Aaron Dominguez talk horror & haunts with Witchboard!

Summary

In this interview, the actor shares his thrilling experience working on a horror movie directed by Chuck Russell, discussing the challenges and excitement of jumping into the genre with minimal preparation. He reflects on the dynamics between his character and the other cast members, including his relationships with Madison Eisman's and Jamie Campbell Bower's characters. The actor highlights the fun of working with practical effects, intense action sequences, and wardrobe changes. He also reveals how trust in the director and fellow actors made for a memorable and enjoyable film experience, despite the chaotic nature of the story.

Takeaways

• 😀 The actor grew up watching films by Chuck Russell, including *The Mask* and *Nightmare on Elm Street 3*, which influenced their understanding of the genre.
• 😀 The actor’s role in the film was a quick turnaround, having signed on just 4-5 days before shooting started, making it a whirlwind experience.
• 😀 The actor trusted the cast and crew, particularly director Chuck Russell, during the short prep time, which led to a successful collaboration.
• 😀 Although the actor isn't a professional chef, they were comfortable in the kitchen and found playing a chef in the film came naturally, even though a hand model was used for some shots.
• 😀 The character played by the actor is caught in the chaos surrounding Madison's character, dealing with the fallout of a supernatural experience and relationship struggles.
• 😀 The actor had to adapt quickly, navigating dynamic relationships with both Madison and Jamie's characters, creating a tense atmosphere on set.
• 😀 The film's set was filled with blood, body parts, and horror elements, with the actor describing the process as chaotic but exciting and fun.
• 😀 Chuck Russell’s vision for practical effects was a key part of the film's success, and the actor had to trust him and let go of any hesitations during intense scenes.
• 😀 The actor worked closely with Charlie Tahan, their on-screen best friend, which made the chaotic scenes more enjoyable and dynamic.
• 😀 Madison had a lot of fun with her wardrobe changes and character transformations, which were integral to the film’s horror and supernatural elements.
• 😀 Although the shoot was not in New Orleans, the actor jokingly expressed their desire to try the local food, particularly the po'boys, while sharing their love for Vegas.

Q & A

What inspired the interviewee's decision to join the project despite limited preparation time?

The interviewee was motivated by the opportunity to work with Chuck Russell, a respected filmmaker, and the chance to collaborate with talented actors such as Jamie Campbell Bower and Madison Eisman. The trust in the director and cast helped them overcome the short preparation time.

How did the interviewee's previous experiences influence their role in the film?

The interviewee's previous experience with movies like 'The Mask', 'Nightmare on Elm Street 3', and 'The Blob' influenced their understanding of the genre. They were able to bring a level of familiarity and comfort to working in a horror-thriller environment.

How did the interviewee approach their role as a chef in the film?

While the interviewee wasn’t a professional chef, they had enough experience in the kitchen to perform their role convincingly. They were comfortable with basic cooking tasks like chopping, though for specific shots, a hand model was used.

What challenges did the interviewee face when dealing with the chaotic and horrific events in the film?

The interviewee had to remain open and instinctual while navigating the chaotic, often horrific events in the movie. They focused on staying in character and reacting to the unfolding drama, especially with the intense dynamics between their character and others.

How did the interviewee approach the character dynamics with Madison Eisman’s character?

The interviewee’s character was in a relationship with Madison’s character, and they had to navigate the complexities of trust and uncertainty. The evolving situation, including supernatural influences, made for a challenging and evolving dynamic between them.

What was the significance of Jamie Campbell Bower's character in the interviewee's storyline?

Jamie Campbell Bower's character added another layer of complexity to the interviewee's character’s experience. Initially, the interviewee’s character didn’t fully trust Bower’s character, which created tension and impacted the overall narrative.

How did the filming schedule impact the interviewee's experience?

The interviewee joined the project just days before filming began, which led to a fast-paced, intense start. However, they relied on the support of the cast and crew to quickly get up to speed and adapt to the role.

What role did Chuck Russell’s direction play in the interviewee's performance?

Chuck Russell’s direction was crucial in helping the interviewee navigate the complex dynamics of the film. The interviewee trusted Russell’s vision and his approach to practical effects, which allowed them to fully embrace the role and feel supported during filming.

How did the practical effects, such as blood and body parts, impact the interviewee’s experience on set?

The interviewee had to embrace the chaos of the practical effects, including blood and body parts. It was an important part of the horror genre, and they needed to stay open and playful in the moment, trusting the director and the effects team to make the scenes work.

What was the interviewee’s view on the nostalgic and classic elements of the film?

The interviewee appreciated how Chuck Russell incorporated nostalgic elements of classic horror films, evoking an 80s/90s vibe. The blend of practical effects and storytelling gave the movie a timeless, adventurous feel that resonated with both the cast and audience.