five with frights:- Michael Berryman
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MICHAEL BERRYMAN just completed filming a new thriller called "Below Zero" which gave Mr. Frights another chance to chat up the horror star...
IMDB
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MR. FRIGHTS: Can you tell us a little about "Below Zero"; who you play, what the movie is about? -
MICHAEL BERRYMAN: "Below Zero" is a Horror-Thriller. It is about a screenwriter with writer's bloc, who has himself locked in a slaughterhouse freezer to meet his deadline for a finished script, in order to keep his agent from dropping him. It takes place in a remote location: remote and stark. I play Gunner Protekts, the owner of the slaughterhouse. There are many layers to this story. We see different and unexpected scenarios that keep everyone on the edge of their chairs. It rocks! -
MR. FRIGHTS: Did you work closely with the writer of "Below Zero" Signe Olynyk? What was that like?
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MICHAEL BERRYMAN: The very fact that Signe wrote her script in a slaughterhouse freezer, to me, shows a very creative and fascinating mind. When I met her, I was struck by how unassuming she appears. How could such a
pleasant person write such a dramatic, dark, drama? The characters all had well defined issues and Gunner was a real 'Peach'! Signe was hands-on with every aspect of production decisions. Anytime I needed something, I knew Signe could be counted on. Well done, Signe!
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MR. FRIGHTS: Can you tell us a little about your experience working with Director Justin Thomas Ostensen?
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MICHAEL BERRYMAN: Justin has a calm
enthusiasm which displays his well thought-out approach to each 'take'. I enjoyed his wicked sense of humor. I could always bring ideas and subtle adjustments to every 'shot'. Justin is a good listener. It was enjoyable to trust his understanding of what he really needed in each scene. He does know the lens, and it shows. We had fun with little nuances. Thanks Justin, it all came together well!
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MR. FRIGHTS: I read that Signe Olynyk spent time writing this film while locked in a freezer. Have you ever gone to any such extremes to gain experience on a character you were going to be playing?
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MICHAEL BERRYMAN: In 'Cuckoo's Nest', we did spend 2-weeks in a real mental hospital with patients during pre-production. We did get to go home to the hotel at night though. In 'Hill's Have Eyes' I spent lot's of time camping in the same location were we filmed. I have had plenty of real-life experiences and can 'go there' to become the character. I like to let a screenplay settle-in, so to speak. I start my readings with most focus on action and scene description. A movie plays in my mind's eye first, then emotional content fills the characters. I actually learn the dialogue last.
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MR. FRIGHTS: You worked with Edward Furlong on this production, did you guys get a chance to work closely together?
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MICHAEL BERRYMAN: Eddie is a real centered guy. I like him a lot. He knows what to bring to the scene. He is
definitely a professional! We had a rough schedule, and everyone pulled together to help Signe and Producer
Bob Schultz make this film. I will also say this: We have a terrific film! I am certain the fans will feel the same! Looking forward to the premiere!
Hit the Grab Bag Questions below to go on with the interview...
GRAB BAG QUESTIONS
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MR. FRIGHTS: You've said you're most proud of your work on X-Files. Outside of that, has there ever been a role you've gotten or not gotten that you just had your heart set on?
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MICHAEL BERRYMAN: I put it all on the line for "The Crow". The Skull Cowboy had great potential. I always hoped we could have turned back time and bring
Brandon back to finish the films the way they were written...
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MR. FRIGHTS: What's your opinion on all these remakes of great horror films like "The Hills Have Eyes"?
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MICHAEL BERRYMAN: I find remakes as a solid investment for the production companies to re-invest and create revenues to make more films. This is a good thing. However, most recent remakes are far removed from the original 'feel' that the classics have. It is always flattering and I understand the new audiences will gravitate back to the originals and then we all have a chance to be a part of history, generationally speaking.
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MR. FRIGHTS: If you were under siege from the undead, what's the first thing you grab to fight them off?
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MICHAEL BERRYMAN: The undead splatter well with a shotgun. Fire works sometimes. I would probably throw a crooked Wall Street 'suit' at them to feed on and then run like Hell!
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MR. FRIGHTS: Aside from budget, what would you say the biggest difference in working on Studio films versus Indie films is? Do you prefer working on one over the other?
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MICHAEL BERRYMAN: Well, I find the Indies have more of a 'family'-feeling. The
comradery is deeper. Sometimes the 'extra-mile' is more a part of the day's work. A Studio film can be extra-ordinary with more support and rehearsal time. They usually have better catering too! I enjoy them both.
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MR. FRIGHTS: You've mentioned in our previous interview that you've pulled from personal experience to help inspire the characters you play on screen. What do you pull from when there's nothing similar to the character you're playing and yourself?
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MICHAEL BERRYMAN: I have played villains and devils, aliens and angels. I do have a vivid imagination and have no problem making a story come to life. It is the Art that we do. Often I take information I have seen on the news, read in history books and even comic books! These all are good for me to tap into in the development of my characters.
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MR. FRIGHTS: As an actor what's your most important tool?
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MICHAEL BERRYMAN: Imagination, interpretation, and the ability to follow direction.
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MR. FRIGHTS: Was there ever a time when you would have done something other than acting?
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MICHAEL BERRYMAN: When I was 'discovered' by George Pal, I was planning instead to homestead in Alaska or Canada. I wanted to be a nature photographer. I do love my photography and someday the North West will call me again.
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MR. FRIGHTS: The key to making good horror is...?
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MICHAEL BERRYMAN: It is all about the story...
Thank you for the time and great questions. Best regards and gratitude to my fans!
- Michael