If you’re friends with me on Facebook, then you’ve seen all my posts about my new acting gig. It’s no secret that I’m part of the supporting cast of the new horror feature Sheriff Tom vs. The Zombies. In the sequel to Mary Horror, I play a horror video blogger. Not much of a stretch from reality, right? Normally I’d post an “on set visit,” but since I’m more than visiting I figured I would share with you some things I have experienced on set.
First and foremost… One of the perks of writing for HorrorSociety.com is that I wind up with special opportunities, and those include becoming cast/crew horror films. I’ve been involved with several films now, both short and feature, and I have to say that Sheriff Tom vs. The Zombies has by far been the most entertaining production I have been a part of. Everyone involved from director Ryan Scott Weber to production manager Kristin Pingio have been an absolute joy to work with. Even actor and cinematographer Tazio Ruffilo was a good enough guy to not smash my face in after I almost impaled him in the face with a steel rod during a scene.
Secondly… I’ve had the privilege to work with some very special actors and actresses. I have supported Carmela “Roxsy Tyler” Hayslett for some time now and I actually get to act in a scene with her in Sheriff Tom vs. The Zombies. I was also able to meet her husband, Christian Jude Grillo, the director of Deer Crossing. My partner-in-crime “Randy,” played by Brad Creanzo, is actually an old film school buddy of mine. I haven’t seen or talked to him in years, so it was a welcomed surprise to work with him on a horror film. We were always the outcasts because of our love of horror and unconventional filmmaking; it was nice to see he has changed a bit, but still remains the same, film-passionate guy. I’ve also enjoyed my conversations with Brad’s girlfriend, actress Genoveva Rossi. While I didn’t get the chance to work with them – Lloyd Kaufman, Robbie Rist, Edward X. Young, John Link, and James Balsamo – all have featured appearances in Sheriff Tom. Shawn C. Phillips and Debbie Rochon may also appear.
Thirdly… I’ve only been on set three days so far, but I already have so many fond memories. Hanging out with “Sheriff Tom” Joe Parascand who is a gun-toting psychopath in the movie, but one of the nicest people in the world in real life. Following the strange noise in the woods to discover a barn full of horses that I was afraid would bite my hands off. Falling asleep in my car waiting for call time, being woken up by the director Ryan, and not remembering where I was. And…a parking lot debacle, which may not be a fond memory…but it sure is a weird one!
To tell you the truth, I’m kind of bummed my time with Sheriff Tom vs. The Zombies is almost over. Before I started filming my scenes, I had all these ideas in my head about how the experience would suck because I’m not a real actor. I’m happy to say that those ideas were bullshit, and this has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my horror film career. I can guarantee that you will want to see this movie when it is complete, on DVD, screening some place, in festivals, at conventions, wherever! It is a fun, gore filled ride, very creative…and who doesn’t love zombies? The Sheriff Tom crew will be at Monster Mania this weekend in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. I encourage you to stop by their table and experience the madness. And make sure you pick up a copy of the first film, Mary Horror!
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