10 Questions for: Aaron Alexander (Playing Ed Randall)

March 17th, 2010

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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 Aaron Alexander, who plays Ed Randall, a good guy who was in the wrong place at the wrong time.  His inaction and inability to save Cherry causes her to lump him in with the other assailants in her quest for revenge.  We were very fortunate to find Aaron, who seems to be a man of limitless talent.  Here’s what we asked and what he had to say:

10 Questions:

1. How would you describe your character Ed Randall?

A family man first and foremost. Someone, who somehow places himself at the wrong place at the wrong time.

2. Are there any famous movie or TV characters you are drawing on for inspiration?

Yes, of course. That one guy in that movie that does that thing that makes all that stuff happen and it ends up messing  with that place that everybody loves and then everything turns out ok in the end, I think. You know the one I’m talking about right? ;-)

3. Your character was lumped in with the other assailants due to his inactions when things got out of control.  What degree of responsibility do you think he should be burdened with for his inability to step in and save Cherry?

Reading the script I really felt that my character was wrongfully accused to be put in the same category with those guys. After we got together and rehearsed the scene, I deserve what I get.

4. What’s your dream acting role?

I don’t have so much as a dream acting role, but I do have a dream of just doing nothing but acting as my primary job.

5. What the most annoying thing a director can do when directing an actor?

Tell an actor how to act and not have his/her $#!+ together.

6. How did you get into acting?

My mom would say that I’ve been entertaining since I’ve been born, but I wasn’t in my first “official” play/acting role until I was a freshman in college. My high school was too small to have a theater even though in speech class we had a small production to raise money for our senior trip. Above all, I knew from the age of 4 this is what I wanted to do.

7. What are some of your favorite movies?

This is a question that could take up this whole blog, but I’ll keep it short. Anything Bruce…Lee, not Willis, Jet, Jackie, Donnie…Yen, not Wahlberg. Throw a couple of Wesley’s movies in there pre and post To Wong Foo. Anything Horror mainly Zombies or Vampires…hmm Zombie Vampires…sorry. A little bit of Sci Fi, and A LOT of action. Anything else I’ll consider viewing after reading the plot synopsis…haha

8. Do you prefer playing heroes or villains?

Well in theater I’ve been blessed to play both in the same production. The hero has rules and the villain gets makes his own. I’d like to play the anti-hero. Has rules, but chooses to get the job done his own way. YEAH!

9. You have a long history with Martial Arts.  Can you tell us a little bit about which Martial Arts you’ve studied and what it means to you?

Long history is correct and that journey is nowhere near over. I started in Tae Kwon do when I was 12. I then practiced a little Muay Thai with my brother whenever he would come home from college. Did some Kung Fu (7 Star Praying Mantis) when I first got to Austin. That was briefly followed by Capoeira and then I found Filipino Kickboxing and Jeet Kune Do. Jeet Kune Do is what my main focus is now. Martial Arts to me is a way of life. In the classes you as a student are taught discipline, control, strength, flexibility, courage, respect. I try to incorporate those fundamentals in my everyday life. Of course I’m human and that doesn’t always work out, but knowing that when things step out of line I know I can go back to that place of meditation and concentration and get back on track. I also like to incorporate that strength and focus in to all aspects of my acting. It worked for Bruce and so far it’s working for me.

10. What are some of your favorite projects you’ve done in the past or some upcoming projects you are excited about?  (Provide links so we can help pimp out your previous work  :)  )

Well I have to throw out the first film that I ever got to see my name on the “big screen” Fall to Grace. I played Basketball Player #3. Wasn’t a big role, but it just sparked something in me that to this day keeps me going. I’ve also filmed a number of shorts, one being “Grey” that was recently put into TheDoorpost.com film contest. (http://www.thedoorpost.com/identity/grey/ )and last but not least there’s this little film called Cherry Bomb that coming out this summer. It’s nothing big, but I’d watch it ;-)

Early Look At Cherry Bomb! (a.k.a. Production Stills)

March 16th, 2010

10 Questions for: Alan Martin (Playing Rick Lewis)

March 15th, 2010

alanmartin2As 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 Alan Martin, who plays the corporate ladder climbing Rick Lewis.  Rick was one of the assailants who attacked Cherry and becomes a focal point of her quest for revenge.  Here’s what we asked and what he had to say:

10 Questions:
1. How would you describe your character Rick Lewis?
Sharp dresser, Hard working, loves his kids and his family, but loves his strippers too.Guy who knows what he wants and gets it every time. That guy you send into the boardroom to close a deal that nobody else can close.

2. Are there any famous movie or TV characters you are drawing on for inspiration?
No, I never try to pull from something else, i like to draw from personal experience, and combine that with the writing and directing to try to bring a new character to life.
3. There was some debate between Cherry and her brother Brandon on whether they went too far with tormenting your character Rick or not.  Without giving away his fate, do you think they went too far?
It’s a grey area, but I think “that stripper bitch” is going to get hers! (Reference to one of Alan’s lines.)
4. What’s your dream acting role?
Can’t say I have a “dream” acting role in mind. I just like a good script that challenges me and gives me a character that has depth and passion which I get in Rick Lewis.
5. What the most annoying thing a director can do when directing an actor?
Tell an actor how to act.
6. How did you get into acting?
I did theater in high school and a local acing coach came up to the school  and said that I should try to get an agent so I did.
7. What are some of your favorite movies?
Forrest Gump, Ray. Tom Hanks what can you say, and Jamie Fox was magical as Ray Charles. I like Kevin Spacey as well but there are too many talented actors out there to name them all.
8. Do you prefer playing heroes or villains?
I don’t really have a preference. Just a challenging character.
9. Your big scene was the first day of shooting.  How do you think your first scene came out?
Ahhh man! Don’t ask me that one yeeesh!  jk! I thought Liz who plays Marilyn my wife did a great job, and with what I brought “hopefully” it was a powerful scene.

10. What are some of your favorite projects you’ve done in the past or some upcoming projects you are excited about?  (Provide links so we can help pimp out your previous work  :)  ) I like working on comedy  and I was recently cast to do a pilot for TV series , and as far as recent work I was in a movie called “Mindsight” in 2009  which you can rent at Netflix or purchase at www.singahe.com

Watch Live Streaming Video from the Set of Cherry Bomb!

March 4th, 2010

In the below embed, we will stream live feeds from the sets of Cherry Bomb!  We’re still working out some of the kinks, but it should provide a fun insight into making a no budget action film!

Live Broadcast by Ustream.TV

Day 1 of 24 Complete!

March 2nd, 2010

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Our first day of shooting was today.  Everything ran like clockwork and the cast and crew wrapped 45 minutes early.  Without divulging too much of the plot, this scene was one of the emotional peaks of the film and we really asked a lot of Lizabeth Waters and Alan Martin.  And they totally came through.  We should be able to release some still and small clips in the coming days, so keep coming back to http://www.cherrybombfilm.com for more updates!

A Look At More of the Supporting Characters In Cherry Bomb

February 23rd, 2010

As we finish filling out the cast for Cherry Bomb, we wanted to introduce you to some of the other talented people you’ll see in front of the camera.

Mysteria Back

mysteriablack05Mysteria Black is a talented actress and model, who plays a dancer opposite Cherry named Luscious.  Beyond that, Mysteria has an even longer history with Cherry Bomb.  Back when we had a script and a crew of three people (Kyle, Garrett & Jason Latimer), we wanted to give our project some life and film a teaser trailer.  The gracious and oh so understanding Mysteria agreed to be our Cherry for the shoot.  This little teaser got the ball rolling and gave us a lot of energy and momentum to get to this point.  In case you forgot, here is that teaser:

Trey Huguley

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Up and coming actor, Trey Huguley is a very nice guy.  Really.  One of the nicest people I know.  So, naturally we thought of him to play a scumbucket abusive boyfriend, Isaac.  His natural comedic timing and talent will make his time on screen very engaging as he has to show complete apathy at being an abusive prick.  If you had to guess, how do you think Cherry will take him beating on one of her friends?

Giovanni Antonello

giovanniantonello_2Giovanni is an incredible young actor, who no doubt has a long career ahead of him.  Giovanni comes on to the cast as young, wet behind the ears Officer Tran.  He’s always with the corrupt Detective Whitlock and is unfortunately learning some bad habits from him.  Beyond being a talented actor, Giovanni is also a dangerous samurai:

Legends of the Samura! Brothers [TRAILER] from Andrew Alden Miller I on Vimeo.

Grayce Benesh

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The subject of Isaac (Trey)’s abuse is the sweet, innocent Rhoxxie.  Portraying Rhoxxie is Grayce Benesh, who, in addition to being a former dancer, is also deaf.  Grayce has quite possibly been the most enthusiastic person about Cherry Bomb since we started casting and has been very excited to be a proud example of a deaf person in film.  We are excited to have Grayce’s enthusiasm and talent as a part of Cherry Bomb!

Welcome all!

Welcome New Cherry Bomb Investors!

February 17th, 2010

We here at Cherry Bomb want to extend a HUGE Thank You to the following people who did a lot to make this little film possible!

Glenn & Sharon Hargrove — New Associate Producers

John Knox — New Associate Producer

Stephen Blavier — New Associate Producer

Giancarlo Cairella — New Associate Producer

Ernie & Jackie Danner — New Associate Producer

Ed Boeneke & Margaret Morgan

Alicia De La Torre

Carolyn Hargrove

Lee Danner

Todd McCafferty

Shane Ponting

Michael Kunitzky

Dawna Marvel

Diane Laudonia

Jodi Moisan

Brian Beery

Jodi Cadle

Brody McKinley & Sandy Bottom Pictures

Joel Danner

Tim & Carrie Danner

Joseph Rodriguez

Mike Felder

Chad Breshears

Adam Elrod

Deb Roth

Kara Hargrove

Jenn Page & Luminave Films

Dan Koellhofer

Black Jewel Films/Mike Lynn

Scott “The Yeti” Sneddon

Amanda Cobb

Natalie Harris

Francis Candela

Jodi Moisan

Tom & Stephanie McCafferty

LeMarc Johnson

Kory Day

******************

If you would like to be a part of bringing this fun revenge film to life, go here: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/daykyle/cherry-bomb-its-time-to-beat-hollywood-at-its-ow

Introducing Denise Williamson as “Sapphire”

February 12th, 2010
The camera pans around and locks on SAPPHIRE, 23, as she is
giving a lucky guy an incredible lap dance. Sapphire is a
tall, busty blonde, who is everything a stripper should be.

In the up and down strip club world Cherry lives in, the one constant she can count on is her friend, Sapphire. The crown jewel of the club Cherry works at, Sapphire is the one Cherry turns to when things go to hell. Its hard casting an impeccable beauty. Its also very hard simulating that deep seeded friendship that is built through years of working together, good times and times of turmoil. We searched all over Austin trying to find just the right person. Who could come in and fake this friendship with our star Julin in no time? Then it came to us, maybe the best person is right under our nose and one that Julin doesn’t have to FAKE a camaraderie with…

denisewilliamsonDenise Williamson has co-starred with Julin in 9 movies prior to coming on to Cherry Bomb.  Denise and Julin also have an online variety show they do together (you can read all about here).  Welcome aboard, Denise!

Introducing Allen Hackley as “Bull”

February 11th, 2010
BULL, 35, is a hulking mass of a human being. He wears dark
sunglasses and is talking on a huge 1984 cell phone.

Inside of his hulking hand is a small black journal with the
same Bull emblem on it that adorned the business card.
Bull’s massive hand swallows a small pencil as it jots down
notes.
BULL
Got it. I have another assignment,
but I will be done in three and a
half minutes.

Bull is the only man you have to call when you want someone taken care of.  His history is unknown, but he never fails when taking on a task.  And now someone has hired Bull to stop Miss Cherry on her quest for revenge before she uncovers too much.  Years at the job and countless dead bodies have all but killed him inside and he’s cold and calculating.  He doesn’t let emotion take over and distract him from his job.  And to play Bull, someone just as shrouded in mystery…

allenhackleyNot much is known about Allen Hackley.  Even his parents don’t know a lot about him.  But his focused and efficient audition reminded us a lot of Leon the Professional and the Daniel Craig James Bond.  Deadly and intimidating.  All of that combined to be someone we think is going to totally engage you on screen and we can’t wait for you to meet him as Bull.  Cherry… not looking forward to meeting him as much.

10 Questions for: Star Julin Jean

February 9th, 2010

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As part of our continuing effort to bring you an up close and intimate look at Cherry Bomb and the good folks bringing it to life, here is thr 3rd in our “10 Questions for…” series.  Way more interesting than the one with the screenwriter or director is the one with the sexy face of Cherry Bomb… Julin Jean.  Enjoy!

1. How Did you Get Into Acting?
I’ve always liked performing since I was a kid, I was in dance, and I just had a break in my schedule in high school and took a theater class and fell in love with it.

2. What drew you to the Cherry character?
I like her because she is very daring, and, she does not like to be messed with, or her friends getting messed with, she feels that if she doesn’t stick up for herself no one will, she is also very smart, a lot more than people know, and she kicks a lot of ass!

3. If you could play any heroine from any movie in history, who would it be and why?
I would definitely play superwoman, because she’s saves the world and she flies.

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Julin in the studio

4. You’ve done about 647 movies and found time to make a thriving music career also.  How do you balance the time between your music and film?
It’s a lot of work and time, I’m always writing songs and studying scripts, and I never go out, I save all that for when I travel or go on vacations. Then I go all out :)

5. What is the hardest thing about being an actress?
There’s nothing hard about it, it’s the best job in the world, it’s just as fun as it looks :)

6. How do you prepare for a new role?
I study and breakdown the script and write a bunch of notes, and practice the lines.

7. What is the hardest role that you have ever played?
Actually I would say Cherry, because it’s a lot of training, and there is going to be a lot of stunts, and learning new things, but I haven’t played it yet.

8. Who is your favorite current actor and why?
I’ll go with actress, I love Kate Winslet, she does an amazing job in all her roles, and she’s very daring, and she played a crazy girl in Heavenly Creatures, I liked her from that role on.

The Toy Box.  Starring Julin Jean.  Coming soon.

The Toy Box. Starring Julin Jean. Coming soon.

9. What other projects do you currently have coming up?
The Toy Box (become a facebook fan here),  RetractableRenfield, and I’m doing a little play in a bookstore for fun.

10. Biggest turn on / turn off?
hahaha! Biggest turn on would be a guy who has a free spirit and knows how to have fun, and turn off would be someone who worries about how they look too much. I don’t like girly boys.

That’s it for now.  Continue checking back for more updates on the film and more interviews with the cast and crew.