Monday
Mar082010
+ Mar 8 Exclusive Interview: Actress Nicole Rae Vs. Brian S
Continuing on my "Road To The Maniacs" I have caught up with not only one of the new actresses in 2001 Maniacs: Field of Screams but also one of the new Maniacs. This time around I play catch up with Miss Nicole Rae. This stunning beauty originally from Des Moine, Iowa not only acts but she has an impressive modeling career going on plus she's just cool as hell and my new BFF!
Brian S- Hi Nicole, 2001 Maniacs: Field of Screams has begun it's world wide campaign. What part do you play in the film and can you tell me a little about your character?
Nicole Rae- I play Scarlet Red, one of the 3 "Maniactresses" (Term courtesy of Joe) featured in the film and led by Christa Campbell's Milk Maiden. Scarlet seems pretty innocent, flirty and sweet. She is the only one in the film that never holds a weapon. But don't write her off as just eye candy, there is plenty of rage and the desire to unleash it under all that satin and lace;) If you happen to find her without her gorgeous gown you may be sorry...you don't want to get caught with your pants down around this particular Maniac.
Brian S- I've seen a picture of Scarlet Red, what are wearing there Nicole and is there a story behind that?
Nicole Rae- Well, Brian, I assume that you are not asking about the corset or gown that Scarlet wears through most of the film. I was thrilled by the surprises that the costume department had in store for me-even under the dress it was all very sexy. But I imagine what you really want to know pertains to that flash of copper you see when Scarlet swings her skirt. That is her "pooch box"- a chastity belt of sorts. But like anything in the film, appearances can be deceiving. Scarlet is not the most outwardly terrifying of the Maniacs, but she can hold her own :)
There is a story behind Scarlet's "box" but I am not sure I'm able to share that...Tim may want to use it as backstory in the next film.
Brian S- You got called in kind of last minute for your part, how did this come about?
Nicole Rae- That's kind of an understatement. During the time Maniacs was shot here in Iowa we were having a bit of an industry boom brought on by tax incentives offered by our state to filmmakers. I was auditioning as well as acting as a casting assistant for Bill Marinella (ACME Casting) and he called me on a Sunday night to tell me he was emailing sides to me-and have them down for the next day.
The next day I read, helped him read other actresses for a bit, and went home and watched the clock tick. I had read for quite a few roles in the past week but this was the first one that I'd really wanted, you know. The others were about wanting/needing the work and credit, this resonated with me. The glimpse I got of the character from the brief pieces of script I was given made me want to explore more; dig deeper. I wanted to get to know Scarlet and bring her to life...I wanted to be a part of the reality that Tim was creating with these characters and interact with them. It is probably the only role I'd ever read for that I felt I'd be crushed if I lost it-which made it super hard to help coach and assist the other actresses trying out!
*Scarlet Red Cencept Art*
Brian S- Are there any fun Maniacs 2 stories you want to share? Any experiences that'll stay with you for life?
Nicole Rae- The entire shoot will stay with me for life! It was an experience I'll never forget. My favorite was watching Bill and Ogre preform songs from "REPO"-I'd seen it recently and just DIED watching these two men who were so cool and friendly turn into the characters I'd loved so much from the film.
I had a fun night at the local Wal-Mart one evening with Kathryn, Ryan and the twins. We had refrigerators in our rooms and went grocery shopping. Ryan had injured his arm before shooting began, and we figured that gave us enough "handicap" to get us one of those motorized shopping carts. We had Katherine in the basket for a while until the "secret service" at the store shut that little party down.
Since I'd had so little time to prepare for the role, I spent all of my free time and days off resting or preparing for the work to come. I probably seemed reclusive, but I really wanted to do this right, and I sacrificed potential bonds with castmates to do so. So that was pretty much the only downtime I spent with other cast members-besides an occasional coffee run with a few others.
Brian S- There is a certain kill scene in Maniacs 2 that has mentioned you and the character Val at the end, can you tell us anything about that?
Nicole Rae- I would LOVE to but that would be a major spoiler. It was strangely poignant for me. Andi did such an incredible job as Val that it really killed me to do my "thing" there. She is one of the most talented actresses I've worked with-she is severely under appreciated in my opinion. She really gives you something to work with as an actor-the give and take you get with her is amazing. She was heart wrenching, so beautiful and sweet.
The scene was oddly erotic, blatantly sexual, and it will leave you gasping.
Brian S- What was the whole 2001 Maniacs: Field of Screams experience like for you?
Nicole Rae- Exhausting. Exhilarating. Challenging. Wonderful. I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I showed up in that production office, but that film was one of the best experiences of my life.
Brian S- How about that director of yours, how was your experience with Tim Sullivan?
Nicole Rae- He is SUCH a hard ass. Seriously, a major tyrant! No, actually, the exact opposite. Tim is one incredible director. He had to be under unbelievable stress, but he took the time to make sure that any and all concerns were given his attention. He shaped and molded scenes and performances so subtly that I hardly felt his direction, but it was there just the same.
Brian S- Ok, there is a planned third Maniacs, can you tell me if we'll see Scarlet Red again?
Nicole Rae- God, I hope we haven't seen the last of Scarlet! I think that she has a lot more "show and tell" to do and that she may evolve beyond what she was in her introductory film. And if Scarlet is there, I hope to all that's holy that I'm the one strapped into that damned corset again. It would kill me to see anyone else in those shoes. I fell in love with the whole "Maniacs" world and I'd take any opportunity to visit again.
Brian S- Ok Nicole is there anything you want to tell your fans and all the Maniacs out there?
Nicole Rae- I have fans?! This would be the first I've heard of it ;P ...I'm grateful for the support, I am so appreciative of the opportunity this film has given me and I hope that they get everything they hope to from me-and then some. Thanks so much! Bloody kisses!!
Brian S- Well Nicole I think you'll have the fans chasing after you when we all experince 2001 Maniacs: Field of Screams and I look forward to being the first fan you put a restraining order on! Seriously I wish you much luck with all your projects in the future and I'm looking forward to seeing Scarlet Red and the rest of the Maniacs probably more than any sane human should but then again I never claimed to be sane so there you go.....
Visit Nicole Rae's site at missnicole.com
Visit Nicole Rae on Facebook here.
Pictures courtesy of Nicole Rae, Tim Sullivan, Chud.com and FIX Photo
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