By Kelly Strodl
How does one go about making a fun indie-rock-n-roll-vampire-spoof film? Mix in a little mistaken identity, some suckage, loud music, a few cameos (Iggy Pop, Alice Cooper, Moby, Malcolm McDowell etc…), a quirky writer, and of course a vampire or two. That’s how writer/director of SUCK, Rob Stefaniuk went about composing this energetic romp through the world of vampirism and rock. In the film, a down and out band that will do anything for a record deal, including not ask questions when their bass player, Jennifer, disappears one night with a hip-looking guy who turns out to be a vampire. Suddenly, Jessica emerges with a sexually-charged charisma that drives the audiences wild, changing the bands humdrum image forever…
Hear what Rob had to say about himself, the making of his new film, and what it’s like to work with Iggy:
Q: How did you hear about the Newport Beach Film Festival?
A: I heard about it from a future version of myself. I said it went really really well. (actually my Producer told me about it, but he was dressed a lot like me)
Q: Tell a little about the story of your film and the production of it.
A: SUCK took five years before someone was willing to make it. After a very slow start, the film suddenly became a "little film that could". We began with a million dollar budget and no stars, and thanks to a great team and a little luck, we ended up with a 3.5 million dollar film and some of the coolest people in rock (Iggy Pop, Alice Cooper, Henry, Alex, Moby etc). Sometimes it's better to wait.
Q: Tell a little about yourself and your story in filmmaking.
A: I began as an actor and had my first screenplay made when I was twenty three (The Size of Watermelons starring Paul Rudd). After that I produced, did some editing and directed some rock videos. I made my first short in 2004, followed by my first film PHIL THE ALIEN, a film about an alien that crashes in Northern Ontario and becomes an alcoholic. Then I went down to the crossroads and made a deal, which brings us to Suck.
Q: Your take on the performances of the lead actors, (set backs, triumphs, impressions, good surprises, etc.)
A: All of the actors came to the table ready rock. We have some very talented up and coming actors who put in extra rehearsal time and really delivered on the day. Biggest surprise...Iggy wore a shirt.
Q: What do you do when not making a smash indie film?
A: Get smashed and watch indie films.
SUCK screens at 8 PM on Friday, April 23 at the Edwards Island Theater 1, as part of the Friday Spotlights, and includes admission to a party after the film – with filmmakers, celebs and VIPs. Live DJ. Food prepared by some of OC’s top restaurants. OPEN BAR by Absolut and Stella Artois.
And at 9 PM on Monday, April 26 in Edwards Island 4.
Buy tickets here for Friday:
http://newportbeachfilmfest.tix.com/Event.asp?Event=256920
Buy tickets here for Monday:
http://newportbeachfilmfest.tix.com/Event.asp?Event=256921
Watch the trailer for SUCK here:
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