Fans of horror films only have one more day to wait until “Splatter” is released for everyone’s viewing pleasure over the web thanks to Netflix and Roger Corman. This week I had the wonderful pleasure of interviewing Tony Todd whose acting career began in 1986 in Oliver Stone’s “Platoon”. Over the years Tony has worked on a variety of different projects and has learned a lot during his time in front of the camera. This interview was planned within the course of 48 hours so unfortunately there was not time to do a poll to get your questions to ask him.
Below is a recap of our free flowing conversation about “Splatter” and his career:
How did you come to be a part of Splatter?
I was contacted by my Manager and Julie Corman about the project. I found out that Joe Dante had signed on to helm the project and I decided to sign on so I could work with him and Roger Corman.
What sets Splatter apart from other horror films?
With the internet there is the chance to truly take things viral. The death sequences took a full day to shoot and some of the best makeup artists and people behind the screen were brought in to work on the project. For instance we had people that had worked on The Curious Case of Benjamin Button working with us which was cool.
What was it like to work with Joe Dante and Roger Corman?
It was wonderful working with them and I have a lot of respect for them. When you get the opportunity to work with such great people you take it!
What role are you playing and what is your character like?
Without giving too much away, I play Spencer Pope, Johnny Splatters Manager who is an extreme control freak. I am not a control freak in my personal life. Working as a character actor gives me the chance to live out so many different roles.
Where do you think Splatter will take this idea of giving the audience a chance to essentially “choose their own adventure?”
Its like Clue inside a Haunted Mansion! The audience will have the chance to truly decide the deaths of the characters. I am looking forward to seeing some of the grizzly ways the fans will choose.
As a very prolific actor is the internet streaming something you see yourself doing more of in the future?
The more viewers that Netflix gets with this type of project the more likely there will be more like it. I would be happy to work on future projects like this that come my way.
What has attracted you to the horror genre over the years?
40% of my work has been in horror movies but I do have a Masters in Theater and do at least one play a year. Acting roles are gravy because they have given me a great opportunity to work with a wide variety of other great actors and directors.
Can you tell me a little bit about your upcoming projects?
Prodigy is shooting in Atlanta soon and I am working on my transition project “Eerie, PA” which is a thriller I have written and hope to direct once I get the funding for it. My goal has been to transition to directing and producing all along. I always learn something new and if I don’t I take it off my resume.
I learned a lot talking with Tony Todd. He is a genuine and energetic actor who seems truly passionate about his craft. I think that I can forgive him for scaring the crap out of me with his “Candyman” character. “Splatter” premieres on Netflix tomorrow October 29th and ends on Friday November 13! Click HERE tomorrow. For a sneak preview of the gore and mayhem head on over to AICN to check out an exclusive clip of a death scene from the film and see Tony Todd in action.
* Photos courtesy of Lisa Rose, lisarosephoto.com.
He was a total Bad-Ass in the ROCK!!!
it’s candyman! awesome!
he scares me