Interview with the masters

Interview with Lei Renniks

Lei Renniks

Film Credits:

Ravage, Sinyster, Kitty Killers

1. When did you first decide you wanted to be an actor?

Actually I started rather late, a junior in high school. But, I really didn't try for a part in the school productions until my senior year. It's kind of funny because we were putting on "Bye Bye Birdie", a musical, and I had the only lead that didn't sing, haha, can you imagine that! Gives you some idea to my talent in that area. :)

2. At what age did you first get your big break in the film business?

There again I have been a late bloomer. I really didn't see myself acting, more like behind the scenes in a supportive role. I met Ronnie and Tod (Reynolds) and we began talking about some stuff. Well we decided to shoot some things on video, you know just some shorts and such, and I was kinda the odd-man out as it were. That was the beginning, AND I LIKED IT!!

3. Who was your biggest influence on film making?

I saw "Sid & Nancy" way back, I mean WAAAAY back, and I really didn't catch on then, but I would have to say that on hind sight Gary Oldman is by far the greatest influence on me as an actor. He can mold himself into any character that he plays, a truly most under appreciated fellow. Phenomenal talent.

4. Did you have to go to college for learning the arts of acting?

I hate to say this, but really, any person can become an actor. I think the main thing that most people don't realize, and the main thing I try to overcome, is that acting really is the wrong descriptive. Stage work IS acting. It requires you to cheat to the audience, or talk TO the audience. To perform stylistically all of your actions and reactions. Even the big guys like Brando play it differently. Screen acting is what I would call mimicing, you have TO BE sad, or mad, or scared silly, often without the help of playing off another actor. I am still learing and I would say that If you asked most actors that went to school they will say the ssame thing as well.

5. Can you make a living off of making Independent films?

If you are asking ME if I can make a living as an actor----No. I have let other priorities sneal up on me, like my lovley daughter. I probably could but it would require tremendous amounts of time and effort that I simply do not have anymore. You or anyone you know can make a decent living if you want to whore yourself out. Now I should say that I don't mean that in a bad way, it's just that if you want to make money your going to have to work the commercial side of the street. Right now If you want to do scab work your in luck. Me - I hate unions and all the crap that goes with them. I really don't belive that Tom Cruise, or Jim Carry, with their multi-million dollar deals really need a "union" card. Unions are for idiots who don't know how to make a cheeseburger. 'nuff said.

6. What is the difference between Independent films and Studio films?

Indie's are better!! HAHA I would say that Indie's really don't have an ego problem. Really, whenever you make a Hollywood film eeeeeveryone has their pudgy, greasy fingers in the pie. The producer wants this, the writer wants this, the actors character can't say this... Jeeebus, I mean a lot of indie's rely on people that are just glad to be working, and a hell of a lot of free labor goes into this things. I know from experiance the amount of effort that these individuals put forth and they ALL are sorely unappreciated. Not by the directors and producers of these projects, they are in the same boat, but by the mainsteam culture. I really didn't care to see Tom Cruise as Lestat!! Did You!!! But all the pinheads that buy this crap can't live without their pretty-boys and girls. It really makes me mad to see great "unattractive" actors not make it to stardom. A lot of really good talent shot to hell. (to Angry?)

7. What is your favorite genre of film?

The good kind. I really don't have a favorite "genre". Although I guess that most of my inspirations are in the Sci-Fi - Horror realm. I don't think that they really get a fair shake, or ever will, and sometimes wonder if horror is really trying to be "legitimate", but there is an awful lot of great work that nobody knows about (The Innocents, 1961). And I should mention a lot af great ideas done poorly that everyone knows about (Stargate, 1994). And please don't mention Star Wars. There will never be an acadamy award in that series no matter who is in it. And let's not get me going about Sir Alec Guiness, well, just for people who don't know - HE DID OTHER THINGS BEFORE STAR WARS!!!

8. What is your favorite all time movie?

That one is easy, and should be for everyone in the indie industry:

THE BLAIR WITCH

I really could go on, and on about this movie but just think about everything it has done for the industry. I think you will be seeing a lot more indie productions in the theater soon.

9. Do you use any kind of math in this profession?

Actually no, I can count on my hands how many times I've been fucked in the ass!

10. What is your favorite part about being an actor?

SSSSSSSSSSSSSS Sorry, that's just the sound of my head expanding. I really apreciate the complement, but I need some more work to be as cool as my on screen persona. I do suffer from a bit of underachievement and I really would say that's what has kept me back. I know in my heart that I could make a wonderful actor but my mind sometimes tells me differently. If anyone gets anything from this interview, please let it be:

"You are as good as anyone else, and you shouldn't listen to the big boys and their B.S."

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