Photographed by: John Russo
Interview: Teri Maurel
Styled by: Raymond Avalos
Grooming: Thea Istenes for Exclusive Artists using Augustinus Bader
Location: 1 Hotel West Hollywood
TM: Let’s talk about, “I know what you did last summer.” When you read the script, what were your initial thoughts?
AN: When I first read the script, I immediately thought that the balance of old blood to new blood was perfect. Hahaha. No pun intended. What I mean is, we get just enough of the original world and characters that we love combined with new characters to ignite some fresh excitement. The art of the reboot is not easy. And I think they did an excellent job. I also know that Jennifer (director) was very adamant about not being too careful with these characters’ lives. She wanted to go big and bloody and make a splash. And I think she crushed it. I didn’t have any doubts about taking the role, per se, I was thrilled to get the call, but I was curious about the character’s motivation. There was a certain amount of secrecy about the ending, as there should be with a movie like this. So I just wanted to speak with Jennifer and get some clarity about my character, Pastor Judah, and learn as much information as possible so I could do my job the best I could.
TM: Are you a fan or horror films?
AN: My relationship to Horror Films is a little odd. I don’t watch a lot of them. But when a good one shows up, I fall in love. I have a lot of respect for the genre and especially directors that know how to craft them. It is not easy. With many tv shows and movies, there is a lack of style. You can have a basic plan and show up and rehearse the actors and shoot it. But with horror, it has to be much more specific. The storyboards, camera work, lighting, editing, and music all work together to design a great horror film. It is very very difficult. The director and the team have to know exactly what they want to accomplish every moment of the shoot!
TW: Are there any roles or genres you haven’t explored yet that you’d like to?
AN: I’ve always been obsessed with playing soldiers. I have dipped my toe in that pond, but I don’t feel like I have ever fully immersed myself. I would love to find something that I can sink my teeth into.
TW: How did you mentally get into your character, your thought process, specifically with IKWYDLS?
AN: For Pastor Judah, I studied for eight weeks with monks in the Basque region of Spain… Hahahaha. Just kidding. There was no time for that. I was on a plane to Australia right away. My research was about religious leaders, in positions of power, that may or may not take advantage of that power. There were some articles and photos that were very helpful, but I can’t be too specific cause I don’t want to get in trouble. But my character was based on a variety of different people that have been in the news over the last decade. Wink Wink.
TM: You previewed your directorial debut SALAMANDER KING to rave reviews. How did this project come about?
AN: Thank you! The Salamander King started as an idea, by my friend, Drew Mackintosh, a writer who lives in Austin, TX. I said it should be a half hour workplace comedy. But after having a lot of doors slammed in our faces, we got tired of waiting, and decided to go make an Indy Feature. It was a labor of love. We bootstrapped the whole thing, much like the story of our beloved characters. The Salamander King is an underdog sports comedy about a beat up public golf course that is about to be wiped off the map. An eclectic group of endangered species all work there and are desperately trying to protect their home and their identity. It’s a feel-good comedy for everyone! I can’t wait for the world to see it.
TM: If you could model your career after an accomplished director, who would it be and why?
AN: Ron Howard. No doubt. He is my hero. He started as an actor. He has made every genre of movie there is. And well! So many directors get stuck in one genre because the business feels more comfortable when you stick to what you know. There is less risk. But Ron Howard is a great example of a director who can slip seamlessly into any zone and make something artistic AND financially successful.
TM: If you could star in a remake of any classic film, which would it be and why?
AN: Remake of any classic film? Does it have to be a classic? I would want to remake something pulpy and weird and not remembered. Like an obscure B or C movie from the 70’s. I love the Grindhouse thing that Tarantino and Rodriguez were inspired by. Here’s an idea. What about SWITCHBLADE SISTERS (1975).
To learn more about Austin Nichols, follow him @austinnichols