Tell us how WRP came to life and what were the main reasons for you to start such a thing...

Annette: When I met Lou in college, my life seemed to Kamikaze!! J/K! I was part of a theatre crowd and we would goof around shooting shorts in my friends backyard. I liked Lou's movie ideas more than theirs and we started collaborating together ever since. We started it to try and get us beaners out there in the movie industry and not just be known as the caterers on a movie set. LONG LIVE THE BEANERS!!!

Lou: Basically I like the fact that we can just make our own movies according to our own vision and not worry about making a boss happy, etc.. We haven't made any money yet but we're happy doing our own thing. CANNIBAL MANIAC for example is an experiment we've used to try lots of ideas. Everything is practice so when we finally have some budget money we'll be good at our craft and we'll know what to do with those resources.

The idea of mixing horror and punk rock music is not new, but surprisingly enough not even too much exploited in the movie biz. What about this combination according to you?

Annette: I think that horror and punk rock music mix really well together! It's silly to me when horror movies have that cheezy elevator music or porn music in their films. Kinda kills the mood, if you know what I mean.

Lou: I guess REPO MAN is isn't exactly horror but it is dark and wacky and it's a huge inspiration. The story and characters are great and the music was mixed in really well. Not only that but the soundtrack is totally legit! I think punk rock in general has been brushed off as some silly trend but it's actually a giant global subculture and every day we find it making it's way into commercial work. I smile when I hear punk playing during a weather report on network TV, used for a car commercial, or some 'super model' sports a rooster tail mohawk. Punk hasn't gone away and slowly we see it making an even bigger impression. RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD presented a great punk rock team of characters but I think back then in the mainstream it was seen as a novelty whereas today it's more commonplace to see 'punkers' mixed in the crowd. Again, maybe not exactly horror but punk related, GUMMO sheds light onto aspects of everyday life that many people don't see. And... having nothing to do with horror or punk rock at all, BOYS IN THE HOOD is another great music influenced movie that is kinda' the same thing to me. People saying or doing things that are more honest or truthful is what has always drawn me to punk, as I like to see it, and I think movies should have that same spirit even if they're completely fantasy based.

What kind of film and equipment did you work with for CANNIBAL MANIAC?

Annette: We were using a Hi-8 camera on all of our previous projects because we do all of our own editing on the computer. Since we pay for everything out-of-pocket it's a practical way to make our movies. Before we started shooting Cannibal Maniac, we looked into film festivals to see what their submission criteria is. Some of the more prestigeous film festivals still don't accept Hi-8 video as a category, but we're cool with it because we have to work with equipment that's accessible to us. Cannibal Maniac may be a rough experiment, but I bet that the music and blood would make Robert Redford shit his pants!!

Lou: Everything was shot on Hi-8 and midway thru we also bought a Digital-8 camera which is basically a souped up Hi-8. We used SONY camcorders and a noisey-ass PC with big WESTERN DIGITAL hard drives.

I think the rhythm of your short is more comparable to a videoclip rather than a movie... is this a casual choice or what?

Annette: Originally, Cannibal Maniac was supposed to be a 6 minute short. Lou gave me his usual zany idea for a story and I wrote the script. While we were shooting it, the project took off on its own. I thought that, since it is a short, it would be better to show the story rather than have the characters tell it. Also, since Cannibal Maniac is being seen in various countries it lessens the language barrier by being more visual.

Lou: I wanted to avoid that but it worked out that way regardless, so I didn't fight it. Finally I just accepted that it is a short movie and it's probably better to stylize things but we want our next movie to be a feature and not be so much like a music video. Since back in the 80's I used to imagine movie clips set to crazy lyrics from bands like the DEAD KENNEDYS. In my mind I would imagine songs like CHICKEN FARM in movie form. I suppose it follows that my first big project would have that influence.

What do you think about the modern extreme movie industry?

Annette: Extreme, as in extremely big budget movies? Some can be good, but I dislike it when marketing bombards you with their shit four months in advance, trying to convince you that you'll love their new blockbuster movie! I like to make that decision myself. But if you mean extreme like Paul Verhoeven, then yes!! VERHOEVEN KICKS OUR AMERICAN ASS!! I love that guy! Here in the States, things tend to be a bit conservative. I consider his work extreme because he's always breaking taboo's here. Also, Verhoeven takes his ideas and is somehow able to get YOU into the characters head. All of his movies have a unique flavor of their own. I enjoy the fact that in each of his movies, he creates a different world with characters that are true to their environment. My favorite is TOTAL RECALL. He's modern and extreme and is so good, the movie industry can't ignore him!

Lou: No matter what, I like to watch movies that are fun and creative or have something to say, and are well made and show lots of originality. I don't follow particular genres necessarily so when you say extreme I think of the movies that have made that impression on me. WILD ZERO looks crazy and I'd like to see that. GUINEA PIG stuff has become a favorite for us, HE NEVER DIES & ANDROID OF NOTRE DAME are really cool. MEET THE FEEBLES was banned in the USA and is a fucking classic, I can imagine myself old and laughing at angry hippo ladies with M-60s! I also consider movies like SHAOLIN TEMPLE 'extreme' because of the amount of skill it displays overall. JACKIE CHAN'S newer movies are great but I would consider his older movies 'extreme' because he's a GREAT martial artist, he's crazy, he always shows style and originality, and he's self made.

What has been the reaction to your short 'till now?

Annette: So far everyone has liked it...especially my 73 year old grandma in Miami! I sent her a copy because she digs horror flicks. My grandma told me that she thought it rocked and she's been showing it to everyone she knows there. She loved the music more than the blood. Her only complaint was that I wasn't in the movie enough.

Lou: So far most people seem to like it. I think I chased away one of my favorite punk bands when I showed the guitarist a screener but fuck it at least I've learned from the experience. Most of the people that have seen CANNIBAL MANIAC are associated with it in some way, so I'm curious to hear what random viewers will say in the future.


Can you tell us something about your future projects? Have you got any idea up your sleeve?

Annette: I'm currently writing our next project, which will definitely be feature length. Lou's been working on concepts and character designs. We've also been location scouting and have shot some early footage. We're still in the developement phase, so I don't want to say too much in case the story changes, but I'm REALLY excited about our new project. This much I can say... the setting is in the future and it will have MORE BLOOD!!! We'll have titties and some beavers in there too for all the guys!

Lou: We've begun working on an idea that's been kicked around for the last year. In CANNIBAL MANIAC we were out in nature most of the time so our next movie will compliment that by being shot more in the city. We want our next movie to be over the top and to have a really good story so that's our main focus right now.

How do you choose actors, and what do you expect from'em? Does this reflects the fact that Lou himself was also an actor?

Annette: Lou really isn't an actor, in fact, he was the last choice! People weren't too keen about frolicking in the woods in 104 degree heat, drenched with sticky blood and for no pay!! Let's face it, pizza and beer will only go so far! So, you can't fault the actors for not wanting to play that character. In reality, Lou was perfect for the part cuz he's got some big chompers!! I choose actors from people that I already know. I think about what sort of character they would best fit and go from there. I expect them to deliever their lines, ask questions, and to express their thoughts about their character or the scene.

Lou: When it comes to individual performances I prefer believability over technical skill but of course if the person has the technical ability also, that's ideal. Our main actor Chris Macedo is a good friend of ours that we've worked with on many projects. He's an amazing talent because he's never had an acting class and he's always dead on. Also, we're lucky to work with him becasue he contributes to everything production wise and is a silent partner. The part of Doug was intended for someone else but that guy wouldn't do it. I pitched the role to other people but I don't think they liked the idea of getting dirty so in the end it became obvious that I would need to play the part. It worked out for the best because we were able to shoot most of what we wanted. Having me play Doug allowed us more scheduling freedom and also I was willing to do some stunts that we wouldn't ask actors to do.

What are your ideas about today's underground moviemakers scene? How's being near Hollywood tryin' to pursue your own ideas and goals?

Annette: The underground scene has been growing pretty strong for the independent filmmaker. This is perfect for people who like to watch raw and original movies. Living in L.A. you'll see big names driving around and sometimes you even get to talk with them, but you can't expect them to hand over any money for your next film.

Lou: Los Angeles is our hometown city and Hollywood is just a few minutes from where we live but I never think much about it to be honest. People from all over the world have gotten their recognition as filmmakers and even though we're in the backyard here we're working hard to achieve our goals. If you were born amongst the fortunate few that have all the opportunities from the start, I'd like to meet you!!. Until then, hard work, brains, persistence and a little good luck will hopefully pay off. Luck and chance are everywhere and I hope we meet more cool people that will join forces with us.

Cool, say whatever you want to our readers.

Annette: Dear Reader, thank you for checking out our interview. If you haven't watched Cannibal Maniac....WATCH IT!!! Don't forget, always wear clean underwear and be sure to tip your waitress! Love, Annette!

Lou: CANNIBAL MANIAC is an experiment but our next movie will have much higher standards. To everyone that has helped us out and stuck with us... THANK YOU. Last but not least, Thank You Monkey Motherfucker for promoting us here at the world famous GARBAGE DUMP!

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