An Interview with Actor and Filmmaker Zack Ward
Having grown up in front of the camera it’s no surprise to learn that A Christmas Story’s Zack Ward is now both producing and directing his own films. The thesp’s latest project, directed by James Cullen Bressack and produced by the company they co-own, is Bethany. Ward also performs in the film.
Hi Zack, its great that you have managed to take time out to chat to us.
First things first, you and James Cullen Bressack – how did you first meet? How did you come up with the idea of having a production company together?
I was out having sushi with my lady and was telling her about an audition I’d just had for the “Mr. Peabody and Sherman” movie, complete with my impersonation of the voices I’d done. Suddenly, a voice behind me said, “Hey, your voices are really good. Do you do a lot of animation?” To which I answered, “no, but I audition a lot” (and laughter ensued). James introduced himself, we talked over dinner and then shared a drink at a local bar, during which he told me about his film, “Pernicious” that he was shooting in Thailand and that one of the characters in the script he wrote was based on my character, Nicholai, from Resident Evil: Apocalypse. Such a small world, right?
Once he got back from Thailand we started hanging out, found our synergy and the next step was obvious; make movies!!
That’s awesome! It sounds as though the two of you hit it off straight away.
Had you produced films prior to that?
Yes. My first film is called “Don’t Blink”, starring Mena Suvari, Brian Austin Green and myself. It came out in 2014 and is on Netflix and Showtime right now.
Wow! That is good going!
And some of the films you direct, some of the films he directs – is that right?
Yup. We balance out the responsibilities so we both have the time and support to work on our films with as much focus as possible.
You act in all the films too?
So far, but it depends on if it’s the right fit for me. I’m objective about my skill set and looks, so I won’t put myself in the “sexy, good looking guy” role if we can get somebody that suits it better.
What can you tell us about “Bethany”?
Bethany is very much a 1970’s styled supernatural suspense film like the ones I grew up on. Filled with characters suffering pain from childhood wounds and looking for closure. All films have metaphor imbedded in the story to connect with the audience and I think Bethany captures that perfectly.
This sounds very interesting.
How much like the character are you?
Well, I do eat with my mouth open! (inside joke if you’ve seen it). There is a lot of me in that role as we wrote it and drew upon what we know. So I feel that the choices were natural ones. Although, I’m always up for a good bunch of batshit crazy, as that lives in my dark heart as well.
How was it working with Shannen Doherty and Tom Green?
Fantastic. Consummate professionals and both really sweet people. Especially considering the cancer subtext that Shannen was suffering through. They were both rock stars.
That’s good to hear.
The film had a theatrical run. How important is a cinema release to filmmakers these days? Is it as vital as it use to be?
No, not at all. It depends on the film, its audience and how the distributor wants to promote. We’re very fortunate to be working with Keith Leopard at Uncork’d. He’s incredibly experienced and great at sharing his wealth of knowledge. A true Yoda of distributors.
There are so many outlets now for movies, it is a great time for filmmakers out there.
Where can people find Bethany?
Bethany is on iTunes and Amazon right now. So get it while it’s hot!
Awesome! I am sure our readers will be jumping straight onto this. Good look with Bethany and I am sure you have lots of exciting things to look forward to!
