Through the power of social networking, I ended up coming into online contact with a guy named Justin Tully. Justin is an actor from Virginia (now in California) and production just wrapped on an upcoming horror film he stars in called Backwater. This isn’t his first major acting role, which you will read below, but it is his biggest achievement in the horror genre…unless you count his light-hearted sarcasm towards his cameo appearance in Sorority Row. Let this interview serve as an introduction to Justin Tully because we’ll be seeing more of him soon, whether Backwater is released to theaters or DVD or both! Check out his interview below where he talks about Backwater, his other films, and tells us a little bit about himself.
I’m going to try and make the first question sound less like a personal add. So readers can get to know your personality a little better, if you could star in any movie already made, which would it be and what role would you play?
[laughs] Man, the easiest answer would be Marty McFly in Back to the Future because I know the whole film line for line, but I’d love to play the lead role in Layer Cake. It’d give me the opportunity to star in an action thriller, work under the direction of Matthew Vaughn, and try out my Cockney dialect.
Production just wrapped on a horror film called Backwater. Tell me all you can about your involvement in the film, without breaking any contracts.
Well, I play the co-starring role of Mark, who’s your typical nice guy, taking a weekend camping trip with his girlfriend Cass, played by Liana Werner-Gray, and with the small exception of checking myself for ticks every night, it was an amazing 15 days on set!
Was Backwater your first lead in a film? What was it like sharing screen time with the beautiful Liana Werner-Gray?
Backwater’s actually my 3rd lead in a feature-length film, and with any luck it won’t be my last! Working with Liana was such a great experience. It’s so easy to perform with her and her energy is contagious.
Do you think horror genre fans are going to embrace Backwater?
Oh my gosh, definitely. Backwater starts with great writing, first of all, followed by inventive cinematography, and atypical twists and turns that will keep the audience engaged. The easiest way to describe it, I guess, is a brilliant new-age alternative to your typical horror film.
Sorority Row is actually one of my favorite slasher films of 2009, which you have a cameo in. What scene are you in so I can rewind my DVD and look for you?
Well to start, I’m credited as ‘Wasted Guy’, so that should tell you something. [laughs] I think my scene is toward the second half of the film. It’s after a big party in the sorority house; I’m on the couch making out with (I can only assume) ‘Wasted Chick’ and Leah Pipes’ character runs in screaming and dumps a cup of beer on us. I used a previous party experience as motivation for the scene. I think I nailed it.
Another one of your films, Devils Racecourse, is more thriller and drama than it is horror. Still, the concept is very interesting to me. What kind of role did you play in this film?
You know those times you see that gorgeous, knock-out of a woman, perfect in every way, but she’s dating that know-nothing, classless, arrogant jock-strap? That dude is my character, Brad. While I had a blast playing the bully for once, I much prefer being the nice guy. My parents would agree.
Is horror and thriller films what you mainly want to work in, or do you want to be more versatile throughout your career?
I definitely want to perform in a broad array of films. That’s exactly what I love about acting. To me, “creating a character” is nothing more than combining certain traits that already make up your own personality. I don’t think of it as becoming the character, but rather finding the character within me. That’s the fun part, in my opinion. And why I’ll pursue this career as long as I’m breathin’.
How can readers connect with you in the future (twitter, facebook, website, etc)?
Definitely check out my website, JustinTully.com, like me on FaceBook; https://www.facebook.com/pages/Justin-Tully/288393008555, and follow me on Twitter; @justintully.
Interestingly enough, Justin mentions his facebook page. I recommend spoiler freaks give his pictures a look over because he has some behind-the-scenes photos that spoil his fate in the movie (I think). Based on some of the pictures I’ve seen, I have two theories! But I will have to wait until Backwater comes out to see the answer for myself, as will all the HorrorSociety readers. This interview serves as an introduction to Justin Tully, as well as building some momentum and anticipation for Backwater. I know I can’t wait for its release! And before I let you go, make sure you check out the Facebook for Backwater here. Oh, and visit his IMDB page here to check out all his other work and increase his star-o-meter, which ranks star’s popularity. (I swear, this is the end of the interview now.)
Thank you for your time, Justin.
