I've always thought about being an actor, but in Kentucky not very many opportunities have presented themselves. I was an automechanic at the time, working with my father Sam Farhat at the Car Jockey (family business). I was born in Livonia Mi, moved to Jacksonville Fl, when I was really young and ended up, being raised mainly in Winchester, KY. The rest of the question about acting will fall into the next question.

Q.  Can you tell us a little bit about the casting experience for Zombie Planet? How did it come about and what were some of your thoughts and expectations going in? Did you actually read for the part of Kane?

It was the first time I had even been presented with an opportunity to do a part in a movie. It was more of a fluke than anything. I have a friend who is also a lawyer, Kirk Beirbaur, who at the time was also hired to be the legal consultant for director George Bonilla. Kirk had mentioned to me about the casting, and had also mentioned me to George, so I called George and went in on the date for the casting call.

I didn’t have an actual part in mind, I just thought it would be cool to have a speaking part at all, after I read and did an interview with George, it was clear he wanted me as the lead Kane. I was actually very supprised and a little nervous (though I didn't let it show) George was so nice and gave me so many compliments, that it actually made it a lot easier to read. He was a great support in my actual decision to do the movie.

Q.  You portray the lead character, Kane in the film Zombie Planet. Why don't you tell us a little bit about your character?

In a lot of ways I played him as myself, not in the sense of being quiet by far, but of my own feelings and reactions to the less fortunate that are being picked on. I guess you can say, "I've always stuck up for the little guy." 

Kane was mysterious only because of his lack of memory, and trust, due the situation he was thrown in. But obvisouly had a lot of compassion, through his actions of defending the helpless, but with so little words, as not to seem weak to the ones he was defending, and the ones he was fighting. That’s what makes him so likeable. Actions speak louder than words.

Q.  Zombie Planet deals with the timely topic of carb-free dieting and takes a fresh approach to the zombie genre. Could you elaborate on the theme of the film without giving too much away?

That in itself should be an eye opener for all those who seek an easy way out - from losing weight to anything else. People are so eager not to do what it takes to improve their state of life, but for someone to do it for them. It short, laziness is the "new craze" these days.

As the approach on zombies, I thought it was great and self explanatory.  As for the talking zombies, like anything else there is different levels of sickness before you are fully engrossed by any disease or ailment, in that sense I think it made it more believable and gives the zombies a little more character.

Q.  I see there is a sequel on the way in which you will be reprising your role. Was this sequel planned from the beginning?

In fact the sequel was filmed at the same time, as one full movie, but the story was vast that you couldn’t fit it into one movie and explain what needed to be explained, and have all the flesh eating scenes and fight scenes. This kind of movie has everything and I think if George had the budget that this movie deserved, it would have been a new marking in the horror movie industry, and of course if not already a classic.

Q.  Would you be interested in playing Kane in future installments and possibly having your character rise to cult status ala Ash from the Evil Dead series?

I would be honored. Everyone I worked with on the first two films are some of the nicest people I have ever met, and I enjoyed working with all of them, and really appreciate the hard work everyone put into this movie. Zombie Planet is what it is, and has led me to where I am because of everyone involved. Thanks.

Q.  I know that you trained with Mike O'Donnell from Four Seasons Martial Arts in order to prepare yourself for Zombie Planet's fight scenes. Did you have any history or experience with Martial Arts training before this film? If not, is it something you would be interested in continuing?

I did some martial arts from time to time, never really stuck with it. I was a bouncer for 5 years at various bars in Lexington KY, and kind of kept my reflexes from that job. I would be interested in still doing martial arts, but right now lack the time that would be necessary to benefit from the teachings.

Q.  George Bonilla directed both Zombie Planet and the sequel Zombie Planet II: Adam's Revenge. Did you enjoy working with him?

George is a great man, full of ideas. As far as a director I think he is a genius, a little gung ho at times but none the less a genius.  Ideas just ooze out of him, like I said if given the right opportunity and with a good budget, George would make everyone millions. Not to mention his wife Tammy is a sweetheart. They both made sure we always had food and drinks, and tried to accommodate everyone from the mains to the extras. No one was above anyone on the set. That’s what I liked most.

Q.  Did you always want to be an actor? Who are some of the actors that have been an inspiration to you in your choice of career?

Bruce Campbell of course I loved his movies, he's hilarious. Especially, Bubba Ho-tep his newest one. There are so many actors that have influenced me in my love of movies, but after doing Zombie Planet - that is what has inspired me to want to become an actor. I got to see what it was like to make a movie, and then to actually make one. I'm more of a hands on person when it comes to influences. George Bonilla was the biggest influence, and I'll always remember that.

Q.  Who would you like to work with in the future?

I would love to work with Jack Nicholson, Sean Connery, John Travolta, any of the great actors of our time, I would just be honored for an opportunity.

Q.  If there was an actual zombie apocalypse today, do you think that you would be prepared? Did you pick up any helpful survival ideas from making Zombie Planet?

I'd have to say I would. Depending on how the apocalypse came about, and the zombie’s weaknesses, I would be well prepared. I wouldn't head on in and fight a whole group of them like Kane did, but I would help people in the same sense that he did though, it’s just in my character.

Q.  So far, the films you have worked on have both been about zombies? Do you wish to continue working in the horror genre or do you hope to branch out into other types of film?

I just love to make movies, and have a wide range of abilities; I’m just currently lacking in the opportunity to show everyone. I would do any type of movie so long as it had a good story. I like bringing joy to people if only for a couple hours, it makes me feel good.

Q.  What’s next for Frank J. Farhat? Are you currently working on any projects? Anything going on that we should keep our eye out for?

I've done a little background work here in LA and have had a couple small features (no lines of course) on CSI NY, King of Queens, and Dr. Vegas (before it was cancelled). Right now I'm getting everything together from headshots to business cards, so that I may better represent myself to agencies, and casting directors. I have built a website for myself and Mari Stamper (Jamaica) we live together in Hollywood. the website is www.FranknMari.com.

Q.  Are you a horror fan? If so, what are some of your favorite films?

I love horror movies. The Exorcist, to me is one of the all time scariest (the original one). I also liked Saw, which was pretty decent and The Ring kept me on my toes.  I think we just need more movies like those from the old days – The Amityville Horror, Day of the Dead, Dawn of the Dead, etc..... I think George (with Zombie Planet) in a way kept true to that style.

Q.  If you found yourself facing the end of civilization, what are three things you would like to have with you? And who would you want by your side?

A decent amounts of weaponry, hell of a lot of ammo, and a secure fort for me and my group to be able to defend ourselves against intruders. Close by my side would be Mari Stamper (because I love her) and the whole cast and crew of Zombie Planet. I would say "If we did once, we could do it again."

Q.  Thank you again for taking the time to do this interview, but before we leave, is there anything else you would like to say about Zombie Planet, your future projects, or to the readers of Horror-Movies.ca?

Zombie Planet was a stepping stone in my life in more than one aspect of just acting, It has given me a great feeling of accomplishment, even if that’s all I ever did, I will always be grateful for that opportunity. As of yet, there are no future projects in the works, but my email is open at FnMFarhat@aol.com if anyone has a project to discuss, feel free to drop me an email.

I'd like to thank all the readers at Horror-Movies.ca, as well as Movies Online, and to the whole staff for the recognition and support you have given me. It's only because of all of you, that some one like me can become something in this industry, without demand, there is no reason to supply.

Thanks again everyone, and take care. I will keep everyone informed on the things to come.

In the near future, the world has been ravaged by a plague of unspeakable horror. A new carb-burning diet enzyme is all the rage until test subjects begin craving red meat and will stop at nothing to get it! Overwhelmed by the numbering flesh-eating populus, the government pulls back into walled-off cities known as "safe zones" where only the wealthy are allowed.

In a large southern city a group of survivors known as the Dregs struggle to stay alive, the prey of two enemies the flesh-eating living dead and a psychotic band of mercenaries known as the "Upper Class." Into this world comes Kane a stranger with a mysterious past and a skill for tackling the zombies head-on. After being taken in by the Dregs, he soon introduced to Adam, leader of the Upper Class, who has his own sinister designs on the loner.

 ZOMBIE PLANET is a blood-drenched, high-energy epic melding post-apocalyptic atmosphere into traditional zombie mythos while delivering a tongue-in-cheek warning about the dangers of no-carb diets gone horribly awry!

For more information on Zombie Planet and how you can purchase this film, you can visit the official site here.