D.T. Carney Interview (2016)

Tracking down the ever elusive and always on the go Dana (D.T.) Carney is no easy feat, but Jesse Najera managed to do just that. Hectic Films is proud and honored to offer that interview to the masses. We truly love this man!

D.T. Carney was born in Boston, MA in 1965. A New Englander through and through, D.T. is known for his sharp wit as well as his huge presence in life and on the screen. D.T. is the father of four and lives in the Fresno, CA area with his wife Georgia. With many experiences in life, growing up in Boston, being a champion boxer, hockey player, and accomplished musician, D.T.’s vast list of talents lend themselves well to his many Acting ventures. 

How did Dana Carney discover his interest in film acting?

I was a kid in Boston and was fortunate enough to go to the movies and get into any of them, rated R or not. I saw Jaws, Night of the Living Dead, The Omega Man, etc. I remember my dad taking me to Halloween and that movie made me want to get into acting. I liked the idea of playing a monster or the like.

You have the ability to utilize a very distinct American accent and personality in the performance of some of the characters you've played. Where were you raised and how has your upbringing influenced your performances?

Boston and the east coast in general, have a ton to do with how you act. I never liked taking shit from anyone. Who does? So you got to have an attitude that lets others know it. I wouldn't change growing up over there for anything. We grew up pretty poor. You learn to adapt to it and be thankful for things.

You have a long list of acting film credits with some notable, fellow, actors. Can you talk about the first film that you were in and what that experience was like?

The first film I did was playing a killer scarecrow in an indie film called Nightwalkers. It was directed by a friend of mine Steve Haack. It was a great experience because Scream Queen Brinke Stevens was also in it. She is the kindest person you could ever meet. We've been friends for over ten years now. I have had the pleasure of working with some awesome people like Felissa Rose, Deron Miller, Lynn Lowry, Reggie Bannister, Vernon Wells, and Joe Estevez. I just worked with Brinke again in Hectic Films’ Machine Gun Baby. I also worked with amazing talents Jin N Tonic & George the Giant in that same film.

You have worked on a number of Hectic Films Productions projects, playing a variety of roles in a variety of film genres. Can you tell us a little about working with the Hectic Films cast and crew, as well as some of the Hectic Films projects you have been involved in?

I LOVE HECTIC! Plain and Simple. Rachel & Rickey Bird have always treated me so kindly. I am a little rough around the edges and they both manage to look the other way for me. They have given me nothing but awesome roles in their films. Rachel and Rickey have put me up in a helicopter shooting at a speeding car. They made me the leader of a homeless camp, a drunken detective, a kid eating zombie. How can you go wrong? I love the people they have surrounded themselves with. They use the same people on crew, f/x, etc. over and over. We have become a tight family. I love being on the set with all of them.

In the new Hectic Films project; Machine Gun Baby, you play a character in the "medical field". Can you tell us a little bit about your role and how you prepared for that character?

It’s an awesome role for me, as I get to be a little comedic. I play Dr. Spurlock, an abortion doctor. His only care in the world is money and getting more of it. He is quite a character as he is a drinking, whoring, golfing, ego maniac. I will tell you this, MACHINE GUN BABY will open your eyes one way or the other. I've never worked on anything like it before. I prepared for this character by actually watching Dabney Coleman's portrayal of Doctor Prang in Young Doctors in Love. This film is going to upset the apple cart no matter what your views on abortion are. I got to work with such a fun talented cast on this, from Brinke Stevens to Jared Rice, George the Giant, and a trooper of an actress Jin N Tonic.

Where can fans go to follow and learn about future projects from DT Carney?

It's none of their damn business. I'll let them know. GOD BLESS...

Did I mention that we love this man? Let me show you just how much...

Brinke Stevens Interview (2016)

Hectic Films' own Jesse Najera had a chance to ask the beautiful and talented Brinke Stevens a few questions after she wrapped filming on "Machine Gun Baby".

It feels like you have a strong sense of self-awareness and this comes through in your performances. I understand you originally intended on a career path for science in marine biology. How, would you say, has your upbringing; environment, education, and life adventures shaped the way you perform?

I got a Masters degree in marine biology from Scripps Institute in San Diego CA.  I thought I’d remain in science all my life, but fate had other plans.  I’d never aspired to be an actor, and never expected to become a cult icon of horror movies.  As such, it’s hard to say that my upbringing shaped my performance because horror films require you to do things that never happen in real life, like scream bloody murder, run in terror, chase people with a machete, or get pulled apart by demons.  To quote a line from one of my favorite films, NIGHTMARE SISTERS:  “Advanced trigonometry never prepared me for this!” 

 

You were a member of a comic book club in college while in San Diego. In the early days of Comic-con, you cosplayed Vampirella. The comic book community and the television/film community have a symbiotic relationship. This is most apparent in the type of genre you, typically, perform in {scream Queen/ B movies}. Can you talk about that time and how the comic conventions have influenced you as well as how this comic-con community has influenced the horror genre?

I was one of the early founders of San Diego Comic-Con, and I ran the masquerade contest for many years in the 1970s.  This came after I won first place for portraying Vampirella in 1973.  Later, I staged elaborate costumed dance routines during the intermission to popular songs such as “Funeral for a Friend”, “Killer Queen”, “Ballroom Blitz”, and so on.  I’d say it was Comic-Con and fandom that really prepared me for an acting career that began in the early 1980s. 

                                                

You've recently completed a project for HECTIC FILMS with the director Rickey Bird, called "Machine Gun Baby". Who are you playing and can you describe your character? 

I play “Dr. Berinka”, who’s the head of a stem cell tech company.  She relies on an abortion clinic to provide fetuses for research of major diseases.  But the clinic’s greedy doctor is now holding her up for more money and threatening to sell his goods elsewhere. 

You've been in many films in the horror genre and worked with very talented people. How did you get involved with HECTIC FILMS? Can you describe your experience with the cast and crew of "Machine Gun Baby”?

In late 2015, I was invited to a horror convention in Bakersfield CA by filmmaker DT Carney, who had hired me for several past projects including “Nightwalkers” and “Dead Things”.  At that show I met Rickey Bird, who had a first-class booth for Hectic Films.  We got to talking, exchanged info, and I ended up shooting “Machine Gun Baby” in April 2016.  

My experience with the cast and crew was perfect in every way.  Producers Rickey and Rachel were very organized, efficient, and just plain nice folks.  I was delighted to work with DT Carney again and also my co-star George the Giant, who was so funny and exuberant.  I was even impressed when Rickey planned a professional photo-shoot at the end, complete with Hectic Films banners in the background. 

You have been known as an actress who is very welcoming to fans of your work. How can fans learn more about Brinke Stevens? Do you have any future projects or appearances?

My official website is www.brinke.com, where I list my convention appearances and talk about what’s new in my career.  I’ve shot some excellent movies in the past few months, including “The Haunting of Mia Moss”, “An Evil Curiosity”, and the big-budget film “Death House” that features dozens of horror stars.

  
My first audio book, “Darkness Unbound: Lady in Black” is now available on audible.com.  And I’m almost finished recording its sequel “Terror of Night” by author Glenn Porzig.  

Around Halloween 2016, my directorial debut “Personal Demons” will be released on the “Terror Toons 4” label.  I wrote, directed, and starred in it, along with pals Linnea Quigley and Debbie Rochon.

Machine Gun Baby Announcement!

There is never a dull moment when you’re riding around with Hectic Films. Production is already underway on Machine Gun Baby, and what a whirlwind it has become, from blowing up televisions to pushing the boundaries of creativity. The action, excitement, and colorful characters that make their way into the film are almost too good to be true.

It is with a gleeful squeal of fan-boy excitement that I have the pleasure to officially announce that Brinke Stevens (“Tales from the Darkside”, “Teenage Exorcist”) has joined the cast!  

While I can’t yet give away too many details or peel back the veil to show you some behind the scenes pictures. I have been given the green light to introduce you to the concept art by Craig Frasier.

So World, I give you, the Machine Gun Baby!

As a parting gift, I snuck into the Hectic Films Productions vault of secrets and grabbed a picture of Rickey Bird checking out the in progress build of our favorite little diaper dragging anti-hero and thought I would share it with you all. 

Well, looks like their anti-piracy procedures are up to date. Maybe in the future, I can bring you the real deal!

Don’t forget to follow the blog for updates, behind the scenes treats, as well as release details in the future!