Rick Carrillo: Saving the World with Dr. S’s Outstanding Lead. By Brian Kirst
www.filmclassicproductions.com
As the title character in the beyond-fun, 1950’s inspired, Dr. S Battles the Sex Crazed Reefer Zombies (try saying that 10 times quickly), actor Rick Carrillo shines with charisma and tongue in check jocularity. But, Dr. S (currently ruling the festival circuit) isn’t Carrillo’s only horrific achievement – he boasts starring roles in the upcoming fright filled The Killing Strain and in a stop animated adaptation of The Fall of the House of Usher. Recently, while taking a break from dismembering the sensual, herb stroking dead, Carrillo answered some pert n’ hungry questions, directly, for Horror Society.
Brian: Rick, who were your first performing influences – Sly wiping out the baddies like a cobra – Will Smith lamenting that parents just don’t understand – an older poetry quoting, harmonica tooting brother?
Rick: Um-m-m, believe it or not, I wanted to be a comedian just like Jim Carrey. I was really all about the guy and his films; even competed in an UIL event called Record Mime (you lip sing to songs), and performed the ‘Cuban Pete’ song from the Mask. As I got older, I started appreciating more of the character actors like Gary Oldman, Christian Bale, Daniel Day Lewis, Johnny Depp, as well as the strong dramatic actors such as Denzel Washington, Mel Gibson, etc. I’m a huge fan of film, so now I concentrate on studying/training to be a solid actor across the board, and keep pushing myself to the next level.
Brian: Cool. What was the most enjoyable aspect about embodying Dr. S and what was the most difficult?
Rick: It was great to dive into a character and just have fun with it. My director, Bryan Ortiz, gave me the creative freedom to roam around as Dr. S, with the knowledge that there really were no set limits to the characters personality and capacity. Everything from his movements, to his mannerisms, to his quirky lines gave me the opportunity to explore comedic/character acting. – The physicality of the character was pretty tricky. Dr. S is this hulk-like figure, but on screen I couldn’t afford to be chaotic with my actions. Too much of this could make the audience lose interest. Finding the balance was always something I had to be conscious of. Introduce the pipe in the mouth, (the whole time) and now we get TMJ, and the opportunity to re-record the entire dialogue of the film. ADRing an entire feature film is a hair splitting process, believe me.
Brian: Ouch. Sounds wicked. So with that in mind, Dr. S or Aquaman – who would truly perform wonders in a tidal situation?
Rick: Dr. S would one-up that Speedo wearing pansy. Dr. S is the shore my friend; waves may crash, but they still tide away.
Brian: Wow! I’m impressed! – What can you tell us about Sgt. Michael Harrison and The Killing Strain? (Well, just as long as you don’t pass that nasty virus my way!!)
Rick: Do not say type-cast – ha-ha-ha – The film looks great; the director Daniel Maldonado, really spared no expense in preparing this film, evident in the great production design, sets, makeup, and wardrobe. Sgt. Michael Harrison resonates with Dr. S: both walk around carrying some kind of bad ass weapon and are great marksman both hate the infection that’s spreading, and (without giving too much away) both find a way to be selfless in dealing with the zombies in their final moments.
Brian: Well, I appreciate that because I always try to be selfless with zombies in their final moments. So, what would your dream role be – A bomb yielding Bourne type? A tap dancing Steve Martin clone?
Rick: – Hmmm….maybe both, and all in between. – Anything that lets me keep finding new characters to create, and new ways to push myself as an actor. – Really open to anything at this point in my career.
Brian: Perfect! – Lastly, any words of advice (IE: Don’t mess with the reefer when the end of the world is nigh) or future projects that you’d like to tell us about? And thanks – this has been better than a love nip from a zombie any night of the week!
Rick: Take your time, aim, and squeeze the trigger. A zombie won’t give you a second chance. – I just wrapped the Killing Strain, and a stop animation project based on Edgar Allen Poe’s Fall of the House of Usher. The director, Eric Fonseca, recently won the San Antonio Film Festival for best animated short and best film. I’ll be working on my next feature sometime in February, and between now and then working on some pilot sitcoms, and shorts.
