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B MOVIE NEWS reporter Dan Gunning fires 20 fast question to B Movie actor Joel D. Wynkoop. They chat about everything from comic books, Chuck Norris, Debbie Rochon, the democrats and the new Star Trek movie.
 

 
 
When was it exactly when you woke up and realized you were a cult film hero?
 
Well, I don't know if I am a cult film hero just like people call me KING of the B movies, I'm just a guy who likes to be in the movies and I am happy to know there are people out there that like my flicks or like my  acting in them.  The first I noticed however I was noticed and was called upon for a movie when was  my partner Tim Ritter told me "You're starting to catch on man, these guys in Tampa want you in there movie"  That movie was ROT by Marcus Koch, he had seen CREEP and wanted me in his movie, another moviemaker heard Marcus had me in his movie and he called and asked if I would  be in his movie BRAIN ROBBERS FROM OUTER SPACE.   It just kept going, other movie makers followed, Kevin Lindenmuth wanted me for ALIEN AGENDA series, Phil Herman wanted me to be in his movies followed by Ryan Cavalline of Fourth Floor PICTURES and it is still going on today.  I'm heading to Iowa next to work on Kristian Day's movie Body In A Dumpster, he found me on my space.

I know a lot of people talk about the disadvantages of making films on shoestring budgets, but do you find there are any advantages to operating outside the Hollywood system?
 
Well I can do it how I want and don't have to listen to anybody telling me what to do.  I've had opportunities where people said "I'll give you a budget" but it always comers with them telling you what you can and can't do. Of course a budget is nice you have the money to do what you want or pay people properly but I think there is room for both.  Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't mind having a budget but it has to be my way!  Now I can compromise I'm not a jerk about it but if their changing the whole idea then it's not even my movie anymore, and before you  know it you see someone else's name on YOUR project and you'll be standing there scratching your head saying "What happened?"
 

Along those lines what is your opinion of the state of cinema these days?
 
 I think movies today are GREAT!!!  "THE STRANGERS" looks cool and my partner Tim Ritter told me "RAMBO" was GREAT!!!  I can't really say anything bad because everyone's tastes in movies are different.
 
     

 
I notice in your 20+ years of filmmaking that you have played a wide variety of characters. Do you enjoy creating different characters, have a process to it, and is it ever difficult for you to ensure that one character is not to much like another you played?
 
YES!!!  I love it.  Coming up with a new character is great.  I never want a viewer saying, "he played that just like that other character" I always try and make a new character unless it's a sequel.  I think I have reprised Dan Hess from the "TRUTH OR DARE" movies six or seven times in other movie makers flicks.  "ANGUS", "GUS KIMBLE", "LOUISS", "STEVE NEKODA", "DAN HESS", "DR. ROBERT OLSEN", "NICK HAZZARD", and lots more.  I think I have done a good job of providing the viewer with a different role for each character.  Of course it depends on the writing.
 

In "DARK DIMENSIONS" I play a time traveler named LOUISS who always has one eye closed because he sees visions in it which hurt him.  It was written this way but the director asked me "We could do you with a scar over your eye or a patch..." but I opted to hold it closed myself to avoid the makeup process but it worked out great. KIMBLE and ANGUS both were potty mouths but still different from each other.  Steve Nekoda would never utter the "F" word, that's the kind of guy he is. It's very important to me to make a new

character every time and breath that character a life of it's own.  A process?  I just read the script, read the character's lines and decide what he is all about, how he was raised, what his parents were like, how does he feel about life and himself, does he love people, hate them, is he a good guy at heart, does he have a heart? When I am done with all that I have my character.
 
 
Is there certain things that draw you to a certain project script, character, the people involved etc.?
 
I have had scripts I've looked at and I've told the director or producer or both that it doesn't interest me, most of them change it so it does interest me. This last one I did, "DEMON CLUB 2" I told Johann "I don't want to do that same type character again, I don't want to run from the monsters, I don't want to be choked until I'm dead."  He said "Fine, how do you want to do it?"  I've also had directors say to me "I'm not most director's" and I had to do it his way.  But that's the job of an actor, all I can do is ask.  I'm pretty much interested in all genres, horror, martial arts, comedy, drama, sci-fi, it's mostly the character I think that draws me into it, or what I can do with that character. 

Directors:  I would love to work with Tim Ritter again.   He is a BLAST to work with.  He really let's me run with the character I portray.  Chris Woods and Joe Davison are two local directors I want to work with and have a couple projects slated with both of them in the future along with all the others I mentioned.  Of course I am looking  forward to work with Kristian Day.  Others I have enjoyed working with  are Phil Herman, Ryan Cavalline, Garland Hewlitt, Kevin Lindenmuth, Jason Liquori, Johann Tetrault, Rick Danford, John Matheney, John Lewis, Gustavo Perez, Andy Lalino, Dustin Hubbard, Nick Cutti, Andrew Allan and probably a lot more that I can't think of right now.  My first chance to work Debbie Rochon I was really excited to finally work with her face to face.  We had appeared in the "ALIEN AGENDA" Movies together but not face to face.  We met face to face at "SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY CON" in Tampa.  Finally on the set of Dustin Hubbard's movie "FOR CHRIST'S SAKE" we got to work together, face to face, she is AWESOME!!!!!!!  I guess all aspects but the people involved make it fun.
 
 
You have performed a variety of jobs in cinema director, writer, producer, and even cinematographer what are some of the things you enjoy and/or find challenging about some of these jobs?
 
I enjoy acting the most however I do like directing too.  If I didn't have a part in the movie and someone asked me to direct I would, if it interested me.  Producing?  Again only if it really interested me or the person I was doing it for

wanted me to.  I like witting but it is hard to stay at it.  I have two friends that are authors and my hat is off to them.  To stay at it night and day witting is hard.  Tim Ritter not only an accomplished moviemaker and director but is also a  writer, two of his books "UNREEL" (basically about Tim and I ) and "THE HAMMER WILL FALL" also Franklin E. Wales author of "BOOGER" and "GAMEMASTER".  When I did "LOST FAITH" I carried that pen and paper with me everywhere.  For me it is so hard to sit down and make myself write.  Once I am doing it though I can knock it out.  When I started "THE BITE" I got sucked right into it, witting every night.  I have also shot my own movies.  When I did "TIME FOR DESSERT" I was behind the camera, except for a cameo appearance.  I like setting up camera angles when I am shooting and working the camera into the actors, they never know what I might do next with it when they are performing.  Again, it's all aspects of movie making I enjoy.   You also asked challenging, I answer to that, in the acting, making the character interesting.   If it's writing, try and make it creative or throw a new idea in.  I always

say, if you don't have a budget and you can't blow things up try and have the best acting you can.  If I am doing the camera work I try and make that interesting as well.  Unless the whatever just calls for straight acting and camera work which is fine but it's always more fun to get a little creative.
 

If the democrats keep fighting any chance we'll see Joel D. Wynkoop swoop in and steal the nomination?
 
Only if they let me where a SPIDERMAN outfit.  LOL.  I have no interest in politics and would make a crummy whatever.  I'm an actor and a cartoonist, that's it.

  

You seem to work in a wide variety of genres. What were some of the genres/films that inspired you?
 
The early days of the  BATMAN TV show, FRIDAY THE 13TH, SUPERMAN, ROBOCOP, STAR TREK, GODZILLA , DEATHWISH, BEVERLY HILLS COP.  I guess all kinds.  I never just do
one kind of movie, I guess when Tim and I started out it was all horror slasher stuff but now I've so branched out that I've covered all genres, I think.  What got me interested in movie making period was when I learned KING KONG was just a small armature on a table top that got me interested in stop motion photography, THE SIX MILLION DOLLAR MAN was a big help in inspiring me as well. 
 
 
What has been your biggest thrill in making films?
 
Biggest thrill?  Working with Debbie Rochon.  Working with Tim Ritter.  That's hard to answer, I can't pin down one thing.  It's always a thrill just to be on a movie set.  The people I have worked with are all great.  Working with Conrad Brooks was something to remember, just to know he had worked with Ed Wood and Bela was very cool.  Doing different roles, I've played bad guys, good guys, superhero types, Starship Captains, smart alec brother in law types, the normal guy down the street, anti heroes, psychos, it's all good.  It's a thrill every time I get on a set.  A lot of times I will do a performance and at the end everyone will cheer or if I am doing a bit that comes off funny everyone laughs and loves the performance, that is most gratifying.  Like I said, it's everything, I have done so many movies now and I could tell you something thrilling about each one.  I love working with the people on them and for the people making them, it's always a thrill.

 
Are there any other mediums you'd like to explore before all is said and done like write a book, art, etc?
 
I'd love to do a comic book.  A superhero like Spiderman or Batman.  I have several now, anybody want to finance a comic book?  I am witting a book now with Franklin E. Wales but like I said above it is so hard to make myself sit down and write, even this interview is killing me write now, I want to go to bed, I must have A.D.D.  The book with Franklin E. Wales is about my life, growing up becoming interested in movies and then making them, it will go up to right in the point where I am finished writing the book, however long that takes.  I want to keep making movies, TV shows, commercials, whatever comes down the line.
 

Is there a dream project out there that you'd love to do?
 
A superhero movie.  So I wouldn't fit into a SPIDERMAN suit, I can dream can't I?  It would be cool to do a SUPERMAN type role.  IRON MAN, SPIDEY, WOLVERINE, who hasn't wanted too play a superhero?  I mean come on!!!  If I can't do that I'd love an action role like Bruce Willis in "DIE HARD" or Chuck Norris in "INVASION USA".  At my level with no budget I still want to do "LOST FAITH 2".  To sum it up, I like all acting but the action flicks would be the coolest.  Savin' the world ya know?

You seem to work with the same people in several films is this by choice, or pure coincidence? Also who are some of your favorite and most talented people you've worked with?
  
A lot of it is coincidence but if I'm controlling the shoot and script I will always bring back the cool people I have worked with.  Other times it is the same producer and they may have the same working people that they like or use so we all end up being together again.  Favorite and most talented would have to be my partner Tim Ritter, I'm hoping we will one day hook up again and work together.  I like Debbie Rochon a lot, working with her is always fun.  My wife is fun to work with as well, I always push her to new extremes when were doing something.  Bill Cassinelli is another person I would love to work with again.  Jeez there are so many, to many to name. I  pretty much like everyone I work with and I think they in turn like me, I try and get along with everyone.   I think everyone I have worked with has talent, they have the dream and they, like myself work hard to keep it alive.
 

What project in your career are you the most proud of?
 

That's tough.  I loved CREEP, I really went beyond the extremes of being a mad man. SCREAMING FOR SANITY I put a lot of emotion into with the crying and all. SURVIVOR'S OF RIMEC was very emotional for me because of the FAITH element as well as LOST FAITH and even THE BITE.  Mostly I'd have to say the ones I did on my own, SURVIVOR'S OF RIMEC, LOST FAITH, THE BITE and even THE PART.  These I wrote and produced pretty much on my own, the others were really Tim's babies with a little input from me.  I mean it's hard to do a character but it is even harder to do the character and write the story and direct and produce and make sure everyone gets fed and paid.  Those last four I'd have to say I am most proud of, I did them on my own. Acting wise I love them all, mostly the

same but some were lame characters and the ones that stand out are the ones that scream for your attention.  LOUISS from DARK DIMENSIONS is a favorite of mine, a time traveler, COPE RANSOM is another, a war torn anti hero, I love them all, they are all their own versions of another person, some regular some heroic but all parts I try to make come to life, someone an audience will care about.

You do the convention circuit. Do you enjoy it, or do the fans all expect you to be a character you're not, or follow you home afterwards?
 
Nope no one has ever followed me home LOL.  I love doing the conventions, I've done  and still do SCREAMFEST, THE TAMPA COMICBOOK AND TOY CONVENTION, EPIC CON, TRI COUNTY, SOMETHING WICKED, NECROMONICON, COLLECTOR'S COMICS CON, HOLLYWOOD COLLECTIBLE SHOW, FX 2008, and probably a bunch others I can't think of right off
the top of my head.  I always spend time with everyone who stops at my table so I'd
like to think they like talking to me about my movies or just chatting in general.

 
What are some of the things you enjoy doing when you're not filming?
 
Recently my wife and I went out with Debi Storm (ADAM 12, BRADY BUNCH) and Lauren Chapin (Kathy from FATHER KNOWS BEST ) to a KARAOKE bar and sang pretty much from 930pm till 1am, it was a BLAST!!!!  I like to draw a lot, a lot of times if were at a restaurant and I see kids I'll draw for them, Spiderman or Batman or whoever they like.  Cathy and I try to get to the movies as often as possible.  I love spending time with my kids, my x wife has custody so I try to work out seeing them as much as possible.  I'm putting together FALL OF AN ACTOR now which has become my pet project, it is sort of a reality docu style movie, hard to explain, it should be pretty cool when it is all done.  Every once in awhile I will hide myself behind the pages of MARVEL or DC comics.  Mostly I am usually working on something related to acting, whether it be that or moviemaking or witting my next script.

This one doesn't involve you per se, but I hear you are a big fan of Star Trek. Any opinion on the newest Trek film coming out?
 
Looking forward to it.  I think it will be cool to see if they (The producers/writers/actors) stay true to the original by making the characters become KIRK, SPOCK, McCOY and SCOTTY of the past.  I love the original, I liked Next Generation I liked VOYAGER but ENTERPRISE they kind of ignored the others and kind of made new things up that didn't correspond with the other series.  Anyway, I will
be there on opening day, lets hope it's cool.
 
 
If you had your choice 100 years from now how would you want people to remember your film career.
 
No body is going to remember me in 100 years. I won't be here in a 100 years, but it would be cool to have people say "Man he quit his job and went for his dream and he did it."  I've worked really hard to get this far, it's not like it's HOLLYWOOD or anything but I have accomplished a lot in the B movie world.  I'd like people to
remember them all but also remember the real me, the guy that was there friend.
 
 
If you could work with any person in the business who would it be?
 
Chuck Norris, I have been a fan of his since GOOD GUYS WHERE BLACK.  That was the first movie I saw him in and I am still a fan today.  When I did LOST FAITH it was like a tribute to him, because of Chuck Norris I studied the MARTIAL ARTS, that's what got me interested in Karate.  I mean I like a lot of actors and I'd love to work with a lot of them out there but Norris has always been a favorite.
 
Are there any plans to ever attempt a foray into the world of larger budget films?
 
 Yes, I am up for a part in SON OF MOURNING with Heather Graham, it is wait and see right now, I was called back to read for the producers but I have heard nothing from my agent as of yet, I'm hoping for the best.  If it is meant to be then it will happen, if not, there's always the next audition.  I am an actor first, whether it is B movies or the big time I will be there trying my hardest to score the part.
 
EVERYONE would slap me if I didn't ask for the inside scoop on any projects you've got in development, or rattling around in your head that you'd like to do.
 

I am leaving for Iowa in the morning to do a movie called "BODY IN A DUMPSTER" by Kristian Day.  I play the mayor of a small town with a terrible murder. I am also the line producer and the fight choreographer on the same movie. I am also working on ZOMBOTOMY (BRAINJACKED) I am the voice of the announcer on the animated series "ROCK, SCISSORS, PAPER" by 11th Dimension Films with Rick and Denise Houston.  Micheal Winslow (POLICE ACADEMY,SPACEBALLS) is also working on this.

 
I keep very busy with my agent and just did two TV commercials in the last two weeks airing now.  I did a short for John Martin. I play a Starship Captain (ala Captain James T. Kirk) that lands on a planet to investigate a missing colony. look for the entire DVD called "NOT OF THIS WORLD".  I also did a cameo appearance for Johann Tertrault for his movie "DEMON CLUB 2" where I play yet again a very mean spirited boyfriend, why do I keep getting these roles?  LOL.
 
When I get back from Iowa I am starting another script.  A full feature called "MISSING PIECES", a buddy cop movie, along the lines of "LETHAL WEAPON". I also have an  appearance on the 7th  with Debbie Rochon, Krista Grotte, Mike Christopher at a local video store (MOVIE STOP) and then an appearance at the premiere of Debbie's new movie "SAVAGED", pre show "ALARUM" which I am the voice of the Alarm clock and Krista takes the leading role.  Mike Christopher in case you didn't know is the Hare Krishna zombie from "DAWN OF THE DEAD". 
 
End of June early July I will be heading over to Titusville to do a movie for Jimmy Wright of the TROMA GROUP. I play a victim who gets revenge on the people that killed him even after his death, it's a cool little story. And in August I again will team up with Miss Debbie Rochon for the full feature "STOPPED DEAD" by Jason Liquori of HOCUS FOCUS PRODUCTIONS.  I just completed a photo shoot for a magazine yesterday and will be an upcoming guest at THE TAMPA TOY AND COMIC CONVENTION, NECROMONICON and once again for the 5th year SCREAMFEST. 
 

 I also have FALL OF AN ACTOR to complete which I am busy editing at this time and also "THE WYNKOOP TALES" which includes the shorts "SLASHER WEEKEND", "WHEN A MAN LOVES A WOMAN" and "PHYSICAL CONFRONTATIONS". My short "SURVIVOR'S OF RIMEC" should be coming out anytime now.  WOW!!!  That's a lot huh?

 After "MISSING PIECES" I would still like to do "LOST FAITH 2", that has been on my mind to do as a sequel since I finished the first one, just never got around to it. 

 
Well if I can count correctly today that's my version of 20 questions. I thank you again for your time.
 
Thank you!
 
 

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