CON CORNER MEDIA

CC: What inspired you to start making films?

EH: I was always writing stories and watching movies growing up, but I never thought about making my own movies until my family purchased a camcorder. My dad used to work in advertising, and one day he decided to plan an activity with me when I was home sick from school -- make a 30 second commercial.

He didn't do anything for me, but guided me through writing a script, drawing storyboards, learning shots, filming, and editing. I had to do everything myself, and really enjoyed the whole process of putting together a cohesive idea with the basic cinematic tools he taught me. I started making short films on my own, and worked as a production assistant on any set I could get on. I was always trying to learn and grow and meet people in the film scene, and eventually ended up making my first feature when I was 12 -- Pathogen. 

CC: I believe I read this on your site a very long time ago, and correct me if I'm wrong, but when it comes to zombies you lean way more toward the classic Romero walking zombies than the 28 Days Later sprinting zombies. Why is that exactly?

EH: That is true. I think it's a cheap scare tactic to make your zombies run, though I do enjoy 28 Days Later. But I understand why that choice was made for that particular film -- they were trying to do something different with the genre. But in general, I think slow zombies are a lot more effective. It's terrifying to think that no matter how fast you run or how far you go...there will always be more zombies, and they may even be people you used to know. Also, it just plain doesn't make much sense for dead people to have that much energy and agility. 

CC: How did it feel to be such a well known independent filmmaker only at the age of 12, and after Pathogen and Zombie Girl documentary? Were you caught off guard with the attention toward your film?

EH: Yeah, a little bit. I was learning so much every day, and it's a little embarrassing now to have all of those mistakes in a movie. But at the same time, I hope the doc helps other young/aspiring filmmakers to pursue their projects. It's also weird because I still kind of look the same, and sometimes people don't realize that the documentary was filmed ten years ago. I feel like a very different person now! 

CC: Is there a current project or projects you're working on?

EH: I'm working on a few things right now, so we'll see where those go. My most recent film, Grow Up, Tony Phillips, just came out on DVD/VOD. 

CC: If you could make a film with any director you wanted to, who would be your first choice?

EH: I've never been asked this question, because usually there's just one director...but there are many directors I admire! I'm a big fan of Edgar Wright, Otto Preminger, Peter Jackson, John Carpenter, Wes Anderson, Danny Boyle, and Billy Wilder.

CC: Last but not least, what kind of advice would you give to any young independent filmmaker who may be reading this?

EH: The best advice I ever got was from the guys who made the Raiders of the Lost Ark Adaptation, who took ten years as teens to make a shot-for-shot remake of Indiana Jones. They told me to never give up, and to never let anyone tell me what I could or couldn't do. It's important to believe in yourself, in the stories you want to tell, and to persevere to the end! So that's the advice I always pass along. 

“There’s a farmer market by our house [that] has a petting zoo and they have these little baby pygmy goats which are the most adorable creatures on the planet and they’re just bouncing all over the place, getting into trouble… It was just kind of funny to think that a goat would be the perfect friend for a certain kind of person, like a monster!”

One of my favorite things in the book that Jessica showed me was that there’s a lot of cool little easter eggs sprinkled throughout the book, some that horror fans will be excited about. Mary Shelley’s name was actually on a sign overhead a store, and if you don’t know Mary Shelley is the author of the Frankenstein novel. “There’s tons of easter eggs, I always loved ‘Where’s Waldo’ type of books. As you read there’s lots of pop culture references; references to 'Young Frankenstein’, the original 'Frankenstein’ movie, the book, and some other stuff.”

You can get your own copy of Frank N’ Goat on Amazon @ http://amzn.to/2mTjoln, paperback or kindle.

When he’s killed after having to flee a street race, the spirit of satanist serial killer Eli Morrow inhabits him and he becomes the Ghost Rider. “That is a spirit who wants to make Robbie kill people as much as possible, good or bad, doesn’t matter… It’s up to Robbie to harness that power and not allow himself to do evil… Robbie is well aware of what’s going on, as long as he’s behind the wheel.”

Unlike previous Riders, Robbie is in control. It’s only a matter of fighting off the madman in his head. “Robbie has a choice because he’s not a spirit of vengeance… He’s not a hero per-say. A spirit of vengeance compels you to avenge those who are wronged and to make evildoers repent… That’s what makes Robbie interesting as a Ghost Rider. It’s a very different dynamic, it has all to do with his willpower to do good, it’s a personal choice…”

“I’m not surprised Robbie was the choice because he’s the most relevant Ghost Rider right now for the new generation of Marvel fans and he’s a relatable character because it’s mostly about him as a human being, not about him being transformed and having these awesome powers… It’s about the choices he makes in his life.”

ABC worked real hard to bring this character to life and they’ve stayed relatively true to his comic appearance, even adopting one of the series covers to use for a promotional photo. Unlike most characters who’ve been introduced on Agents Of SHIELD, Ghost Rider is coming fresh off the boat so there’s high hopes they’ll be adapting his original origin story as well.

CC: What was your opinion of the Deadpool character in the movie X-Men Origins: Wolverine? 

FN: I don’t know what you’re talking about.

CC: How do you feel about the character Deadpool from today? And how much does it differ from the one you created 25 years ago? 

FN: Well, the character I created 25 years ago had already evolved all through the 90s from Joe Kelly’s work and Gail Simone’s work, he evolved in the Cable/Deadpool book that I wrote in 2004 to 2008, so it’s not like I haven’t had a hand in parts of that evolution. I do think the character has no so much changed, but they have changed the situations that they place him into in the regular comics now. They made an editorial decision several years ago that he was an outright comedy character, which is not how we ever approached him. He was a character that had a lot of comedy in it but it was grounded into the ‘real world’ of Marvel comics continuity. Right now, he is a bit of a comedic, trickster character who is not really grounded in mainstream Marvel universe continuity. He actually flips and floats all around it. So it’s a little more excessive than I would prefer to see him, but it’s completely valid and a totally understandable approach for them to take on the monthly book. 

CC: So with the current rumor mill swirling that the final Wolverine solo movie might be shooting for an R-Rating, do you think that the Deadpool movie might have paved the way somewhat for a more adult centric comic movie universe? 

FN: Well I would completely question the use of the word adult, because I think that being allowed to curse and show 'bloody gore’ and have naked boobies on movie doesn’t make it adult. I think Captain America: Winter Soldier was 10 times more of an 'adult movie’ than Deadpool was. That doesn’t mean Deadpool wasn’t excellent. I quibble with fans decision on what it is exactly that makes something worth seeing. I think that Deadpool was an excellent movie because the creators did it the way they wanted to do it. If the creators had wanted to make it a PG-13 movie, it would have probably been just as excellent a movie because the creators wanted to make it that way. You know what I mean? 

CC: Absolutely. 

FN: Typical Hollywood mentality is 'This succeeded so we have to copy it.’ They’re relative imbeciles in that there’s reasons why it succeeded and that’s what you should be trying to copy, not thinking that the rating or the use of cursing is the reason for the success. I don’t know what an R rated Wolverine is going to include other than showing the claws going through someone’s back and an arm getting cut off. Alright fine, if that’s what they want to do, no problems, its okay. It’s totally valid. I don’t think that this makes it a better or worse Wolverine movie. 

CC: With all the characters that you’ve created or worked on, other than Deadpool, which one do you consider your favorite? 

FN: Hmm, theres a lot! I mean I really like working on New Warriors, I really liked working on Thunderbolts, I really enjoyed writing Gambit. Growing up as a kid my favorite character was Robin, so getting a chance to write Nightwing and getting a chance to write Tim Drake as Robin was a lot of fun for me and I really enjoyed that a lot!

Postal is a comic series by Top Cow Productions, it’s being compared to old school Vertigo in terms of story telling and art style. The cover of the first issue was actually the photo Long Beach Comic Expo used for their press badges and someone at the Top Cow Productions booth was cool enough to tell me a bit about it.You can actually read the first issue on their site for free. 

Below you’ll find a link to Top Cow Productions’ site and social media. You can find the first issue of Postal on the home page of their website. Make sure to check it out!

www.topcow.com

“The most treasured moment of any of this is when you turn on your lightsaber and pose or after you finish a fight and this kid who’s sick, [who] comes in with this really dower expression, and you just slowly see the light go on in his face… It’s a really euphoric sensation.” Alex Maxwell AKA Jedi Knight Rhonan Tor

The group started with 5 people in Orange County and now there’s about 250 members across the globe. It was formed out of the need for lightsabers to be represented amongst the sponsored Star Wars groups. Unlike the other groups, Saber Guild meets quite freqently due to training. 

I should aslo mention, the sith do in fact have cookies! Confirmed by two sith lords. The Jedi apparently have raisin cookies, if that’s youre thing. “You underestimate the power of oatmeal raisin.” If you say so Rhonan.

Later in the day I got a chance to talk to a member of the Mandalorian Mercs. They are the third largest Lucas Film & Disney licensed costum group. As well as Saber Guild, they are a charity group. In fact, all of the licensed groups are. Everyone in the Mandalorian Mercs builds their own armor, following a strict set of guidelines that each group has their own variation of but the mercs do get to be a bit creative & original when it comes their armor.

Although I didn’t get a chance to talk to them the 501st and the Rebel Legion were in attendance. The 501st represents the empire in all it’s glory, from stormtroopers to the heavy breathing Darth Vader. The Rebel Legion, obvious by it’s title, represents the rebels!

The group was founded in October of 2015. Nick AKA Nova Bloom, co-founder of Rainbow Squad and prop builder at Nova Bloom Props, said the little time between the group being founded to now having a booth at Expo was unexpected. “We were two stormtroopers doing rainbow LGBT stuff… Over time we got enough exposure to make this happen and it just took off way quicker and bigger and better than either of us could’ve expected.”

Over time the group hopes to expand within the LGBT community hopefully working with more organizations to assist with LGBT youth and other issues. If you want to meet the Rainbow Squad you’ll be able to find them in Anaheim this July, the 29th - 30th, at Pride Con! They will also be marching in the San Diego Pride parade and hopefully in the Los Angeles Pride parade as well.

Below you can find links to the Rainbow Squad’s Facebook page and both Kaylee and Nick’s Instagrams. You can also find a link to the Los Angeles LGBT Center if you’d like to find info on how you can help or even donate.

www.lalgbtcenter.com

CC: You’ve played a number of different Star Wars characters, from cartoon to video game. I got to ask, were you more excited to reprise some of the more iconic roles like Darth Maul & Palpatine or were you more excited to be your own character, were you more excited about Star Killer? 

SW: Well there’s like two ends of the spectrum for that. There’s Star Killer which was a new character so we were going to create him out of whole cloth, there’s Palpatine, which is you know, an older character so you have to play that in a very specific way to be like Ian McDermot, and then Darth Maul is kind of in the middle because Ray Park really created a very definite physical presence for him, Peter Serafinowicz, although he had a couple of lines, he set his feet in the wet cement of what that voice should at least somewhat sound like, but beyond that I was able to create the character that I thought Darth Maul should be and it was fun to figure out that ‘no he’s smarter than everyone thinks he is’ and ‘he’s manipulative, he’s got a little bit of a sense of humor and he’s this brilliant tactician. So it’s all challenging. The challenge of Star Killer was creating a Star Wars protagonist, that’s very hard. If it doesn’t work for the audience, you’re kind of sunk right, and then the challenge for Palpatine has got to be… you have to sort of bring life, and not just mimic but bring life, to a performance from an actor that is better than all of us. He’s amazing, that actor is so… Ian McDermot is amazing. Then you have Darth Maul who’s just kind of a bit of a hybrid. You’ve seen what he is, you’ve seen what he can do, you’ve heard him slightly, and then from there is a springboard to create something new and in all three cases I think the expectation is there. And if it doesn’t work the fans will be very upset. 

CC: Being a Star Wars fan, how excited are you about the series coming back?

SW: Very, very excited. I’m most excited to see where the Luke Skywalker character went. That is the thing I’m most curious about in terms of the passage of time.

INTO SPEAK OF THE DEVIL

During the panel, the cast and writers talked a lot about the 'Speak Of The Devil’ episode, as all four of them were involved with it to some capacity throughout production. We got plenty of interesting insight into the writing behind the episode from an interview with Christos.

For instance, the fight scene that plays out during the whole episode between Nobu (Peter Shinkoda) and Daredevil (Charlie Cox) could’ve been a slightly different scenario. By different, I mean the fight almost wasn’t with Nobu at all. The writing staff’s first option was a Daredevil character named Kirigi. “…it would’ve been this gigantic ninja in robes where you can’t even see his face and it would’ve been probably a very similar fight but it would’ve been against this mysterious silent ninja.” It was actually Ruth who decided against it. As the audience was already familiar with Nobu, she believed it would confuse the viewers who aren’t knowledgeable with the comics to introduce a random ninja, who doesn’t speak nonetheless.

(Peter Shinkoda as Nobu, S1;E9)

Ruth was considered a crucial part of the writing staff due to the fact prior to working on this project, she’d never read a Daredevil comic. “It was so important because when you’re doing a TV show, even a comic book character TV show, you have to assume that probably the majority of your audience will be people who don’t read comics.” In the long run, it definitely helped out.

Christos had a bit of his own advantage for the writers room. During his solo panel for the Eat.Geek.Play. Podcast he shared with the audience that his father was a crime reporter who’d meet with mob informants.

(S1;E12)

“I think that’s one of the things Drew [Coddard] found intriguing from the start…” It helped give the writers an edge when it came to the character of Ben Urich. “…when my dad did investigative reporting he could spend months on a single story and the paper would pay for it, and nowadays they’d be like 'that’s not budget effective, we need you to cover a variety of stories...” which is basically the case with Ben. ’

Speak Of The Devil’ is easily one of the most critically acclaimed episodes of the first season. From the panel alone you can tell just how much love went into it. “We were trying to encompass a lot of things that are important to Daredevil; the religion, the character, the inter conflicts, of course an awesome ninja fight… So to hear people say stuff like that and all the number of people who told us this is their favorite episode makes us feel really good.” 

INTO NOBU & FRANCIS

Aside from getting the chance to dwell more into the writing process behind the series, I also got a chance to talk with actors Peter Shinkoda and Tom Walker. Peter played the role of Nobu, a mysterious Japanese man with an agenda. “From where the starting point of the show was [where] you can see me, I was kind of pissed off.”

Peter mentioned during the panel that he was criticized on the portrayal of Nobu as being 'too intense’. “Certainly in Nobu’s eyes he’s got an agreement with Fisk [and] Fisk obviously has one with him… but as you [can] see Fisk is not taking care of his side and hasn’t been previously to my introduction in the show.” Intense would be anyone’s reaction when their plans all rely on one man and that one man is failing to keep up his side of the bargain. “I don’t necessarily think he’s a pissed off guy, just kind of gets introduced that way and gets more aggravated.”

There weren’t too many characters other than Madame Gao and Daredevil who could stand toe-to-toe with Kingpin throughout the series. Nobu was one of those few though, he wouldn’t back down in terms of what he’d say or if he came off threatening. “…when I entered into his little lair, the second time, Tommy Walker’s character Francis tried to subdue me or prevent me from going in and I twisted his arm and I told Fisk to get his pet off me.” He was definitely an opposing force to Fisk who proposed him with a problem.

(Tommy Walker as Francis & Peter Shinkoda as Nobu, S1;E9)

As I mentioned we also got to talk with Tommy Walker who played the role of Francis. If you may not remember him, Fisk beat the crap out of him after discovering the death of his dear friend Wesley. The odd thing about this is Francis comes back to work for Fisk as if nothing ever happened. “I think fear definitely has a big factor because, come on, I think Fisk has this… you know, as the Kingpin’s lore goes, he’s not just a man, he’s a presence, an entity that somewhat takes over the city and in the Daredevil history we all know that when you hear his name… They built a mythos around him.”

Tom said, and I quote “I think you probably nailed it…” when I added that Francis just may have understood where he sat on the food chain in this situation. “He does understand where he sits on the food chain but he also got kind of like a promotion by default, so he also understands that.” Francis can be seen at the end of the series with Vanessa before she takes off on a helicopter. With that said, we may even be seeing more of Francis in season 2.

(Tommy Walker as Francis, S1;E13)

INTO D'ONOFRIO

“Like the first day you know, he doesn’t know me. So he gives you a little nod, the next day 'hello’, then the next day it’s 'Good morning, morning Tommy’ and you’re like 'oh, he’s got my name now’. He’s a joy once you get him talking and he’s telling stories and he’s so loose and so cool. He’s like got this hippie mentality in some ways, like he’s such a cool laid back dude… So he’s nothing like Fisk in real life, absolutely nothing like Fisk. He’s very good to everyone… very aware of everyone else on set… polite, but not in that like 'I’m being polite because I’ve been in this business 20 years, 30 years. He’s actually very polite, he does appreciate the little things and he’s so much fun to watch work. It’s like a masters class watching him do his thing. It’s cool.” - Tommy Walker 

“…one thing that they kept that was really relevant to me was as soon as he (the director) yelled cut I’d get back to Tom and we’d discuss 'my god man, you’re standing toe-to-toe,’ maybe a foot or two under D'Onofrio and they would shoot it to make me smaller than him, they’d shoot it over his shoulder. This is like three and half, four pages of intense slow burn dialogue with him and there was a few takes where Vincent was physically menacing in his eyes and I can’t help it, sometimes he actually moves off of his mark and come up and intimidate [Nobu] and there’s this part where he goes like this with his lip and his eye was twitching like he was about to choke me out so I’d have to counter that with [a look like] 'oh, you gonna make a move’ so you know it was very intimidating but I can’t slip out of character, I have to stay just as focused, just as intimidating, and just as op-positional to him as he is to me.” - Peter Shinkoda

CC: Being six years old and performing lead roles in theatre productions, did you ever picture yourself in the future full filling a career of acting and landing a recurring role on a hit network TV show? I mean, although you were six and may not have been thinking this far ahead, would it have shocked you to learn this is where it would lead?

KK: Gosh, I didn't picture any of this. I absolutely loved acting and felt completely at home on the stage but I wasn't envisioning a career; I never told anybody I wanted to be an actress because I didn't even realise that it was an actual occupation! Growing up in South Africa, I watched videotapes of old Hollywood musicals every day when I was little but it didn't occur to me that I was watching actors. For me, performance was an extension of life and not a profession. I didn't have any expectations. Obviously when I became older I started developing hopes and aspirations but even so, I never imagined that I would be fortunate enough to be in a position where I am able to pursue acting for a living in America. Little did I know when I was a child that one day I would set foot on the very same studio lots where my favourite classic movies had been filmed. It's a dream come true.

CC: People who know you from Hell On Wheels obviously know you're a wonderful actress but not so many know your history with the ballet. Correct me if I'm wrong, but you've earned five gold medals for your performance in Ballet Eisteddfods. What inspired you to learn such an art form?

KK: Ballet is an ineffable passion of mine. I saw a performance of Swan Lake on television when I was a toddler and from that moment onwards, I was completely enamoured. I began attending classes when I was three years old and became serious about my training in my adolescence. I spent my days researching, reading and watching everything that I could get my hands on pertaining to ballet. I hoped to make a career of dancing but unfortunately i developed several injuries in my late teens that compelled me to stop. Although I can't dance anymore, it remains something with which I have a deep connection within my soul. It can be emotionally difficult for me to see a performance or listen to certain pieces of classical music but I nonetheless adore everything about ballet and it will always be a part of my life.

CC: To push the conversation a bit toward Hell On Wheels, fans of the show recently had to say goodbye to your character Ruth and were fortunate enough to spend nearly the entire episode with her all the way up to her last moment. I say fortunate only because it was such a horrifying step-by-step event Ruth had to go through, and fans were given the chance to feel like we were walking her through it with every step. How did it feel for you to have to say goodbye and part ways with such a strong and brave character you've spent four season growing with?

KK: I understand that she's a character on a page but it was almost as if Ruth became an actual person to me. It was like bidding farewell to an old friend. When I received and read the script for my last episode, I was devastated for her sake rather than my own! She chose to die for her convictions which may be perceived as admirable but it was the very fact that she condemned herself which broke my heart, as did the fragility beneath her ostensible resilience. It's strange to think back to when it all began. My audition scenes were completely different to how Ruth was written on the show and in a way, I felt like I was portraying a different character every year. Ruth hadn't been prominent in the series until the end of this season, so I feel that prior to that point, I had the opportunity to observe, experiment and learn within my own little bubble. It was interesting to work that way.

CC: One thing I've noticed quite a bit from the cast and crew of Hell On Wheels is that you all are so tightly knit with one another. You all are always posting behind the scene pictures and you all seem more like a very close family than a cast and crew. How does it feel to have to leave that? I mean, obviously you can always visit and you'll still see everyone, but to leave Hell On Wheels and Cheyenne?

KK: Nothing lasts forever and everybody has to depart from Hell at some point but I'm a sentimental person and four years is quite a long time to be involved with something, especially as it was such a formative period of my life.  I defined myself by the show and it had a dominant influence upon everything in my sphere, therefore it's disorienting for that tie to be severed and for all those routines to cease. I was one of the original cast members and a lot of things have altered since then, so it's odd to think that this new group will be going on without me. However, at the same time, it is also liberating. I think it's important not to become dependent on anything and I'm glad that I now have the freedom to move on to new experiences. It's obviously an adjustment but change is healthy and I'm looking forward to the future.

CC: This is something I've always found very interesting about the show. Cheyenne isn't just some set built on a backlot, it was really built head to toe and surrounded by nature. A lot of sets do look and feel very surreal, but I feel everyone on the set of Hell On Wheels really gets the chance to experience what the Wild West felt like, how it really looked. With that said, what was going through your mind the first time you were on set in season one? 

KK: Actually, my very first day on set wasn't on location, but rather on a soundstage: they recreated the entire town of Hell on Wheels within an old airplane hangar and virtually all of our interior scenes were shot there during the first two seasons. I vividly remember walking onto that set for the first time. It was completely dark with only a few lamps lighting the way, the distinct smell of sawdust and electrical wires in the air, and it was an incredibly exciting sensation. There is such a magic to filming in a studio, feeling a part of the moviemaking heritage, and I actually missed that aspect of filming once we moved exclusively to our outdoor location for the third and fourth seasons. I did a film when I was 12 years old that was set in the 19th century and filmed entirely on location in the middle of nowhere, so when I saw the real Hell on Wheels for the first time, I already felt familiar with those sorts of surroundings. However, it was still impressive to walk around and take a look at the authentic structures that had been built. The atmosphere and design of the tent city was much more rugged compared to this year with the show being situated in Cheyenne, where the architecture was more sophisticated and elaborate. Regardless, everything that they've ever constructed has been fully functional and amazingly detailed. Despite that, I'd still say that the first season set definitely felt more like the Wild West. There was a sort of ramshackle charm about it.

CC: Last but not least, a lot of the photos you post from set on Facebook you always seems to be having fun, making a funny pose, or just casually listening to your music as you wait for filming to begin which to me had to have been the funniest with you in wardrobe and all. So my question is, what's something fun or goofy that happened on set, whether it was you or someone else, that you always want to remember?

CC: So you play Harley Cohen, AKA Triphammer, a man who battles among powers using his custom made bionic limbs. Can you tell us a bit about your character and how you get prepared before stepping on set?

AS: Absolutely. The writing team wanted to make a major change from Triphammer in the comics, as he was more of a secondary character, and somewhat of an Iron Man knock off. With the series, they had the great idea to make Triphammer a double amputee, a true wounded warrior who never gives up. His ability to adapt to every situation and bounce back stronger than before is a testament to anyone with physical or mental disabilities. Personally, I find this one of the most exciting attributes of my character. I am humbled to play a man who represents such honor and courage. Personally, I didn't do a great deal of work on the role prior to stepping on set. I knew we were not moving in the same direction as the comic, so I wanted to bring my own sense of 'humanness" to him, if you will. It felt better to be honest on set and simply react to the other characters in the moment. Triphammer knows he is the smartest one in the room, and has no problem telling everyone that fact. And, he also knows that without him, the world is not a safe place to live.

CC: How does it feel being on a show that has somewhat broken a new barrier in entertainment, as it is the first original series produced by Sony's Playstation Network? Do you think POWERS may just be the starting point?

AS: It feels great! Primarily because the creative team is so happy that they are not stuck in a box with limitations. PlayStation gives them complete freedom to do anything they like which is probably the most freeing feeling for a writer or showrunner possible. Being part of Sony's newest, and hopefully, greatest adventure is so exciting. The entire team at Circle of Confusion (the production company) and Sony (the network) have been so welcoming and continue to encourage our work daily. This is most definitely just the beginning. As I've gotten to become very good friends with decision-makers in all the different areas;this is not a one and done game; this is a game changer!

CC: POWERS is based on the comic book series by the same name and with that said I'm curious if you yourself are a comic book fan. If so, what are some of your favorite series and/or heroes?

AS: I would say comic book nerd, not just a fan! To be honest, I wasn't familiar with POWERS as a comic prior to joining the show; however, I did do my research when the call came in, and loved every volume. And I'd be lying if I didn't say that the opportunity to portray a superhero, and in particular, Triphammer, is a dream come true; I have to pinch myself continuously. As far as other series or heroes, I just really like everything out there. One fun part of being involved with this series is that I've been sent tons of comics from writers around the globe. They seem to like my version of Triphammer so much, and they just love connecting and talking comics, so I have stacks of books to choose from; one of the best perks of the show, ha! I've been reading " Enormous" from Tim Daniel and his team, "Sinergy" from Taki Soma and Michael Oeming, "Sex Criminals" from Matt Fraction and Chip Zdarsky, just to name a few. Other fantastic writers and artists like Alex Kot, David Walker, and Gordon Purcell just blow me away. Of course, I can't leave out anything from Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Oeming; I'd admit that anything they do becomes my favorite comic of the day.

CC: So POWERS has been renewed for a second season! With that said, what would you like to see from Triphammer next season?

AS: What would I like to see for Triphammer? There is so much I still want to explore within his heart and his drive. He is such an anomaly in this space; a superhero that has no real super power; but yet represents heroes everywhere. I'd like to see Triphammer continue inventing machines and arms/legs that help to control the evil powers, and in particular, highlight his disabilities. Triphammer is defined by his heart and persistent drive, not by his physical challenges.

CC: Outside of POWERS, can you tell us a bit about some of the other recent projects you've been a part of?

AS: I've been extremely fortunate to have worked on over 150 film, tv, voice over, and commercial projects from the time I returned to the entertainment industry seven years ago. It's really hard to choose my favorites, but I will have to say that the response worldwide to my role as The Sampler in Upstream Color has been mind-boggling. I have three films hitting theaters and VOD as we speak, Sorrow, We Are Still Here, and Don't Look in the Basement 2. And, I do have to single out the short film (well, 38 minutes) "Anomaly". You can watch it on Vimeo and I highly recommend it. Honestly, it is easily the most beautiful, powerful, and stunning short film I've ever seen.

CC: Is there any character, or kind of character, which you've always dreamed of having a chance to bring to life on screen?

AS: I wish I could have a better answer for you; but I'm just honored and humbled to be working so much, and with such amazing creative talents. My job as an actor is to help a writer, director, and producer bring their story from the page to the screen. This is an incredible blessing and responsibility, one which I take very seriously. Whether we're dealing with comedy, serious drama, superheroes, and anywhere in between, if I can make a writer smile when he or she sees the character come to life, I've done my job. And then, if an audience can be moved to discussion, debate, laughter, tears, and change, it's all icing on the cake.

CC: Your acting work definitely varies a bit in terms of genre leaving me asking what is your favorite genre to work with? Do you enjoy the more horror and gore driven projects or the more action and sci-fi driven projects?

AS: The best answer might be, refer to question number two. I have been very fortunate to be invited to portray roles over the entire range; and I'm thankful for each and every one. This job has nothing to be about fame or money to me, which I know sounds like a cliche, but it's absolutely true. My life has been filled with many different journeys, and none has been more rewarding than helping others to tell stories that have the opportunity to change lives. I can only hope the ride continues for many many years.

Describing himself as an awkward child, quite a stray from "...the small window of 'normal' in the midwest..." made him an easy target of teasing. In order to withstand what was thrown at him (figuratively speaking) he grew a sense of humor in order to make people laugh. Doug found inspiration on the TV screen with characters like Barney Fife, Gilligan, Gomer Pyle, Lucy, the cast of The Carol Burnett Show, Jerry Lewis and Danny Kaye. "They gave me hope that my goofy looks and odd timing might one day be put to good use, as well!"

Playing different creatures from the dark world to other planets was never something he planned on. "I didn't even think that playing monsters and otherworldly creatures was an option..." As his career progressed, he drew inspiration from Boris Karloff's The Mummy, which was the first horror movie he ever saw. When asked which non-human character he felt he had the most of a personal connection with he replied "I fall a little in love with all my characters, as that's the only way I can play them effectively. Even the evil ones... But the costumed character I feel most akin to is Abe Sapien from the Hellboy movies. Abe has a super intellect l only wish I had, but also a refined childlike wonder and innocence, a calming influence for his brute big brother Hellboy, and he feels so much communication through touch. " Doug even added that his favorite human character whom he's play is Jerry from the indie film My Name is Jerry.

For those of you who don't know, Doug Jones is also a contortionist. Comes in handy for a man of many creatures but oddly enough that's now how this skill came hand-in-hand with his acting career. It wasn't a big benefactor until his agent sent him an audition for a comical Midas Mufflers commercial, "a funny scenario of a health club massage therapist getting carried away as he mangled me into a pretzel shape, all the while talking about his horrible muffler problems not being fixed right at a competitor," is what Doug told me. This very skill is what lead Doug to receiving a call from Stan Winston Studios to discuss the role of Spy Morlock in the 2002 remake of The Time Machine.

Doug Jones has been seen plenty on the big screen, but did you know he spends plenty of time on the Indie screen as well? " …..it's nice to be in an indie film where the filmmakers have scraped together financing on their own and have complete creative control over their piece of art." Although there's always upsides and downsides to both big budget productions and indie films, Doug likes to fill his year working on a little bit of both.

"Right now, I'm on a network TV series, TNT's Falling Skies, but during my hiatus months, I took on two indie features, a short film, three web series, and an anti-tobacco TV commercial, along with a few weeks on another studio movie and guesting on two other network shows. So a good mix of all of it keeps me fed and happy."

Falling Skies is currently on Sundays on TNT if you're in need of seeing some Doug Jones.