art by Rocco George |
Your new movie Attack of the Killer Chickens - in a few words, what
is it about?
Forget Everything You know about Chickens! It's the dawn of a new age, a
chicken age! Attack of the Killer Chickens!
Blunt question: Why chickens? And what were your inspirations for
coming up with Attack of the Killer Chickens? Better
a blunt question than a blunt object. Chickens are really cute and silly.
I had a dream about chickens that I based the film on then I met puppet
maker and puppeteer Rocco George who used to actually raise chickens, so we
knew fate had a claw in all of this. We met on set of Bernard T. Ward's
Popcorn Bag of Terror and I felt immediate creative synergy with Rocco. I
knew we had to do a project together ASAP!!! You
just have to talk about your movie's chicken effects for a bit? Rocco
George created our unique and wonderful chicken puppets for the film! Each
one is a totally unique work of art. Rocco and K.J. Hopkins worked both as
puppeteers and doing special effects and make up. Rocco was truly so
talented! He created the puppets, acted with a whole bunch of them in some
challenging scenes, played a human character and worked on special
effects! He is such a bright and cheerful guy too. A real team player.
With Attack of the Killer Chickens
being a horror comedy, what can you
tell us about the film's approach to horror, and its brand of comedy? The
film's approach to horror follows in the footsteps of a lot of great cult
films such as Plan 9 from Outer
Space, Attack of the Killer
Tomatoes
and Attack of the 50 Foot
Woman. In a sense, I wanted to pay homage to
these cult classics with my film. The brand of comedy was a bit
inspired by John Waters and my own twisted sense of humor, haha! As
far as I know, Attack of the Killer Chickens
is your directorial
debut - so why did you choose exactly this story? I
actually wrote, directed and acted in this. My pal Pamela Martin suggested
we work on a film project together so I told her about my dream and idea
for Attack of the Killer Chickens. Then I put together a team and wrote
the script! Things moved quickly. At night I dream of chickens ... cluck
cluck cluck! What
can you tell us about your directorial approach to your story at hand? After
being in over 70 projects since October 2011 I thought it was time to direct.
It felt natural. I wanted to do a horror/comedy because I think those are
my two best genres as a writer and actress. I feel very comfortable on a
film set and I tend to be a rather organized person that isn't afraid to
take some chances. You
also act in front of the camera in Attack of the Killer Chickens
-
so what can you tell us about your character, and have you written her
with yourself in mind from the get-go? And how much of Genoveva Rossi can
we find in her?
Rocco George |
I actually picked my team of 6 people I wanted to be part of
this project then wrote the script with everyone in mind.
My character, Lisa is a character who is strong, but loving.
I see part of myself in Lisa. I like playing strong, dynamic characters
and as a woman I feel strong women need to be represented more and more in
film.
What can you tell us about the rest of
your cast, and why exactly these people?
Nick Petito plays Richard Donahue, a news reporter facing a
crisis.
Rocco George is Vinnie, a neighbor, and also plays various
chickens (Ronald, Damian and Betty).
Pamela Martin plays my lover Jill, a vulnerable character.
K.J. Hopkins is Tyrone and plays a couple chickens.
Edward X. Young is Edwin, a very desperate man in the film.
I choose each person based on their talent and passion.
I met Nick Petito (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm5292537)
a few years ago at Monster Mania where he was promoting his film Halloween
Obsession. Later I acted in his film Jackie Ross: Little, But
Tough. I was
impressed with his camera work, vision and acting skills. I recall telling
Nick that when it was time for me to direct my own film I definitely
wanted him on my team.
In addition to acting, Nick Petito was our cinematographer,
he also edited the film, created the lighting and sound. He also had some
useful creative input and was a huge asset to the film in so many ways.
Pamela Martin, Genoveva Rossi |
Pamela Martin (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2366536)
and I have been pals for a few years. We are both actresses yet we had
never acted together. Pam suggested we create a project and we did! Pam
ended up becoming both acting in and producing this film. Thanks to her
hard work my first film is a SAG film.
I met Rocco George (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3285267)
on the set of Bernard T. Ward's Popcorn Bag of Terror. I played a sexy
gypsy and he played a few roles as both puppet and person. We connected
and I told him of my crazy chicken movie. He used his vast creative talent
to create the chickens I had envisioned!
Rocco George designed the chickens, acted with them and also
acted in a human role. He also worked special effects and make up. He was
spectacular!
Edward X. Young (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1980137)
and I have been in over 16 films together and at the time I was working on
the script he had suffered a car accident. Luckily by the time we shot Ed
was ready to get back to acting. He gave a wonderful performance in his
role. His fans will love his scenes.
K. J. Hopkins (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm5897129)
and I have acted together in a number of films. He is a real team player.
He played Tyrone, played a couple minor chicken roles, secured our
location, worked on make up/special effects and helped out with all
levels of the production.
Edward X. Young |
Do talk about
the shoot as such, and the on-set atmosphere? It was a fun
shoot, but also a focused one. It was a fun script and had a lot room for
creative freedom, but we were super focused on our tasks. Nick Petito and
I were especially focused on getting our shots and watching each scene
after we shot it. The
$64-question of course, when and where will the film be released onto the
general public? I am hoping for an October release. Perhaps
posting in online for a bit, submitting it to film festivals, putting
it on DVD, etc. After the experiences you had with Attack of the Killer Chickens
- will you ever write and direct another movie
again? Yes! I liked writing/directing and I was really
happy with my talented team of actors and crew!
Genoveva with Nick Petito |
Any future projects you'd like to share?
Look
for me in a bunch of upcoming films including Bernard T. Ward's Popcorn
Bag of Terror, Herschell Gordon Lewis' Bloodmania [Herschell
Gordon Lewis bio - click here], in Larry Rosen's Cries
and Pleads and The Abducted, Hunters with Linnea Quigley,
Blood on the
Reel (an indie horror documentary), Sanctum Deep, Bite
School ... plus I
am working on some theatre acting! I also write a feature for each issue
of Malevolent Magazine called A Day in the Life of a Scream Queen that
details my life in horror! Your/your
movie's website, Facebook, whatever else?
Attack of the Killer Chickens! Like the page and visit for
pics and updates! https://www.facebook.com/Attackofthekillerchickens
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4942096/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_4
My Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/GenovevaRossi810
My IMDb: http://www.imdb.me/genovevarossi
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Anything else
you are dying to mention and I have merely forgotten to ask?
I want to thank my cast and crew for bringing their talents,
creativity and passion to this film. I see a bright future ahead of us! Cluck cluck!
Horror isn't just a genre, it's a lifestyle. And my life
certainly proves that.
Yours in screams,
Genoveva Rossi
Thanks
for the interview!
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