Your upcoming project The Dance of the Mescaline Spiders - in
a few words, what's it going to be about? And what drew you
to the project, how did you get involved in the first place? This
is a fictional story based on a series written by Mike Knecht. The story
is about the main series character Parker Reed who goes into Mexico to
save a friend and former rodeo partner from his involvement and trouble
with the drug cartel. I was looking for a script that was topical, had the
old west feel about it, had a limited cast and plenty of action. The
script was sent over for me to read and I saw a lot potential. You
of course have to talk about your production partner on The Dance of
the Mescaline Spiders, Jack Skyyler [Jack
Skyyler interview - click here], for a bit, and how did the two of
you first hook up? And what can you tell us about your previous projects
together? I played a lead role in one of Jack's first films
he directed. I recognized his talent as a young upcoming director and
encouraged him to keep studying and making films. Do talk about The Dance of the Mescaline
Spiders' screenwriters John Porter and Mike Knecht for a bit, and
what's your collaboration like? John adapted the novel into
the screenplay we have now. As I mentioned, Mike has a series about the
character Parker Reed and his cases. Anything you can tell us
about the film's intended tone, look and feel yet? It
currently has somewhat of a dark tone to it, however we may make a few
changes to that as we go thru the final rewrites. What I am looking for is
a film that leaves you thinking but happy that the good guy won. Any
cast/director attached yet? We are in talks with a well
established director now and some name talent for several key roles. So how's the schedule for
this movie - when will it go into production (tentatively), when do you
plan to wrap, and any idea when and where it's going to be released onto
the general public yet (and I realize this is probably waaay too early to
ask)? We are still finalizing the script. We will then
develop the budget based on some of the changes we are implementing. I
expect to begin preproduction in October and begin shooting in November.
Let's go back to the beginnings of your career:
What got you into the filmworld to begin with, and did you receive any
formal training on the subject? I began on stage as a
youngster both in school and at the local city theater group. At 19, I was
rodeoing and riding bucking horses and was asked to model Wrangler Jeans.
During a modeling commercial, I was asked to audition for a TV host for a
new cable channel called The Nashville Network. I was selected and was the
first local host for the Network in Corpus Christi Texas. While hosting
the show, I was asked to Hollywood for an audition for a remake of the
Summer of '42 by Eddie Albert's agent. Eddie Albert and I had recently
shot a commercial for Farm Aid 1984. Can you still remember
your first time in front of a movie camera, and what was that feeling
like? I have always been a ham in front of the camera even
as a child. I think the joy of entertaining others is what really drives
me. As far as I know, your breakthrough as both actor
and producer came with Palo Pinto Gold - want to talk about that
one for a bit? Palo Pinto Gold was a great little project.
I was actually cast as the lead antagonist Shane Stocksteal before I was
ever asked to be a producer. I actually was given a producer credit
because of the additional talent I brought in, the music was handled by my
publishing company, and ultimately invested money into the film to help
finance its completion. With Palo Pinto Gold being a
Western - is that a genre at all dear to you? And while talking all things
Western, would you care to also talk about your background in rodeo?
Western
films are certainly one of my favorite genres. I think the romanticism of
the old west and since I am a cowboy anyway, the history of the cowboy is
of great interest. As far as rodeo, I rode a few bulls when I was young
but switched to bareback broncs. I just always liked bucking horses
better. I rodeoed for the Texas A&M rodeo team in college and then
professionally for several years. In 1989, I took up team roping and
qualified for the National Senior Pro Rodeo finals in 2003 and 2004. Other
films of yours you'd like to talk about? Any future
projects beyond The Dance of the Mescaline Spiders you'd like to
share? I have several projects I am cast in this year that
are sure to be great projects and a few that are upcoming that I am
excited about as well. A couple are historical westerns to be shot here in
Texas. Besides acting and producing, you also do the
occasional stuntwork, right? So what can you tell us about Glynn Praesel,
the stuntman? I only wish I had been more involved doing
stunt work when I was younger. I just didn't have the connections I do
now. This is a natural fit for rodeo cowboys when they aren't on the road.
It provides that exciting rush that rodeo cowboys strive on. Filmmakers, actors, whatever else who
inspire you? I like actors who are real and not caught up
in the fame that comes with being recognized. To him who much is given...
much is expected! I'm inspired by filmmakers who have a passion for really
capturing the emotion and story... not just trying to shock the audience
or put agendas in to sell movies. Your favourite movies?
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I
have several but I can tell you I've watched Tombstone many many times.
The Shootist, The Shawshank Redemption, and one of my favorite comedies
The Princess Bride. ...
and of course, films you really deplore?
I personally don't
care for films that are slasher films blood and guts. I will watch
thrillers, thought-provoking films and even horror films from time to time
but if the whole premise is to scare you with gore and shock value I'm not
buying it. Your/your
movie's website, Facebook, whatever else?
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2879265/ Anything else
you are dying to mention and I have merely forgotten to ask? I
am a SAG/AFTRA member. I am always happy to look at film projects and
offer help where I can. My passion is acting but as a business owner I
have become involved in the production and distribution processes. I don't
mind being contacted by email anytime to participate in someone's project
as well. Gpraesel@yahoo.com Thanks
for the interview!
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