KingWolf catches up with Director and Actor, Harley Wallen, to talk about his passion for acting, directing, and what’s next for him career-wise.
1. What attracted you to create the movie "AGRAMON'S GATE?
Hello KingWolf, can I start by saying I love the name and thanks for taking the time. I have always been a horror fan myself and knew a few filmmakers and styles of film that made impressions on me and this was my nod to The Exorcist, Poltergeist and the demon driven horror thrillers of the 70’s and 80’s that were often story and character driven and mystery was a big part.
2. Did you find it difficult or easy to wear both the directing and acting hat for this film?
I’ve done this a while now and I’m always concerned but having a strong team around me as well as doing the prep helps. I also have multiple sets of directors eyes a part of my team who aren’t afraid to nudge me if I need an adjustment.
3. Besides yourself, what celebrity would you like to see tackle your character Zeb?
Because I envisioned Billy Worth (from The Lostboys) when I wrote it I would most definitely want to see his read on it!
4. I see you direct and act in a lot of horror genre films, what are your three favorite horror movies of all time.
Oh man, I’m absolutely terrible at this, I have probably 12 films in my top 5 haha ok let me think…. I have to say The Exorcist because it made an absolutely incredible impression on me.. I hear Jaws isn’t a horror film but it is to me, it made me really nervous in ocean water especially wheee sharks could pop up. Third to balance those off I’d say is a tie between Psycho and American Psycho because it’s such a different side of horror.. although I think there is a chance tomorrow only The Exorcist would make the top 3..
5. How and when exactly did you realize you had the passion for acting and film~making
Great questions, that is two completely different times for me, Acting was my first love. I would act out the movies with my friends and in front of my family and I read a lot of books (especially Stephen King, Dean Koontz etc.) and according to my mom I said “I’d be an actor in America when I grow up” when I was 5! Filmmaker was much later and funny enough as I realized how difficult it is and how consuming especially directing is and I love things that demand all of my attention. I was a top level judoka and professional MMA fighter for decades and that’s my favorite part about that as well, to do it right it takes all your attention.
6. What do you believe is the most challenging aspect of being an actor and or Filmmaker?
As an actor it’s about getting a chance to express a dream role, it’s so incredibly difficult and there is so many no’s when you audition that it can get to you at times, especially after feeling you are a perfect fit and crushed the audition to not hear back, yeah that’s challenging at times. As a filmmaker it’s dealing with a ton of people pulling and tugging on a story and script removing arches and exclamation points etc.. it’s like making one vase with a 100 pair of hands so it’s crucial to get that vision to align!
7. What, according to you, is the best part of your work?
I love production, the grind, the long days, the focus and creating, that’s by far my favorite part!!
8. What would you consider your "dream role"? Like a specific kind of character you've always wanted to play, but haven't found the opportunity yet. Who would that character be?
Oh man, a Van Helsing type of role or maybe something emotionally challenging like Edward Norton in American History X or Travolta in Pulp Fiction.. there are so many and I’m often drawn to play “villains”.
9. With acting, If you had an opportunity to work with any director, who would it be and why?
I’d probably say Tarantino, Michael Mann and Jon Favro and mostly because I’d love that experience to see what they could get out of me, that would be something I’d love!
10. What is next for you? Do you have any projects in the works to either director or act in?
I sure do, my next film is releasing October it’s the release of ‘Ash and Bone’ and that’s my nod to the early 2000’s films (many of them remakes but made an impression on me) in the breath of Texas Chainsaw Massacre, House of Wax and The Hills Have Eyes. I’m really excited as it’s been quite the Festival Darling! And my first Vampire film ‘Beneath Us All’ is just getting started going to festivals and I’m really excited to see how the horror community meets those two so very far away from Agramon’s Gate..
Indie film supporters, check out Harley Wallen's Horror Thriller AGRAMON'S GATE. A psychic reader and Medium is invited to a party. Something goes very wrong when a demon comes over from the other side to haunt the people from the party. They must solve the mystery before it's too late. Agramon will not be easy to stop.
Attention bloggers, and podcasters, for follow up interviews with Actor and Filmmaker Harley Wallen, contact Sharry Flaherty of Samera Entertainment at: SameraEntertainment@Gmail.com
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