As part of our efforts to give you a glimpse into our story and characters before they finally make it into the final film, we’re conducting interviews with our cast and crew to get their insight into roles in this film and their careers in general. This week, meet Meredith Johns of Hawgfly Productions. Meredith’s resume reads like a “What bad ass films have been made in Austin” list. Machete, Grindhouse, Friday the 13th and Teeth just to name a few items on her list of credits. Beyond that, she’s just one of the most awesome people you will ever meet. Here’s what we asked and what she had to say:
10 Questions:
1. How did you get into Effects?
Disgruntled with my job in graphic design I decided to volunteer on a zombie movie. After coming home every weekend covered in blood and loving it I knew I had found my calling. I grew up in a family of artists sculpting and painting throughout my life, so it was kind a natural fit.
2. Is there one effect that stands out in your mind as one you are most proud of that you did? (and if you have a clip of it, that would be awesome)
I have to say some of the most fun I’ve had on effects have been on Robert Rodriguez’s Machete. Can’t show any clips or give too many details, but watch the movie! It’s going to totally rock! Another fun effect was for a film called Red, White, and Blue. We skinned a guy’s entire face off. It was both challenging and fun.
3. You’ve worked on all of the big productions like Rodriguez films and Friday the 13th. When and how did you take that leap to continue to be hired by those big productions?
I have worked my way up to the bigger productions by proving myself through a lot of hard work and dedication to my craft. If you’re not willing to jump in there and get your hands dirty you will never succeed. I started out working for free on short films and 48-hr projects. I’ve been through a ton of indie films and learned something from every one of them. I never stop learning and I am constantly looking for new techniques and products to help me make more and more realistic effects.
4. Your company is called “Hawgfly”. How did that name come about?
I started Hawgfly with my business partner Carolyn O’Hara in 2004. Originally we were working with several people (joining us from the zombie movie we all met on) and one of the guys worked at an art studio in Wimberley. At that studio one of the guys that drove around on a tractor spoke similar to one of the characters on King of the Hill (you know the one you can barely understand). Of the words that he belted out regularly was “HAAAAWGFLY.” The guy working with us picked it up and brought it to a sculpting session where we all started using the term. We even brought the word to set with us. In a way it became cool to be “Hawgfly.” When coming up with company names the word just kept coming back. We’d think of a super sophisticated or cool sounding name, but “Hawgfly” was the only one that really fit our personality. So, it stuck.
5. What are some of your favorite movies?
Waaay too many to list, but I’ll try. Labyrinth is still my favorite movie of all time. Also high ranking are Audition, Brazil, Happiness of the Katakuris, Shaun of the Dead, Better off Dead, Night of the Living Dorks, The Bad Seed, Army of Darkness, Evil Dead 2, Old Boy, The Exorcist, Braindead (the uncut edition of Dead Alive), The Thing, and basically anything by Romero or Miike….
6. What’s the most outrageous effect you’ve been asked to create?
Again, probably the most exciting things were from the brain of Robert Rodriguez, but can’t divulge any details. J
7. What effects are the most tedious to create?
Fake heads take some time and I’m not a huge fan of punching hair. I can do it well, but boy can it be tedious….
8. What effects are the most fun to create?
The effects that really challenge me are generally the most fun. It’s exhilarating to have those MacGyver moments. Also, oddly enough, the simple wounds are the most fun at times for me. There’s something really fun about tattoos, bruises, cuts and abrasions. I also enjoy sculpting up prosthetics for pretty much anything.
9. What were some of the challenges in doing the effects for Cherry Bomb?
For a little scary bit of time I thought I was going to have to punch corn rows (a very time consuming and difficult task) on Bull’s fake head, but I was saved by an afro. Other than that, trying to give you guys the best effects possible as quickly and cheaply as possible. But, isn’t that the truth for all Independent film making?
10. Are there any other aspects of production you have interest in (writing/directing/acting/etc)?
Quite honestly… no. I love my job. There’s always something new to learn or try and I am happiest on set or in my shop sculpting or churning out pieces for projects. Above all else I am an artist. I appreciate the other jobs on set, but my true love is in makeup.
Tags: Effects, Hawgfly, Meredith Johns
