ScreamTV

Over the July 4th weekend, I had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing Anthony Brownrigg. Brownrigg, a local film director here in Dallas, kindly answered a few questions for me, allowing me to get to know him better and giving me insight into his past film projects. He also gave me some background information about his upcoming film entitled Archaic Redemption, due to release next year. His high energy, wonderful sense of humor, and very obvious passion for the film business made writing the column below exciting and enjoyable!

Q Looking at your bio, not only do you direct and produce films; you are also an accomplished actor and writer as well. Which one of these roles do you feel most passionate about?

A Definitely directing, and writing. My father, (S.F. Brownrigg) was a director and producer in the 70′s.

Q How did you get started?

A Because my father was a director, I grew up on film sets and dabbled in everything on them. My father directed “Don’t Look in the Basement”.

Q What drives you to the film biz? *Brownrigg answered with a big grin on his face*

A The film business is a disease: It’s like the plague! When you’re in the business, it’s in everything you do. It’s a passion.

Q What are some things in your life that are big motivators for you?

A My father is a a big motivator. Francis Coppola *Godfather* Stanley Kubrick, any good film maker: A good film maker is someone who’s work affects you. That can be anything: fear, happiness, sadness, any of the human emotions.

Q Tell me a little bit about your family.

A My mother was an actress. In fact, my father and mother met on a Larry Buchanan film called “The Naked Witch”. She played the naked witch and he was the sound man. My mother’s name at the time was Libby Hall. My wife’s name is Megan. She is also a writer and deals more in the novel/plot elements sort of thing. She writes with me on a lot of stuff. .

Q “Archaic Redemption” is your next film currently under production stages. Can you give me some insight into what this film is about?

A The idea for the film all started on an online social network called Second Life. On this network, there are about 4000 people that play a role playing game based upon a post apocalyptic world. The name of the world is Cola, which is short for City of Lost Angels (created by Suzanna Soyinka). In this world, all hell is broken loose: There’s a comet that came down called Wormwood; There are demons, angels, vampires, humans, the undead, werewolves, and the supernatural. All factions battle each other in the city. The undead faction is called Archaic Redemption (created by Tempest Ella).  It takes place in Necroville, where the undeads hang out. Unlike typical zombies, they know who they are and are fast thinkers. They do all the things zombies do, but they have names and lives and it’s very inspiring.

Q Who are the actors and actresses cast in “Archaic Redemption”?

A The movie is still being cast currently. A calendar is also in production. The calendar will have our undead characters displayed on it.  Brooke Lewis, who is a very big supporter of breast cancer research, came on board to play the head of the undead faction, Tempest Ella. Megan Miller is playing the role of Chasity, Keli Wolfe as Kaz, Camden Toy as Dr. Nash, Arianne Martin as Ava, and Tyler Tackett as Xan. All characters are based from Second Life. Everyone came on board without even seeing a script, so the script is being written around the game currently and the characters.

Q I understand that you are donating proceeds from “Archaic Redemption” calendar sales  to breast cancer research. That’s very generous of you! Why did you choose this particular charity?

A I chose it because it is a good cause, I have supported the cause before, and a member of my family has been diagnosed with breast cancer recently. So, the cause also hits a personal note for me.

Q What other projects are you working on?

A I am going to be directing a vampire film next year and working with Gabrielle Faust. I can’t give details yet, but it’s definitely an exciting project! Freeborn is another film I am working on. It’s a werewolf film based in Ireland, Dun Aengus. In Dun Aengus, there is an old fort that drops off a cliff. This spot is incredible and has inspired Freeborn… Also, the Guinness is awesome in Ireland!

Q Do you prefer the horror genre?

A Actually, I enjoy all movie genres. I made the film “Red Victoria” because I was bored. *Because of the confused look on my face at this point, Brownrigg went on to explain* ” I really wanted to do a comedy,  but a guy I knew convinced me to do a horror movie. Therefore, “Red Victoria” is a dark comedy. The movie is about a guy who doesn’t want to make a horror movie. I sat down and said I need a muse.  Victoria is my horror muse. The premise of the film is that she is there to guide him to create the story so that she can kill everyone at the end.”

Q Do you anticipate experimenting with any other genres in the future?

A Absolutely! I actually prefer interesting stories, no matter what the genre. I have a interest in science fiction comedies and romantic comedies. I prefer any genre that tells a good story.

Q Is there a particular genre you won’t do?

A I won’t do pornography. Clothes are too much fun.

Q What are your thoughts on the “Twilight” series out right now and the craze over it?

A “Twilight” isn’t necessarily my personal cup of tea. However, I will fully recognize the story has an audience. If a story has an audience, than it is a good story. *Brownrigg had me in tears with laughter with his next sentence*

“No zombies will sparkle in red in “Archaic Redemption” unless they are on fire.”

Q Do you spend most of your time in Dallas?

A I do. I travel to Los Angeles, but my home is here in Dallas.

Q What are a few of your all time favorite movies?

A “Manchurian Candidate” the original, and “Mean Streets” are two. I enjoy making horror movies more than I enjoy watching them. The reason is I have been in the industry so long, nothing scares me. But I do watch them, because I am a very big supporter of independent films. It’s a crazy business and anyone who has the guts to make a movie and has the passion to strive towards that goal has my respect.

Q Where can the public purchase and view your films?

A “Red Victoria” is out on Netflix, Amazon, Best Buy, and Blockbuster.

Q Years from now, what would you like to be remembered for in the movie biz?

A The funny thing is, I would rather have the films remembered more than me. I want to be proud of anything I do. And if the audience enjoys it and gets something from the film, that is what I would like to be remembered.

I’d like to thank Mr. Brownrigg for giving me the chance to interview him and get to know him better. Be sure to check out his films on Netflix or at your local Blockbuster! I am personally looking forward to “Freeborn”, as an occult fan myself. I will keep you updated as the movie release gets closer!

-Amira Ansari