16mm film, the other actors were on set and the woman suppose to play Dina never showed up. With no time at all, Kansas said, "Do you fit in this dress and will you be my Dina?"...and there you go. I am Dina. I am so honored to be a part of the Cave Tribe. 

PC: Fascinating. So what was it like working with Kansas then? 

MR: Seeing her on set is a truly cool experience. She is very professional and meticulous with her craft. She would stand behind the cameraman to see every frame. Her storyboards were easy to follow and she explained her vision from every angle. These types of details made it enjoyable for the cast and crew to work together as a team. I would work with her on any project. She is going places. 

PC: Describe your character Dina for us. How did you prepare for this role?

MR: Getting into the character of Dina was actually really fun! I only had 15 minutes to become this cave woman and Kansas told me that Dina needed to look really messy and dirty like she was running and exploring the wilderness. We didn't have stage make-up on set yet and improvising was the only option. There was a birthday in the house  the day before and there was leftover chocolate cake and chocolate frosting...perfect. I rubbed it all over my face and arms, used a little green and brown eye shadow, stuck some actual dirt to the frosting and then Cave Camera Ready. Dina was born on set, on camera. The other cave tribe really took me in and made it easy. I had a bloody fantastic time! Thank you Kansas for trusting me with his role. 

PC: What did you take away from this experience? 

MR: Always be ready for anything. I feel very lucky to end up in the role of Dina. I just walked the red carpet at the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood for the B.C. BUTCHER premiere. For the first time in film, I have to say, I think that is really cool. I am also amazed by the talent and drive of both Bowling girls, Kansas and Parker. They are ready for the world and the world is ready for them. 

PC: Are you a fan of horror genre? What are some of your favorite films and genres? 

MR: I am not a huge horror movie fan, but there are some good ones, but this whole experience of being in a slasher movie is changing my mind a bit o the excitement of this genre. I definitely prefer the suspense/thriller films to the blood and guts, but every movie needs a little blood. I like the SCREAM trilogy by Wes Craven or anything Alfred Hitchcock, especially PSYCHO and REBECCA. I'm definitely a Kubrick fan, A CLOCKWORK ORANGE and THE SHINING and of course everything by Charlie Chaplin. Check out Chaplin's short film ONE A.M. The rest of my favorite films I am going to list in no particular order or genre: SPACEBALLS, MARY POPPINS, THE STRAWBERRY BLONDE, SERIAL MOM, ADVENTURES IN BABYSITTING, CAN'T BUY ME LOVE, THE CRAFT, PUMP UP THE VOLUME, EMPIRE RECORDS, THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW, GIRL INTERRUPTED HEATHERS and BEETLEJUICE. 

Actress Miranda Robin (courtesy of Miranda Robin)

PC: What are your plans for the film industry? Do you have any projects you are currently working on? 

MR: I will continue producing for the Topanga Film Festival and Institute and there will be some fun events coming up in the future. Currently I am working on an animation/film panel project and co-writing a screenplay. The exciting part of the industry is that there are new projects around every corner. So my plans change all the time, but my focus is getting people together for the Love of Film. 

PC: What advice would you give to all aspiring and upcoming female talents who want to break into the film industry, especially those who wish to bring diversity and a feminine voice to the overpopulated male dominated Hollywood? 

MR: DON'T HESITATE. GO FOR IT! As a woman, we have a voice and a chance to do great things and change the world one step at a time, if we want to. What is a feminine voice? We get a chance to redefine the world or keep it the same, it is a choice. You have talents and desires you don't even know yet, therefore to get the chance you've got to take that chance. Come at the industry from all sides. Get to know in front of the camera and behind the camera, why not even try to work the camera. Take a class, let the Craft of Film embrace you while you take charge of it. I would say, just be yourself. If you want it, you want it for a reason. Tell the world what that reason is. Film it, paint it, sew it, BE IT! 

To learn more about the Toganga Film Festival & Institute, visit their website at www.topangafilminstitute.com.  Also check out their Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts. To learn more about Troma, their film catologue and their upcoming release of B.C. BUTCHER, visit their website at www.troma.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil interviews model/actress Parker Love Bowling from the upcoming film B.C. BUTCHER from Troma Entertainment - March 16, 2016

Actress/model Parker Love Bowling (courtesy from Bowling)

Welcome back to my series of interviews with the actresses from the upcoming Troma Entertainment release B.C. BUTCHER directed by Kansas Bowling. Today's installment I had the utmost pleasure of interviewing the poster girl for the film, model/actress Parker Love Bowling, who also plays Po in the film. Read all about this inspiring model and her future plans for the film industry and the modeling world.

Phil Castor: So B.C. BUTCHER just recently had it's big Hollywood premiere at the famous Egyptian Theater. How did it feel to see the movie on the big screen play to a sold out crowd?

Parker Love Bowling: The Egyptian premiere was astounding. When making this movie I never imagined it would go as far as it did. It was a rather pleasant surprise and made me immensely proud of my sister.

PC:  So let's go back in time for a bit. Where were you born and raised?

PLB: I was born in Beverly Hills and lived in Los Angeles my entire life thus far. I grew up in Topanga Canyon but am now living in the city and enjoy it a great deal more.

PC: What were some of your interests when you where younger?

PLB: I've always been interested in the same things. I've always loved fashion and film, or just anything that conveyed glamour. Growing up I tried my hardest to get as much attention as possible, so it seems fitting I decided to go into the film industry. 

PC: When did you begin your modeling career? Was it something you fell into or did you pursue it?

PLB: My modeling career did not take off into recently because I've always looked very young, but it is going well now. I did not do any professional work until being the B.C. Butcher poster girl and I've been getting a lot of work off of it. I've always loved having my photo taken, but I did not pursue it as a career until now.

PC: Who are some of your idols in the modeling world, both in front of and behind the camera?

PLB: Some of my idols in the industry in front of the camera are Edie Sedgwick, Twiggy, Jean Shrimpton, Jane Birkin and Brigitte Bardot. Some photographers I love are Helmut Newton and Richard Avedon.

PC: Besides modeling, what are some of your other interests and hobbies?

PLB: Besides being an actress and model, I am also a designer. I design and sew clothes which you can view on my website (parkerlovebowling.com). I also love to write and am currently interning at two different publications. 

Parker Love Bowling as Po in B.C. BUTCHER

PC: I read somewhere that you were member of the LA Junior Derby Dolls, How did that come about?

PLB: I joined the LA Junior Derby Dolls because my mom skated with the LA Derby Dolls. She was a very good skater and I aspired to be like her, so naturally I wanted to try it out. I played roller derby for about three years but it conflicted too much with my schedule.

PC: Describe your experience working on B.C. BUTCHER?

PLB: B.C. BUTCHER was a very fun film to work on. Since I did not have a lead role I would just lounge around when I wasn't shooting and read lines with the other actors. 

PC:  What was the film schedule like and where was it made?

PLB: B.C. Butcher was shot in Topanga Canyon over a nine-day period. Each shot was done in a single take which gave the film a campy quality.

PC: What does it feel like to be the poster girl for the film?

PLB: I love being the poster girl for the film. Lloyd Kaufman called me "the iconic poster girl," which is such an honor since Troma itself is such an influential company that puts out films like no others. 

PC: What's it like working with Troma? Where you a fan of their films prior to working with them?

PLC: Troma is great and Uncle Lloydy is so kind and supportive. Before I worked on B.C. Butcher the only Troma movies I saw where the CLASS OF NUKE 'EM HIGH films but am starting to watch a lot more. I'm in great company!

PC: What are some of your favorite films and film genres?

PLB: My favorite film is Two For The Road. Mary Quant did all the costumes which really make the movie so wonderful. I love old musicals and 60's classics. 

PC: What's the next step in your modeling career? What are some of your goals?

PLB: I Would love to do more modeling in film just like Andy Warhol's films starring Edie Sedgwick. They have such a enigmatic quality. Other than that I enjoy a variety of work and am open to most opportunities. 

Parker Love Bowling with her boyfriend Kalvin Madsen.

PC: What is it about Andy Warhol's films that you find attractive?

PLB: Andy Warhol's films are just very glamorous. I love how they look.

PC; Are you planning on acting in any more films? Do you have any current film projects that you're involved in?

PLB: I am currently in pre-production of a few films. I am very excited to star in Jared Master's new film alongside my sister this summer called ROLLER JUNKIES. It should be really groovy. 

PC: ROLLER JUNKIES is a fanatic title! Can you tell us what the film is about and is there a website for it?

PLB: There is no website for the film yet but there's an imdb page. I haven't gotten the script yet. All I know is Kansas and I are roller skaters in it.

PC: What advice would you offer aspiring actresses who want to break in the film industry, especially those who want to bring diversity and a feminine voice to the male dominated Hollywood?

PLB: Everyone finds success on their own terms but from what I've experienced, I recommend to just be open to all job possibilities. I would never have thought to be a horror movie actress, I saw myself doing more Tuesday Weld type roles, but I found I love working in all genres. A lot of people turned down B.C. BUTCHER because it was too low-budget but now it is getting a lot of press so I would say just be open minded to all projects. 

To learn more about Parker Love Bowling, visit her website at parkerlovebowling.com and be sure to check out her Twitter and Instagram accounts. To learn more about Troma and their upcoming release of B.C. BUTCHER, visit their website at www.troma.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil interviews actress Devyn Leah from the upcoming film B.C. BUTCHER from Troma Entertainment-March 10, 2016

Actress Devyn Leah (photo by Ruben Rojas)

Welcome back cinephiles to my fourth installment in a series of interviews featuring the actresses from the upcoming Troma Entertainment film entitled B.C. BUTCHER, directed by Kansas Bowling. For this edition, I had the honor of interviewing actress Devyn Leah, who portrays Bamba in the film. From performing since the age of six to her upcoming LGBTQ project, read on about this fascinating woman who's on the rise to stardom.

Phil Castor: What was it like growing up in Corona, California?

Devyn Leah: What can I say? Corona is a lot slower than Los Angeles, and there's ample parking! My idea of a day out was going to the Target shopping center with friends. I miss it sometimes, but then I remember that I can get frozen yogurt delivered to my house at 3am here in Los Angeles.

PC: How old were you when you became interested in the world of performing arts?

DL: At the risk of sounding cliche, I've been interested in it all my life. I've always been the center of attention. 

PC: Was your family supportive with your passion for the arts?

DL: Of course! They came to see me in plays, dance recitals, concerts, and everything else.

PC: You wrote and acted in your first play while you were only in the first grade. Tell us what was it about and how did you come up with the idea?

DL: Oh gosh I remember putting it on in a neighbor's backyard.  I can hardly remember what it was about, except for the fact everyone kept messing up and I must have given the intro, "Please sit back, relax, and have a purrrrfect day," a few times. 

PC: How old you were when you started taking acting lessons?

Leah as Bamba from B.C. BUTCHER

DL: I believe I was around six. I took a small acting class at a church near my house, and had a small role in "The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe".

PC: Did you find that acting was a creative outlet for you to express yourself?

DL: Yes! I wanted more though. Bigger roles, more lines, everything!

PC: When did you decide to move to Hollywood?

DL: I moved to Hollywood in October 2013. 

PC: Explain how you did you get cast in B.C. BUTCHER?

DL: I submitted to the project on the casting website, CAZT, and was invited for an audition!

PC: What was it like working with the film's director Kansas Bowling?

DL: Kansas is amazing. She knew exactly what she wanted and did it all; she's an inspiring visionary. 

PC: How would describe your character Bamba? What made you want to play this character?

DL: Bamba is the blind voice of reason whom, of course, no one really listens to. Interestingly, I had originally auditioned for Anaconda, but got invited to play Bamba! I love Bamba because she has a big heart and is a little more level headed than the other girls. Plus she's got that accent going on!

PC: Are you a fan of the horror genre? What are some of your favorite film genres?

DL: I love horror movies! My favorites are Woman in Black, and 1408. I also love comedies, whether the be live action or animation. I'm actually just a giant child.

PC: Beside acting, what other interests do you have?

Devyn Leah (photo by Aaron Lee)

DL: I still dabble in screenwriting, and just finished a feature length romantic comedy. I also perform with the burlesque troupe Brazen Booties! I'm a pole dancer, a hip hop dance captain, and I sing occasionally.

PC: What new projects are you currently working on and what are your future plans for the film industry?

DL: I'm attached to the amazing LGBTQ project, True Colors, and we're in the middle of our Kickstarter campaign! True Colors follows a group of queer high school teens in the 90s. It's going to be a groundbreaking series because most of the characters are LGBT; there's not just a couple of gay stock characters. The project means a lot to me, and everyone can check out the Kickstarter here ( https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/michaelmammano/true-colors  )

PC: What advice would you give to all aspiring and upcoming female talents who want to break into the film industry, especially those who wish to bring diversity and a feminine voice to the overpopulated male dominated Hollywood?

DL: Oh gosh. We need you desperately! We need all kinds of females: females of color, females of varying sexualities, body sizes, backgrounds, transgirls, EVERYONE! Just keep at it, and you'll break through. You might have to take some weird roles, but don't do anything you're not comfortable with. You're more than a stereotype, girl. We'll take this town and this industry by storm; I can promise you that.

To learn more about Devyn Leah, visit her website at devynleah.com and be sure to check out her Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts. To learn more about Troma and their upcoming release of B.C. BUTCHER, visit their website at www.troma.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil interviews actress Molly Elizabeth Ring from the upcoming film B.C. BUTCHER from Troma Entertainment-March 6, 2016

Actress Molly Elizabeth Ring (courtesy IMDb)

My series of interviews with the actresses from director Kansas Bowling's film B.C. BUTCHER from Troma Entertainment continues. Recently I had the honor of interviewing Molly Elizabeth Ring, who portrays Poppy in the film. From working with the famous Coen Brothers to her love of supernatural and psychological films, below is my interview with this strikingly stunning up & coming actress from Minnesota.

Phil Castor: Let's start at the beginning. Where were you born and raised at? 

Molly Elizabeth Ring: I was born and raised in the suburbs of Minneapolis, Minnesota!

PC: What's your family like? Are they involved in the film industry?

MER: A few of my cousins work in the industry, but my immediate family doesn't. More of my family is in the law field actually! My grandpa did back the Coen Brother's first film though.

PC: Oh that's very interesting. How did he meet the Coen Brothers? And their first film was entitled BLOOD SIMPLE correct?

MER: It was! Also, they are from Minnesota! I don't know how exactly they met but my dad's side of the family (which the grandpa I'm talking about is on) is Jewish and so I think they knew each other through that community.

PC: How old were you when you decided you wanted to act?

MER: I've known I like performing for as long as I can remember, but I think around 8 I realized I really wanted to be an actor.

PC: Did you attend any acting classes while you were in school?

MER: I actually was fortunate that my elementary and middle schools had great arts programs so I had drama class from Kindergarten-8th grade. Then in high school I went to a performing arts school so I definitely took a lot of acting classes there. I also took a bunch of classes outside of school.

PC: Now you made your film debut in the Coen Brothers movie A SERIOUS MAN. What was your on-set experience like?

Ring as Poppy on B.C. Butcher (photo from FB)

MER: It was a scene on the beach that was supposed to be taking place in the summer, but it was filmed in the fall at a lake in Minnesota, and it was super cold! We had heaters off camera to keep everyone warm though. It was really cool seeing such a high level production in action, especially since I really love the Coen Brother's movies.

PC: What do you love about their films? Can we expect you to appear in any of their future projects?

MER: I love the quirkiness, because I'm very quirky as well! And hopefully, call me in whenever you need a redhead, Joel and Ethan!

PC: Tell us how you got involved with B.C.BUTCHER? What attracted you to the project?

MER: I actually wasn't able to make it to the audition, but Kansas liked my look and chose me for the part anyways! I love horror movies so that was definitely what attracted me to the project originally.

PC: Since you love horror films, what are some of your favorites? What is it that you love about the genre?

MER: My favorites are the supernatural or psychological horror films. POLTERGEIST is probably my favorite of the classics, and for the more modern movies I really liked THE CONJURING  and SINISTER! I think what I love the most is that many have surreal aspects. Also, although I'm not pagan myself, paganism and wicca and other spiritualisms really interest me, and they tend to be included in a lot of horror movies as well. Plus, I just love anything psychological!

PC: What was it like working with the film's director Kansas Bowling?

MER: Kansas is great! She's extremely professional and definitely mature for her age. Even though I'm taller than her, I sometimes forget that she's actually 4 years younger than me!

PC: Describe your character Poppy. Did Kansas allow you to improvise on the set?

MER: Poppy is the naive one of the group, but she's smarter (and less innocent) than she first appears! We did do some improvisation during filming, for instance almost everything Kato said on film was improvised, so my responses were too.

PC: There's a debate on whether to make movies on film like Kansas did or shooting on digital cameras. Do you have a preference for either one?

Molly Elizabeth Ring (courtesy IMDb)

MER: I've heard, film takes longer for post production and is more expensive, but it has a really cool look to it! I think that certain movies can really benefit from that look while others would do better with digital.

PC: Do you have any other projects that you are currently working on?

MER: I'm currently working on some web content that I can't quite talk about yet, but stay tuned!

PC: What are your future plans in the film industry? What are you hoping to accomplish?

MER: I hope to be someone that people look forward to watching in whatever roles I play. I'd love to be an actor that people can look up to as well. Also an oscar or two wouldn't hurt!

PC: Besides acting, are you interested in becoming a director or producer? Or maybe having your own production company?

MER: I haven't really thought about it that much, but maybe I would direct someday! Producing is a bit too daunting to me. And having my own production company would also be cool, but for a later time in life!

PC: What advice would you offer aspiring actresses who want to break in the film industry, especially those who want to bring diversity and a feminine voice to the male dominated Hollywood?

MER: Never stop trying. That's the advice I give myself everyday. This industry is tough, but if you don't give up then when you're older you can look back on your life without regrets.

To learn more about Molly Elizabeth Ring, visit her website at www.mollyelizabethring.com and be sure to check out her Twitter and Instagram accounts. To learn more about Troma and their upcoming release of B.C. BUTCHER, visit their website at www.troma.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil interviews actress Natasha Halevi from the upcoming film B.C.BUTCHER from Troma Entertainment-February 25, 2016

 Actress Natasha Halevi (Photo courtesy of N.H.)

Welcome back to my second interview in a series featuring the actresses from the upcoming Troma Entertainment film entitled B.C. BUTCHER, directed by Kansas Bowling. For today, I had the privilege of interviewing actress Natasha Halevi, who plays Anaconda in the film. Not only is she a gifted actress but is also highly intelligent, an avid climber and holds two major degrees. Read on to learn more about this amazing woman.

Phil Castor: First things first. Do you go by Tasha or do you prefer your full name Natasha?

Natasha Halevi: I go by Natasha on the set. My mom loved Natalie Wood and named me Natasha as a variation of that name. I like the idea of having a piece of her with me through my name, especially on set.

PC: So tell us about growing up in sunny Ventura, California. What's your family like?

NH: Growing up in Ventura is like growing up on a beach vacation. I love that town and it is my sanctuary. You can see the Channel Islands from most places in Ventura, including the house grew up in and there is something about staring at those islands that has always grounded me. I was raised by two aerospace engineers, aka rocket scientists...actual rocket scientists. So, my family is kind of a bunch of smarty-pants. We were raised around a lot of technology, but also, a totally grounded connection to nature, especially the ocean. My younger sister grew up to be a tech guru too - she's worked on a bunch of video game development and is a League of Legends nerd. I like to take credit, because I taught her to play Super Mario Bros. as a kid. (But it's really, of course, all her!)

PC: I read somewhere that you graduated from Davis University with a B.S. in Biology and B.A. in Dramatic Arts. Those are two totally polar opposite majors. What made you decide to pursue both studies?

NH: Totally. Polar. Opposites...but, I loved studying both. As it turns out, NONE of the classes overlap, so it was a lot of work to complete both. Davis has an amazingly talented plant biology department, and even though I did a pre-med track, I took as many plant biology classes as possible just for the sake of learning from geniuses I their field. I also obsessed over David Osleger's geology classes. (I am a rock climber, so love learning about geology) As much as I loved learning organic chemistry and calculus, the Theater Department was always home. It's still a part of my home - I keep a series of B&W photos of the UCD Theater Department on my wall.

PC: While at Davis you also worked at Yosemite National Park. What did you do there?

NH: I started climbing at the Rocknasium climbing gym when I was at Davis and I became immediately obsessed...I mean I spent my summers living out of my car, sleeping outside every night and literally climbed most waking hours. Yosemite is a Mecca for climbers, so it made sense to get a job there. All those plant biology classes were put to good use too, since I was a Park Ranger who gave daily walks though the Maripoa Grove of Giant Sequoias. I also told campfire stories to campers....hey, wait a minute, that's what Anaconda does!

PC: Sounds like life imitating art. So how did you get into acting? Was it something you fell into?

NH: I wish it was something I just fell into, that sounds a lot easier. I've worked at it for years. As you know, I studied Dramatic Arts in college and I truly continue to study everyday. Everyday I wake up and look forward to working as an actor, whether that means going to set or spending time working on my craft at home. I put in the work everyday and it's a joy!

PC: You've appeared in several outstanding short films. What do you love about acing in them?

 Halevi as Anconda in B.C. BUTCHER (Photo courtesy of N.H.)

NH: I love short films, I love all films, I love all venues for sharing emotion and story. I get most excited about feature films - I like being able to spend days, weeks, months with a character. The first film I worked on was a feature length called THEY WANT DICK DICKSTER. It was great place to get started because the set was easy to be on as a newbie. Robert Ray Schafer and the rest of the cast was so hilarious and so welcoming. Chris Olen Ray was a very fun director and made sure the set started light - which was really helpful on a dark comedy.

PC: What are some of your favorite film genres? Do you have any actresses and films that you draw inspiration from?

NH: I love an epic drama. Some of the most epic stories of our day are actually on TV. The work that Matt Weiner has done over the years is amazing - Mad Men is such a beautifully complex drama.  There is such subtlety and so much meaning in every moment. I’m really into Krysten Ritter right now.  It’s really fun to see her go from her comedic role in “Don’t Trust the B---- in Apartment 23” to a very dark role in “Jessica Jones”.  I also really like watching the career of Constance Zimmer – she’s been working a long time, but she seems so fresh in every new role she’s taken on recently – it’s really inspiring.  Both those ladies have recently been added to the Marvel Universe, so might I actually be a Marvel nerd?

PC: So tell us how you meet Bowling Kansas and what made you decide to be in her film? What attracted to you to the project?

NH: I met Kansas in the audition room and I knew immediately that I wanted to work with her.  It took a whole of maybe 3 seconds to realize that Kansas was a strong force and a woman who had the cajones to make her vision happen. I got what she was going for with Anaconda and I knew it would be a lot of fun.  It was easy to say yes to Kansas because I loved what she was planning to make happen, and I knew that she would actually make it happen.

PC: How would you describe your character Anaconda? Did Bowling allow you to improvise on set? 

NH: Anaconda is aptly named – she’s a snake and is a little sneaky in trying to get her way. She is the “second in command” of the female cave clan and is always somewhat undermining her best friend and cave clan leader, Neandra. It's a classic tale of most popular girl and her bff.  

PC: There's been a lot of debate with shooting movies on film like Kansas did and shooting digitally? Do you have an opinion on this topic?

NH: There’s something special about working on film and hearing “roll out."  It felt like being in a romanticized version of old Hollywood. After we shot, Kansas invited us to see the raw footage in a small theater at FotoKem where the film was processed. I was blown away by how beautiful everything looked raw. It’s a dreamy medium and I hope I get to work on film again.

Natasha Halevi (Photo courtesy of N.H.)

PC: What other projects are you currently working on?

NH: I just finished up a feature film called 'Toby Goes to Camp.' I’m Bella and have a wild animal refuge where Toby lives.  Toby is a tiger, a real tiger!  Most anytime I was on set there was also a tiger on set, which was pretty exciting.  It was a lot of fun to work with a tiger and the amazing trainers. We actually shot some of the camp scenes on location at a camp in the hills not far from where we shot B.C. BUTCHER.  

PC: What are your future plans? Will stay in the film industry or will you go into the world of biology?

NH: I’ve never thought, "oh, if only I could go back and go to med school or why didn't I become a field biologist." I'm excited about the work I do as an actor every day. Acting is my passion and my career and I'm lucky to have them both together.

PC: What advice would you give to all aspiring and upcoming female talents who want to break into the film industry, especially those who wish to bring diversity and a feminine voice to the overpopulated male dominated Hollywood?

NH: There are so many things you need to “do”, BUT, the most important thing you can do for your career is to know your own self worth – regardless of gender, race, education, height, weight, or whatever other metric you (and the industry) might let get in your way. Keep that internal fire lit through whatever it is you do – exercise, meditation, journaling. Keep the external support strong by surrounding yourself with people who think you’re worthy – let go of people who tell you to put your dreams on a shelf or are jealous you are following your dreams. Especially let go of people who pretend to be supportive but undercut you. (Those are the people who congratulate you, but with a dig about how small the project is or something.) Take in the people who love you for who you are, believe you have a voice in this world, and whom you also love in the same way. To put it short, believe in yourself and allow others to believe in you too.

To learn more about Natasha Halevi, visit her IMDb page and be sure to check out her Twitter and Instagram accounts. To learn more about Troma and their upcoming release of B.C. BUTCHER, visit their website at www.troma.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show! 

Phil interviews actress Leilani Fideler from the upcoming film B.C. BUTCHER from Troma Entertainment-February 24, 2016

Actress Leilani Fidler (courtesy of IMDb)

As I mention in my Troma Entertainment anniversary tribute, the company just recently launched their new streaming service Troma Now, where fans can watch a plethora of movies, television shows and world premieres. One of those premieres was their newest acquisition B.C. BUTCHER, directed by Kansas Bowling. A couple of months ago I began a series of email interviews with the cast of the film, culminating with the film's director. The first in the series, I had the great pleasure with interviewing lead actress Leilani Fideler, who portrays Neandra in the film. Below is my interview with this very sweet, charming and talented actress.

Phil Castor: Tell us a little bit about yourself, your family and your upbringing.

Leilani Fideler: I'm part of the rare breed of actors that were born, grew up, and STILL LIVE in Los Angeles! I'm lucky to have parents that just celebrated 30 years together and a brother that I enjoy. I'm definitely a city-type, but will always appreciate a trip to the country! 

PC: You definitely are a rare breed indeed. Are your parents and brother in the film industry as well?

LF: Thanks! My family is not in the film industry.

PC: Did you always wanted to be an actress or was it something you fell into?

LF: I fell into acting at the young age of 13. I've been through dance lessons, music lessons, sports, painting, etc. but the craft of acting has stuck around. It's so much fun and mentally challenging! I believe I'm growing as a person while I grow as an artist.

PC: You were also a production assistant on television shows like Melrose Place and Pretty Little Liars. How did you get involved with these shows?

LF: Yes I was!! MP and PLL were my first two immediate jobs after college graduation. I wanted to be as close to the industry as I could! An assistant job in the TV world is really tough, but I learned a great deal on these sets, learning the behind-the-scenes processes has helped me as an actress.

PC: Where did you attend college at? What were you majoring in?

LF: I graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Communications at the University of Colorado at Boulder. It was a fantastic life experience to be there!

Fideler as Neandra from B.C. BUTCHER (photo courtesy of Leilani Fideler)

PC: So how did you meet director Kansas Bowling? Were you two friends prior?

LF: B.C. BUTCHER brought us together and I'm so very grateful we crossed paths! This was here first film and my first film too! She's a really hard worker and believes in everything she puts out there. I really admire that. I hope to collaborate with her serve as more times down the road.

PC: What attracted you to be involved with her film debut B.C. BUTCHER?

LF: Her casting directors had me scream and struggle during my audition. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would!! The genre was new to me and actors LOVE to play!

PC: Sounds like you had a fun-filled audition. Were you interested in the horror genre previously? What are your favorite film genres?

LF: I really love period piece films. Every once in a while I'll have the courage to watch a horror film but I'm too scared, to be honest! 

PC: Tell us about your character Neandra. What made you decide to portray her?

LF: I was ecstatic that Kansas chose me for her lead female! She recognized that I could portray a strong aura, which is Neandra. But what I especially thank Kansas and her writing partner for is that they gave Neandra contradictions and her inner struggles. She is a human being after all! I'm glad audiences could hate her and love her all the same.

PC: Did Kansas allow you to improvise to being more elements to Neandra?

LF: Kansas is so great because she allowed all the actors freedom to improvise their idea of the characters. One day I lightly suggested to Kansas that Neandra have a mental breakdown with tears after discovering her lover's affair coupled with the deaths of her tribe members. I mean, wouldn't YOU break your "heroism" with a good cry after events like these? Kansas happily accepted.

Behind-the-scenes (photo courtesy of Leilani Fideler)

PC: Sounds like you had a lot of fun with your character! What were some of the things you took away from this experience?

LF: Talk to the camera crew. They have a wealth of knowledge about equipment and it's really fascinating!

PC: The movie was shot on 16mm film. How do you feel about the current debate between shooting on film versus using digital camera?

LF: This is a great question for our director Kansas Bowling! Filmmakers know exactly how they want their work to look and feel. Kansas wanted to keep it authentic by using film and I think it looks fantastic!

PC: What projects are currently working on now?

LF: I'm taking my career to New York City! More projects and stage productions to come in 2016!!

PC: Oh really? How exciting! Can you give us any clues as to which stage productions you will be involved in?

LF: I'm still in the process of searching and auditioning.

PC: What are your future plans in the film industry? Will we see you someday become a director or producer?

LF: Actor-producer is definitely a possibility for me! Directing is not out of the question. I will need to shadow a few directors before I feel confident enough!

PC: What advice would you give to all aspiring and upcoming female talents who want to break into the film industry, especially those who wish to bring diversity and a feminine voice to the overpopulated male dominated Hollywood?

LF: I wouldn't say I'm in a position to give aspiring actresses advice, but I would definitely offer encouragement and support. The industry is extremely challenging to navigate and because of that, a lot of agents' casting directors, producers, etc will shy you away from dreaming BIG! Appreciate what others are trying to tell you, but take things with a grain of salt. Focus on your goals and aspirations!

PC: Thank you for your time Leilani!

LF: Thank you Phil! =)

To learn more about Leilani Fideler, visit her IMDb page and follow her Twitter and Instagram accounts. To learn more about Troma and their upcoming release of B.C. BUTCHER, visit their website at www.troma.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!