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Andrew Roth talks to HorrorSociety about his current and upcoming films including Backwater, Squid-Man, and many others.

* Ok, HorrorSociety readers. Here is a great interview with Andrew Roth. I would definitely consider Andrew Roth a scream king in our favorite genre, but – as you’ll read in his interview – his talents in film go far beyond just the realm of acting. Mr. Roth is also an accomplished stuntman, producer, and director. His films have literally been screened throughout the world from America to India, so I’m sure you’ve heard of him before this. Just from chatting with Andrew, I can tell he’s a very respectful, intelligent, and all around fun guy; and you’ll learn this too. Read my interview with Andrew Roth below as he talks to HorrorSociety.com about his previous, current, and upcoming flicks including Backwater, Squid-Man, Abolition, and Crimson Winter.

Q: To start things off, would you like to introduce yourself to the readers?

A: Absolutely! My name is Andrew Roth; I’m an actor and producer living in New York. I’ve worked as an actor on roughly 40 films to date, 15 of which I helped to produce. I’ve also worked as a stuntman and fight choreographer, as well as a 1st assistant director. I’ve been fortunate to also direct a few smaller projects, something which I hope to expand on with full features.

Q: Your first film on record that I can find is a romantic movie called Far From India. Why have you made such a big genre change as of recently? 

 A: Wow, that one takes me back. I was living in Frederick, Maryland when I shot that sooo many Moons ago! You take the work that comes your way and suits you in the most flattering light. I can’t say I’ve made the strongest choices as an artist, many times you have to take a gig because it’s paycheck and hope for the best. A good thing for me is that many of the productions I choose to align myself with are open to collaboration which I believe raises the playing game of the entire film.

Q: One of your films, The Man In The Maze, recently debuted in India. What are your hopes for this film in the future?

 A: The Man In The Maze was an intense action flick for me which is what I really love. I’m an Action Man all day long! I was several characters in the film which was also a great challenge in keeping them separate in my head. I also had to fight myself, which I often do everyday, (wink,wink) so that was really fantastic working with a body double. I hope this film is a platform for Writer/Director Matesh Patel. He has other projects in the works which he plans on bringing me along for the ride.

Q: Backwater is another film of yours. I’m actually really excited about this film. Can you tell readers a little about your role in the film?

A: Backwater is a hard film to speak about without giving away too much. That’s the reason I love working with my friend; Writer/Director Chris Schrak. This is our second film together. The first is called Elysium and can be purchased thru R-Squared Films. That film is an intense drama that follows the story of a young prostitute and it’s a must see! When we shot that on its limited budget I was worried it wouldn’t come out as well as I thought it could’ve but the talents of Mr. Schrak are never ending. Not only did he direct, but he was the director of photography and editor. I think it’s because of his clear vision from beginning to end is the reason for it’s success.

Now for Backwater which stars Miss Liana Werner-Gray and Justin Tully as lovers on a weekend getaway that come across an unruly sheriff, played by the great Thomas Daniel and an imposing fisherman, myself. The catalyst begins when the lovers hear a scream in the woods then seek to investigate. The rest goes bad for them. That’s about all I can say. The teaser is up on the Facebook wall and the full film is already in picture lock so hopefully we’ll see more when Chris allows us too.

Q: Another film I’m waiting on Lucifer’s Unholy Desire, sees you playing “Jacob Wilcox.” What is the first thing or experience that comes to mind when you think of this film?

A: I think of the original Exorcist and I used that film as research. Damian Charas is very similar to Jacob Wilcox. He comes from a Catholic background and is in odds with the church and its views. The Church uses Jacob as a priest/detective to view and validate demonic possessions’. When asked to look at this recent case it proves to be his greatest challenge at not only saving the possessed girl but his own soul as well.

Q: The last project of yours I’d like to talk about is Project 7, which you acted in AND served as an assistant director. The plot is really interesting to me. How was the overall experience being both an actor on set and an assistant director on this one?

A:  Project 7 was also one of my earliest jobs. I played Dylan Wright, a gentleman that is the CEO of a company that is not unlike the CDC. Essentially we test rare and communicable disease strains on the homeless and dregs of society and it’s not long before The Government has to intercede to take us out. Working as an assistant director for me is always great, but not something I’d recommend whilst acting in the film. It puts too much stress on the actor because an AD has a lot on their shoulders already. I made that mistake again earlier this year in Ontario working on Inspiration and took on the capacity of AD. It won’t happen again.

Q: Speaking of other works in the industry, I see also produce and do stunt work. How do these other jobs stack in comparison to acting?

A:  Stunt work is always fun, but you have to treat it with respect. I have some great friends in this field and recently one of them sustained an injury that could’ve destroyed him for the rest of his career, Fortunately Mr. Carnel is a tank and great healer so the man is still up and running. Producing is always the stickiest and most un-creative part of film making but is crucial to the success of an overall production. So many times I see films that want to start shooting in a month that haven’t even locked in locations, a full crew, actors, etc, and it blows my mind. Directors like Ternece Malick and Clint Eastwood understand the necessity of pre-production at least one year out before you get to set. Otherwise, you’re involved for quite a messy ride.

Q: How is 2012 looking for you? Any upcoming projects that you are really excited about? Any social networking links you’d like to share?

A:  2012 is looking stellar, Mike. I have some amazing films coming out and several that will shoot. I’d like to mention – Squid-Man, written and directed by Charlie Cline. A superhero film that will be released next year, and it’s a comedy where I play a B-list superhero that is a raging alcoholic and my own worst enemy is myself; Inspiration written and directed by my great friend Jason Armstrong is the third film I’ve shot with Skelton Key Global Films and that will be released next year. It stars Miss Emily Alatalo, Chris Carnel, myself, Jennifer Polansky and Colin Paradine to list a few. It follows the story of a young writer (Alatalo) that’s successful novel, Grinning Charlie, has become the bane of her existence. In an effort to get away and clear her mind she takes a trip, but unfortunately Charlie follows her; also shot with SKG Films is Abolition directed by Mike Klassen. I play an unassuming Jacob, The Antichrist, who will bring the end of days; Crimson Winter is an epic vampire film. I play Paul, the grizzly vampire hunter that will stop at nothing to dispel the vampire threat.

Some films I’ve recently been cast in but haven’t shot are – Apollyon written and directed by Sean Rosa where I play sociopath, Hadden Kroll; Love of Life, I play Bacci, an Italian entrepreneur that dishes out sagely advice to his apprentice; Trespass at Your Own Risk, I’m the vengeful sheriff; The Diner: An Aluminum Lunch Box Movie, a comedy where I’m also the Sheriff, but a drunk one. One film I’m extremely excited about is Concrete Jungle its about the corrupt 77th New York Police Precinct and it will star William Forsyth, James Russo, Erik Roberts and myself. The film is written by Steve Flemming. I’m also acting in and producing Dakota, where I play a young man whose lost in his life and his dog rescues him and also begins speaking to him.

Q: Favorite horror film:

A: Top of the list I’d have to say the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Terrifying! But my all time thriller is 7, although it’s not a horror film in the gore sense but Fincher’s style of directing made that film 10 times scarier than most horror or psychological films out there.

Thanks for taking time to speak with me, Mike.  Thank you to every person that takes time to read this interview. Be well!

* No, thank you Andrew for chatting with me. As you can see, Mr. Roth has a lot going on. Any new or returning fans of his can follow his career by clicking on the following links: his official websites here and here, his Facebook page here, and his IMDB page here. Make sure to “like” his IMDB page to increase his star-o-meter and remember to retweet or Facebook share this interview so Andrew can get some extra buzz. I can’t wait to see all these new films starring Andrew in the future.

Michael DeFellipo

(Senior Editor)

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