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| Mark Cray |
Being a fan of independent films and loving the fact that some folks would rather be unconventional and creative when it comes to films, I was lucky enough to one day stumble upon a new horror film that’s still in the making, named Girl Scout Cookies. As I continued to follow the developments of the film, I also befriended some of the actors, such as Mark Cray who plays Jack Lye in the film. And with a little magic and a bit of luck I was able to wriggle out an interview!
Monique: Now, not a whole lot is known about Girl Scout Cookies really, all I can be sure of is that there will be blood… so tell us a little about who Jack Lye is and whether or not he gets killed? *giggles*
Mark: Jack was a boy scout back in his younger days and then went on to join the military after High School. Jack is actually a pretty normal guy just out to have some fun for the weekend.
Monique: How did you prepare for the role of Jack Lye and was it different to preparing for your depiction of John Craven in the Head Case Series?
Mark: Well, for one thing Jack isn’t a serial killer… [laughs]. Jack is a bit of a smart ass, but basically a pretty decent guy (so pretty much me in the woods…)
Monique: I noticed that you were also the casting director on Girl Scout Cookies and must applaud you for some of your choices in the cast… Is that what you want to do in the future or is producing more your weapon of choice?
Mark: Acting will always be my weapon of choice [smiles] producing and casting are fun, but can be a major pain… [laughs] I don’t mind doing it here or there but acting is my love.
Monique: You worked with some great people on the film Post Mortem, apart from the upcoming gorefest we will see on screen when the film is released, did everyone get along behind the scenes?
Mark: The cast and crew on Post Mortem are a fantastic group of people. We shot most of the footage over 10 days in July of 2009 and we had a BLAST both on and off the screen. Anthony Spadaccini really put together a great group of people that I would be thrilled to work with again. (in fact we talk about another project being developed all the time.. but that’s a secret… [laughs]).
Monique: You look like a practical joker, I don’t know why, but it just feels like you pulled a lot of pranks… Am I right?
Mark: Who? Meeeee? I’d never even think of pulling pranks. I’m sweet and innocent [whistles and smiles sweetly]
Monique: There’s another indie movie you’re working on, named Voodoo Rising and it looks like a lot of gore will be in that too… Do you enjoy working on horror films in particular or would you broaden your horizons in the future?
Mark: Horror movies tend to be more fun and loose with the rules, plus I generally get cast as evil characters (which are ALWAYS fun to play) that being said though I would love to do comedies or drama that give me the opportunity to show my range as an actor.
Monique: Independent films usually don’t have a big budget and I know that Girl Scout Cookies are trying to raise some more money for it, which of course I support wholeheartedly. Do you think that the independent film industry stands a chance to eventually become more accepted by the general public than the over-hyped nonsense which Hollywood so shamelessly gives, or not?
Mark: I think that if Hollywood is going to remain a viable entity it’s going to have to start accepting more Independent films… after all, there are only so many remakes they can do before they have to start remaking the remakes.
Monique: That’s so true… Well horror makes me happy, so I was wondering if there was perhaps a chance I can get some bloody, gory details from the film that nobody else knows about? I won’t tell Bobby Jones. *giggles* It’s just going on the site… shhh
Mark: Hmm…. As long as we’re not gonna tell Bobby then I can tell you about the scene where Bobby makes a cameo in a bright pink thong and cowboy hat [laughs] seriously though, I will say we have a scene where a 14yearr old girl stomps the crap out of an adult who gets a little too high and mighty
Monique: Now that sounds like my type of fourteen year old! *giggles* Anyway, so sometimes I like to ask a random question which is unrelated to anything work-related, just to see what people answer me with… Here we go… What would you call a rabbit crossed with a sasquatch?
Mark: Ummm… either a rabuatch or a sasquabit?
Monique: Okay, all fun and games set aside, independent films, such as Girl Scout Cookies are important to the film industry and I’m sure that our readers would also like to know how they can get involved to help you guys. Would you be so kind as to tell them?
Mark: The site to go to in order to get your name in the credits, signed pics and other things cool to get involved with the film go to http://www.gofundme.com/actionpackedhorror and you can follow along with us both on our website at www.girlscoutcookiesmovie.com or our fanpage at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Girl-Scout-Cookies-The-Movie-Fan-Page/151016881579388
