The rules have changed for filmmaking and filmmakers are now achieving success in their own hometown. People no longer have to move to Hollywood, or New York as a sure shot of “making it” in the entertainment business. Arizona filmmakers Brian and Dean Ronalds formed Ronalds Brothers Productions as a means to make and release their own films. Me being an Arizona resident, I was inspired to interview these two because they continue to do what they love – making movies – while feeling no pressure to move to Hollywood.
Their most recent film, Nether Beast Incorporated, stars View Askew’s own Jason Mewes, and also Steve Burns, the original host of the children’s’ show Blues Clues. Kevin Smith blogged about this movie last November, and now Quick Stop Entertainment brings you the inside scoop on the film and its creators in this interview.
THAAHUM: How did you guys get your start making films?
RONALDS BROTHERS: We’ve have been involved in the entertainment industry for the past 20 years. Growing up in Los Angeles, Albuquerque, and Littleton, we were able to perform onstage and in front of a camera at our schools, dinner theatres and local broadcasting companies.
THAAHUM: Do you guys specialize in one type of genre or different kinds?
RONALDS BROTHERS: Our first short we produced, “When Dark Falls” was a 12 minute Horror flick, then we did a Crime Drama, “Bounty” in Denver, shot a 22 minute War short titled “A.W.O.L.”, we did another 3 minute Horror short, “SPLiT”, then we shot a 17 minute Drama, “Portrait”, and then we moved into comedies with the shorts, “The Netherbeast of Berm-Tech Industries, Inc.”(6 minutes) and “Little Victim” starring Robert Wagner and Lori Singer.
THAAHUM: Who are your influences?
RONALDS BROTHERS: Directors ~ Mel Brooks, Neil Simon, Jim Jarmusch, Alfred Hitchcock, Actors ~ Gene Wilder, Tim Curry, Jimmy Stewart, Tom Hanks, Mike Myers.
THAAHUM: Tell us about your current project?
RONALDS BROTHERS: Nether Beast is based on the award-winning short The Netherbeast of Berm-Tech Industries, Inc., which took Best Screenplay at the London International Festival of Science Fiction and Fantastic Film; Best Comedy Short at Filmstock; Best Comedy Short at the Long Island Film Expo and at the Toofy Film Festival; and was the Micro Short Hall of Fame Winner at the International Horror and Sci-Fi Film Festival, among other awards and rave reviews. Both of us were named Best Arizona Filmmakers of the Year at the 2005 Phoenix Film Festival. Nether Beast is our feature film debut.
THAAHUM: What was it like working with everybody, especially Jason Mewes?
RONALDS BROTHERS: It was killer working with so many great folks. Steve Burns is so easy going, Judd Nelson is like a walking, talking encyclopedia, Dave Foley doesn’t have a non-funny bone in his body, Amy Davidson is as sweet as they come, Darrell Hammond was caring and supportive, Robert Wagner as always was a gentleman and a scholar, and then there’s Mewes. Mewes was on time and ready to go everyday. It was like hanging out with the homies when he was on set. Off set, he was very personable. We both have 4 year olds who took a liking to Mewes. He played with them and joked around with the little ones. Late one night after we wrapped for the day, Me, Dean, Steve Burns and Mewes were hanging out in the pool. We all decided to have a “Pool Olympics” by seeing who could swim the fastest and the furthest while holding our breaths under water. Mewes won. We then proceeded to see who could do more under water flips in one breath. Mewes won with 7. The dude is one athletic MoFo. Jason was a pleasure on and off the set and we think you’ll like his take on Waxy Dan. It’s definitely different then anything you’ve seen him do before!
THAAHUM: Has Nether Beast shown at any film festivals?
RONALDS BROTHERS: Not Yet. We’re scheduled for:
WORLD PREMIERE
AFI DALLAS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
March 30th and 31st at the Landmark Magnolia Theatre
for more info go to www.afidallas.com
WEST COAST PREMIERE
10th ANNIVERSARY SONOMA VALLEY FILM FESTIVAL
April 12th and 13th
for more info go to www.sonomafilmfest.org
ARIZONA PREMIERE
2007 PHOENIX FILM FESTIVAL
April 14th and 15th at the CineCapri in Scottsdale
for more info go to www.phoenixfilmfestival.com
THAAHUM: What has the response been?
RONALDS BROTHERS: So far, we’ve done small test screenings and the response has been very positive.
THAAHUM: Now I read you prefer to stay here in AZ to make movies, which goes against the grain of those who move to LA or NY to make their films. What made you choose to stay here to continue your filmmaking career?
RONALDS BROTHERS: As filmmakers, if you have an idea and a camera, it’s movie makin’ time whether your in Greeley, Colorado or Albuquerque, New Mexico!
THAAHUM: How do you think things are changing for aspiring artist to have success with their craft in their hometown?
RONALDS BROTHERS: One word. Technology. If you have a drive and willingness to follow through on what you say and dream, you can make things happen wherever you’re at!
THAAHUM: Where can people find out more information on the film?
RONALDS BROTHERS: www.netherbeast.com, http://www.myspace.com/netherbeast, http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=netherbeastmovie
THAAHUM: What are your future goals and aspiration?
RONALDS BROTHERS: We’re currently working with writer Bruce Dellis, Executive Producers Kevin Berman, F. Miguel Valenti, Chris and Rodney Rothert, and Dan Wilhoit on our next Feature Comedy, to be shot Fall 2007.
–Copyright 2007 Keneteph Entertainment
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