Now, I believe in the personal philosophy “˜If you don’t ask, you don’t get.’ So as a shot in the dark, I thought I would contact a certain somebody. After reminding myself of my youth and the things that were most influential to me, one of those was, bear with me, none other than the Bill & Ted movies. My mother downright refused me to tear a tee-shirt in half, to emulate Bill S. Preston, Esq. At least I could wear the cap backwards. Now enough on those movies. (Even though the new 3 Disc Boxset Bill & Ted’s Most Excellent Collection is out now.)
I say this because the person I wanted to question [bother] was none other than Mr. Alex Winter!
Checking out his personal Web site alexwinter.com will tell you that this man has been busy. Very busy. And the following interview will tell all”¦
Geeks of Doom: Normally, I can think of pertinent and usually witty questions but I’m struggling here because I am now seemingly writing questions that you’ve probably answered a thousand times before, so please indulge me! Typical fanboy glee can take over somewhat! Now, this will a surprise for the Geeks Of Doom, especially with me coming from the UK and their office being in New York, but I thank you for your time [patience] to answer these questions”¦so how are you?
Alex Winter: Very well indeed, thanks.
GoD: You spend time between your two homes in the U.S. and London, which country do you prefer? The UK isn’t exactly the best place for sun, sea and sand”¦
AW: I was born in the UK, raised in the U.S. I shoot a lot in London and love the town. It’s my second home.
GoD: Since working in TV and Film, and now behind the camera, which would you say was the most satisfying for you?
AW: I love acting, it’s a lot of fun, but my main focus has always been writing and directing.
GoD: How does the directing process differ being behind the camera than to being in front directed by someone else?
AW: It’s a totally different process to direct than to act. For me at least. As an actor I’m there only for the character. It’s very simple where the focus is. As a director I’m focused on the entire movie, the story, and all the crew and the actors.
GoD: And with that in mind, can the actors you direct become “˜divas’ at times?
AW: I try to go out of my way not to hire divas. In any department. The job’s hard enough as it is, without introducing silly people into the mix.
GoD: What genre do you like to work in? With a film like Fever under your belt, was it taxing flexing your muscles with the psychological thriller style?
AW: I like working in any genre that tells the story I’m interested in. Comedy is the most taxing genre as it takes such an intense effort to make it work.
GoD: Anything in progress now?
AW: Yes, just finished shooting a movie for the Cartoon Network; a live-action movie of their animated show Ben 10 [premieres November 21, 2007]. Was a lot of fun! In post now until the end of the year. We showed the teaser at comic con, went great! [Watch the teaser here.]
GoD: Do you enjoy the adoration from fans and do you believe in fan interaction to some extent?
AW: I like interacting with fans. Movies are a communal medium, so it’s good to stay in touch with the audience.
GoD: Of all the work you’ve done, what would you say was your favorite?
AW: I’m happy to say I do a lot of things I enjoy. Right now shooting Ben 10 with my son helping out on set has been pretty high on the list.
God: Random question generator: Do you have a MySpace account? [Who doesn’t?] What do you think of the imposters and film fan profiles?
AW: I don’t have a MySpace page. Sorry. I check my website from time to time for talkback.
GoD: Thanks again for your time Mr Winter.
AW: Thank you!!
And so, I was extremely pleased to receive an email reply. A giant among men, who is also a gentleman, and someone who connects with people and fans, I bring Mr. Alex Winter to the table.
Yeah!
Photo Credit: http://www.alexwinter.com
Amazing! Freaked is one of my all time favorite movies. I’m glad to see he’s still around doing what he loves.
Comment by tgpo — August 22, 2007 @ 11:56 pm