Tom Green (Road Trip, Freddy got Fingered) and Shannen Doherty (Charmed, Beverly Hills 90210) star in the spine-chilling Bethany, from acclaimed filmmaker James Cullen Bressack (Pernicious, To Jennifer),
After Claire’s mother dies, she and her husband move back to her childhood home only to have the abusive and traumatic memories of her mother come back and bring unrest into the house. Claire soon finds herself in a fog of past and present when her imaginary friend from childhood begins haunting her memories. What is this terrifying thing that is trying to reach out to her, and what does it want?
Stefanie Estes (If Looks Could Kill), Zack Ward (Restoration), Keith Jardine (John Wick), Leon Russom (TV’s Prison Break) and Felissa Rose (Sleepaway Camp) star in a film by James Cullen Bressack.
Written by James Cullen Bressack and Zack Ward, Bethany releases in theaters and On Demand April 7 via Uncork’d Entertainment. and in its run up to release, I had the chance to have Director James Cullen Bressack answer the ‘Spending Time With…’ questions that are out there in the world. I love reading things about filmmakers that go beyond their film, to learn what inspires them and to show you that as much as film making is a great vocation in life. I also want to show you some of the things you dont see on camera, or perhaps hear in interviews.
Is there a book that you have reread more than any other?
I’ve read all the Harry Potter books a few times. I’m a huge fan of those.
Favourite Childhood TV show growing up?
I was a huge fan of ARE YOU AFRAID OF THE DARK and my dad’s cartoon show CAPTAIN SIMIAN AND THE SPACE MONKEY’S.
What’s the most ‘starstruck’ you have been?
Probably when I first met Eli Roth. It was pretty funny actually. I showed him the “Elite Hunting” tattoo I got on my chest from Hostel. I later worked with him and crypt TV later down the road on Lab Coats, but at the time I met him first, I felt like a little kid meeting his hero.
What’s your most memorable ‘fan’ encounter?
I remember I was at a film festival and someone came up to me and started talking with me and literally knew more about my upcoming projects than I did. I was super impressed and was like “woah, people actually watch my movies” for a while I was under the perception that only my friends watched them when I forced them to by nagging them repeatedly.
What was one of the most memorable films you saw as a child?
When I saw KILL BILL VOL 1 in theatres that was a seriously memorable experience. Not only was it an awesome movie and super bloody, but I went with my dad. My dad brought me to the theatres cus he said I had to see this movie, and when we bought tickets the ticket taker asked my dad “are you sure you want to bring your son into this movie? It’s extremely violent.” I was like 12 at the time. My dad responded “Of course I do!” I remember when I walked into the theatre, I thought I had gotten away with something. Like I was seeing something I wasn’t supposed to and it was extrely exciting.
What is one of the best pieces of advice you can remember being given?
Wes Craven once told me “The people in this business that make it are the ones that keep at it and never give up.”
When it comes to watching films? Physical Media or Digital?
I have over 4,000 dvds and always love rare films, but I am a huge fan of my Netflix, hulu, amazon prime and HBOGO subscriptions.
What is one of your favourite current TV shows? (or let’s say in the past 10 years)
BREAKING BAD
Are you a video gamer? If so, what’s your console of choice?
I totally am! I have a few systems actually. I’ve always been a playstation fanboy. So I have a Ps4 and a Ps3 (my ps3 is backwards compatible.) I am a huge fan of the mortal kombat series. I have every mortal kombat game, even an old school sega genesis so I can play the original Mortal Kombat. ABACABB is the blood code btw J but right now I’m pretty addicted to playing Super Smash Bros Brawl or Mele on my Wii or UFC2 on my PS4.
Do you read reviews of movies you make?
I always read my reviews. I like to know peoples opinions and see where there are similarities and if the film is giving the right impression that I want.
If you had to make a bucket list of people you’d love to work with, tell me one name who would be on it?
Ray Liotta, Meryl Streep or Robert Deniro
What is one of your most favourite locations you have filmed in?
Filming in Thailand was amazing and magical.
What film always makes you laugh?
It’s not a film but Rick and Morty cracks me up. I love that show.
What film do you love that you feel most people might not be aware of?
The Hills Run Red and Brain Damage. Those are two of my favourite horror films and I feel like not enough people have seen them.
In your creative roles? What is the longest day that you’ve ever had?
I once had a 20 hour day. That was brutal.
Do you have any ‘props or keepsakes from your films?
I actually keep a prop from each of my films. Usually the murder weapon or the Mask of one of the killers. For Bethany I have Bethany’s mask.
What excites you most about the film world today?
There are so many new and fresh storytellers with different visions, and the ability to go out there and create without needing a big budget.
Is there one person who you feel has made you are today?
My parents. My Dad taught me so much about screenwriting and storytelling, and my mother was the first director I ever worked with, she use to direct me in the school plays when I was a kid. I would not have a love for the arts or storytelling without their love and support.
What is your proudest achievement?
Getting a movie made. I always dreamed of making movies, the fact that I’ve made one is still surreal and shocking to me, and at this point I’ve directed 14 features.
What was one of the first music albums you can remember buying?
Marshall Mathers LP!
Have you ever gotten someone’s autograph? Which is the most memorable for you?
Yes! When I was a kid I use to collect autographs! When I got DDP’s autograph! I was a huge WWF and WCW fan as a kid and READY TO RUMBLE was my favourite movie when I was little
How many movies do you think you watch a year?
No way to guess that. But the most you can imagine.
You can follow James on Twitter @JamesCullenB and check out his IMDB page at http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2285189/?ref_=nv_sr_1
I wish to extend my thanks to James for taking the time for Spending Time With… me, and also my thanks to Ashleigh for helping arrange it. Many thanks to October Coast Publicity.
If youd like to participate in the ‘Spending Time With…’ series then please get in touch with me via Twitter ( @frompage2screen ) or email at frompage2screen@gmail.com
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