Paul Sloan is an actor, writer and producer. His new film, Shoot the Hero, stars Jason Mewes (Clerks, Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back) and Danny Trejo (Machete) and is directed by Christian Sesma.
He has also written King of Vampires which he also stars in and is producing. I featured the promo teaser for that a while back.
He is a very busy chap, but was kind enough to take time out for an interview with me.
How did you get into the acting business? Was it planned?
Doesn’t feel like anything I do has a plan! But, living in Los Angeles, and loving movies as much as I do, of course I was drawn to it. Some small thug roles, some luck, and lot of patience. Making movies, the insanity of a film set, I love it.
What have been the best and worst parts of being an actor in you career so far?
Luckily, the good stuff stands out over the letdowns. Best parts are working with filmmakers you admire. Worked with the camera operator who shot the action sequences in BOURNE ULTIMATUM. It was just a fun shoot. Director had to tell me to stop smiling during my takes, these guys are trying to kill you! And getting recognized at Comic-Con, that was cool.
Tell us about your new film, Shoot the Hero – what is your character’s involvement?
I play jewel thief, “FRANKLIN”, runs a crew of armed robbers for Danny Trejo’s character. Franklin is very no-nonsense by the numbers pro, but he gets a little greedy. His plan accidentally links his fate with two innocent bystanders, the lead couple, played by Jason Mewes and Samantha Lockwood.
Paul Sloan in “SHOOT THE HERO!” from paul sloan on Vimeo.
How do you prepare for a movie fight scene?
You have to put all your trust in the stunt crew, the fight co-ordinator. The rest falls into place. Training and repetition until everyone knows each other’s moves by heart. Surprises are great when you’re shooting a dramatic scene, but no one wants to be surprised when 200 lb guys wearing steel-toe boots are launching spin kicks at your head.
What was it like working with Jason Mewes and Danny Trejo?
Awesome. “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back” is my favorite Kevin Smith film, Jay’s monologue to the bloggers is a classic. And Jason’s just as funny off screen. I remember laying in broken glass, trying to play unconscious, and Jason said something filthy and hilarious. Tough playing dead with that guy around. Danny and I only had one scene together, but we were aiming guns at each other, so that was an honor for me. A showdown with Mr. Trejo, that’s not bad!
You have also written King of Vampires and Stilletto. Can you tell us a little about them?
KING OF VAMPIRES mashes up every genre I love, horror, action, comic books, war movies. Apocalypse Now with vampires would be easiest description. Shot a make-up test promo reel with Todd Masters FX( who is also producing) he’s got some designs for KOV that are insane. The main vampire is like a Conan, tiger-striped savage. Fans of PREDATOR and 30 DAYS OF NIGHT will like it. Should have some news soon on when that’s going.
I get emails on Stiletto now, that movie found a new life on cable here in the U.S. It’s fun if you catch it halfway through at 2 am, something nuts happens every five minutes or so. And it has a great cast.
What do you prefer – acting, writing or producing?
Acting. Writing and producing is real work!
What film do you first remember watching?
First memory that pops in my head is my mother taking me to see Ridley Scott’s original ALIEN. The scene in the egg chamber when the face hugger explodes into John Hurt’s face was the first time a movie scared me. Probably the reason I am as twisted as I am. Thanks, Ma.
If you could have been in any film which one would it be and what role would you play?
Oh man, I could never torture myself thinking like that! If I like a movie, last thing I do is imagine me in it! But when I see epic period stuff, GLADIATOR or LORD OF THE RINGS, watching those, sure, I want to be swinging a sword in movies like that. And Will Smith in I AM LEGEND. Guy and his dog against the world. I’d like to do something like that.
Salted, sweet or butter popcorn?
Tons of butter.
Best film of 2010 so far?
INCEPTION
If a movie monster was to kill you which one would it be? What would your final words be?
Godzilla. Be over fast. He steps on me. Maybe I got time to say “SHIT!”
What other projects have you got coming up in the future?
In January I start work on “THE NIGHT CREW”, a really nasty bounty hunter movie with a supernatural twist. I co-wrote with the director of SHOOT THE HERO! We had blast workin together last time, so now he’s stuck with me.
Love this site, and I really appreciate the opportunity to be on here. I will keep crankin away!
Shoot the Hero is out in the US on 1st October for Warner Bros Video On Demand and 19th October on DVD.
