Se7en Questions with Filmmaker and Actor
Sam Mason
Who are some of the artists or works
that inspired you to get started in your field? Of today’s current artists, who do you draw inspiration from?
Hell Raiser by Clive Barker, and Children Of The Corn were the movies that got me into horror. However, Four 1 Liberation Front by Director Bill Rice, was the film that made me want to create my own projects. It was while acting in that movie that I fell in love with the production process; the project life cycle from concept to script, the stages of physical production to post production and then a completed finished film that can be distributed.
What have thus far been some of the negatives of being an indie artist in your field?
I give some pause at saying negative things because I am a ‘glass half full’ person. All challenges posed to me are actually opportunities. If I am in an impoverished state financially, I am not in an impoverished state spiritually or mentally. All states of being, what we are challenged with, the things that we are individually pushed up against in this life and forced to deal with, are always for a purpose to put us where we need to be.
The most difficult trials place us precisely in places that we would not have placed ourselves willingly. In these moments we meet who we are supposed to, learn a skill or an obstacle teaches us something which elevates our being and future perceptions. Particularly in this area, one of my largest challenges has been funding the budget for my creations while maintaining the integrity of my project. Hastily accepting outside funding can often equate to the dismissal of the essence of one’s original art. These financial tests have become learning opportunities for me because I have pushed my craft in such innovative forms to produce on a budget and without forfeiting any quality.
On the contrary, the experience has enhanced my own and my teams imagination, creativity and ultimately game-changing works of art have been produced that money would not have.
What have thus far been the positives of being an indie artist in your field?
I get to meet and work with some of the best talent in the world. I get to watch my concepts come to life and my stories breathe. Take for instance how I met Craig Reed from the movie Reanimator. I had an actor cast for his part originally but due to medical issues he had to back out. Subsequently, I was at The Hollywood Show, which is an autograph signing show, with my dear friend Jeremy Miller from the T.V. Show Growing Pains. I was walking around the event area and saw Craig’s booth. We got to talking and I started telling him about what I had going on with my indie film. He was very interested in it, as well as my next film. We exchanged information and I went about my day enjoying the other booths and people at the event. When it came time to film the ‘Sanding Delicately’ scene, I found myself without an actor for the part. I remembered having Craig’s information, so I called him up. We talked, went over the details and we signed him. He was on set two weeks later and has been an amazing, dedicated part of our production.
What have been your favorite completed projects to work on up to this point? Can you tell us a little bit about them?
Out of my completed projects, I have three that stand out for me for different reasons.
1) Four 1 Liberation Front by Bill Rice. It was my first co- starring role. The experience taught me quite a bit about lighting and sound. I truly loved the character I was able to portray, making this production genuinely memorable.
2) Legend Of Drunken Monk by Ace Jordan was a fun set. I had the opportunity to portray a comical, leader of a surf gang, Spicoli-type character. The group of guys I worked with was amazing.
3) Dead End by Gorethy Quintilla – while this was a student film, I had a blast portraying my first bad guy role. I performed my first stunts and fight scene and really got to show my creepy side in this role.
What projects are you currently working on or have planned for the near future?
My Favorite project thus far, is the one I am currently in production on, Normal Terror. It’s my baby, I wrote, I am producing, directing and starring in this feature length film. I’ve been told that I am taking on a bit more than I can chew with my first being a feature but I’m O.K. with that. I like the idea of ‘going big’ from the get go. Normal Terror is a psychological gore film. We are using all practical special effects and bringing a nostalgic 80’s classic horror vibe with a new-age twist.
I have also worked on two other features this year besides Normal Terror; Cross Wars 3: Cross Contamination, with Danny Trejo, Richard Greico and many more stars. I worked on The Butcher, a cannibalistic horror film with my son. After finishing production on Normal Terror, I have six other concepts to write and create.
Where do you see yourself in a few years and what would it take for you to consider your career a success?
I just want to create art, create something unique, something that breathes life back into the world, and I want to have fun along the way. Sure, I would love to be paid well for it but I do it for the passion. I already consider my career a success; I have fun creating and I love doing it. What isn’t successful about that?
If you couldn’t do this anymore, what career path do you think you would have followed and why?
To pay the bills right now, I’m a truck driver. I love travelling, and if the passion for creating ever leaves me, I’ll just hop back in a big ole truck and drive away…
