Lee Perkins Talks KatieBird in this Exclusive Interview

Posted By : deadmanwalkin, Tuesday Jan,31
Filed Under : General Horror, Horror Interviews, Indie Horror,

Lee Perkins who played "Merl" in Justin Paul Ritter's KATIEBIRD: CERTIFIABLE CRAZY PERSON was cool enough to sit down and chat with Horror-Movies.ca and give us some insight into KatieBird, his character, as well as his career.

So without further ramblings... sit back, relax and we hope you enjoy our exclusive interview with Lee Perkins.

Lee Perkins, welcome to Horror-Movies.ca and thank you so much for taking the time to talk with us.

The film we are here to discuss is "KatieBird: Certifiable Crazy Person". This film had quite an impact on me and a great deal of that was due to your character, Merl "Daddy" Wilkins. Tell us a little bit about your role.

Merl is a third-generation serial killer, like his dad and granddad, who taught him. Most of his victims have been women, including KatieBird’s dear old departed Mom, who was eliminated because she was tainted. Women, sex and love are things Merl can’t handle, so his problem (one of many) is that he has a daughter and not a son. In the early years, he dresses and treats KatieBird like a boy, but as she grows older, it became apparent she is a woman.

Serial killer or not, Merl obviously tries to be a good father and not push his ideals on his daughter. Do you believe that is truly possible in such a situation?

I’m not sure any parent could stand by and not at least share their values with their child. In the film, the dialog says that Merl tries not to force his daughter to follow in his footsteps, that she is supposed to find her own way. But for Merl, this is impossible. He keeps breaking the rules that have been handed down to him by forcing his will on her, like when he forces her out of the truck to confront her first victim, or when he tells her to take the saw that she ends up using to cut off the boy's face. I really don’t think Merl is trying to be a good father as much he’s trying to be a good son.

What do you feel you brought to the character of Merl?

Emotion and vulnerability. Justin Paul Ritter, the director, wanted it played with very little emotion showing. The way he explained it was that for Merl, emotions always lead to tragedy. Merl knows he’s a killer. He’s just trying not to kill on the day. Justin said, "Play it like a boiling pot that you’re trying to keep a lid on." That was a great direction, and throughout the film I would just let it slightly boil over. I feel I probably showed more feelings than Justin had planned, but that’s what is so cool about his style of directing. He’ll let things develop. In the film, Merl even has a "Zen" moment. I don’t think Justin dug it on the set, but when he got into editing, he used it.

Give us some insight into this man. Does he really kill because it is a part of him or do you feel that he was compelled by his own father to do so?

I always felt he was trying to live up to his dad and granddad‘s high standards. They were perfect killers who were able to find a purity in what they did. Merl could not. Try as he might, he could not stop making mistakes. I think he was always trying to convince himself that he lived a truthful life through the actions of his daughter. But when she went astray, started to abuse her body, it became apparent what a lie he had been living.

I watched this once by myself and then I had to share it with some friends which led to lengthy discussions about the central theme of this film. What do you feel Ritter was really trying to say?

Believe it or not, Justin was trying to empower women. I never saw it or believed that until a screening in New Orleans (before the storm). A shy young girl came up after the film and said that she was inspired, even found it uplifting. I almost fell over.

Some of the effects in "KatieBird" were quite disturbing. Did you ever have any moments of "where you couldn't stand to look?"

Oh, yes. I was on set the day that adult KatieBird peels off the doctor’s face. It looked so real that I had to turn away. As I did, I saw the script supervisor, who was watching the monitor, start to gag. That was also the day that I knew something special was starting to happen.

What was filming like on the set of this movie? Was it an enjoyable experience?

No, it was not. We shot in December in Palmdale, which is a desert. It was very cold. It’s funny how that doesn’t show on film. Also, for me, Merl is a very dark character with many mental problems. I’m not the kind of actor who can be running around joking and then jump back into character. I always felt that Merl was with me, even between takes. Kind of like running at 60%. It never leaves. To non-actors, that may sound sick (and maybe I am), but it’s the easiest way for me to stay ready and consistent. In fact, when I play this type of person, I’ll inform the crew not to take anything I do or say personally. Merl sometimes has a bad attitude.

I was impressed with the entire cast of "KatieBird." That doesn't happen all the time. Were you pleased with the quality of the film?

Yes. Justin did a great job in casting. He has a fantastic eye for what will work. I think the biggest compliment you can give an actor is that you can’t imagine another person playing that role. In the film, I spent most of my screen time with the two youngest KatieBirds. I honestly can’t even picture two other actresses playing Nicole Jarvis’ and Taylor M. Dooley’s roles.

Having done both, what would you say are the biggest differences with doing indie films versus those with bigger budgets?

Indies are where original ideas are created and tried. For an indie to be successful, it has to take chances. In most bigger films (not all), the story feels like it’s watered down to please a mass audience, as if they’re trying to make it fit into the magical formula for success. Indies also have passion. Most directors have lived with their stories for years and are dying to tell it.

You have had an extensive career as an actor. What would you say has been your favorite role to date?

I really don’t have one. There have been characters I've enjoyed at the time. Some I've even won Best Acting Awards for. But I really feel now I'm only coming into my own. I’ve always been a slow learner and a late bloomer.

You are also an accomplished race car driver. You even played one in the film "Freejack". What is it about that sport that draws you?

A race is always evolving. Every second, every lap, something is different. The car, the tires and the track are always changing. Your job as the driver is to analyze and adapt. If that sounds a lot like acting, it is. It’s all about the gut. No time to think, just react. Of course, I also enjoy the adrenaline rush.

You have raced professionally in the US, Canada, Italy and England. Which setting was the most rewarding?

Italy was great, because I was the first American to be allowed to race in the Italian Formula 3 Championship. But England was my favorite. For one, I could speak the language. And second, they live and breathe motorsports. I would love to go back some day.

Having done acting, racing, directing and even stunts, which job do you enjoy the most?

Minor stunts are fun. Driving, busting through doors and shooting guns are a blast. But acting is what I love. The performing part. Not the auditions or the rejection, but the intimacy that can be captured on camera. I think actors must love the sharing of themselves. I sure do.

You wrote and directed the film "Static" in 2003. Tell us a little about that.

It’s a short about the Verizon Guy killing the Sprint Guy. People seem to love the idea. I guess everyone is tired of those commercials. I think every actor should do their own project once. Then they’ll find out which jobs they’ll never want to do again.

Would you like to direct more in the future?

No. I’ll leave that to the guys who really have the passion. "Static" taught me that I’ll never be a director. I didn’t like being the one who had to make the final decisions. I didn’t feel qualified. I might produce again. That way if I don’t like the final product, I can blame the director.

What do you feel has been your biggest inspiration throughout your career?

The need to be affected and to affect others.

When did you know that show business was the life for you?

When I realized that nothing else would make me happy. I wasn’t a very good 9 to 5 guy. Every job I had they wanted to fire me. Show business is hard. Every day there’s a challenge. But for me…failure is not an option.

You were quoted as saying that your goal in life is "to be a has...before [you are] a has-been." I certainly think you did that. Do you believe you have done what you set out to do?

Not even close. I’ve always wanted to do a film that will stand the test of time and that will make people think. To cause someone to reach deep inside and make a change for the better. Then as an artist, you can say you’ve fully tried to make this world a better place.

If you could only be remembered for one of your many achievements, what would it be?

That I always tried to do my best (even when my head was up my butt), that I believe in God and that I love my parents. Yea, I know that is three, but I also suck at math.

What do you have going on now that fans (old and new) can look forward to?

On the horror front, I’ve just finished reading a script called "Retard". Christopher Alan Broadstone is directing, and it has John Franklin ("Children of the Corn") and Christopher Webster (executive producer for "Hellraiser I & II") attached. Last week, I had a call about another horror pic set in the 1930s called "Carnies". It’s being directed by Brian Corder, who also wrote a review of "KatieBird". And since we’re in the 1930s, this summer I’ll be shooting "The Red Machine", a spy thriller set in 1935. Justin and I have also been invited to Fangoria’s Weekend of Horrors on March 4 & 5 in Chicago for a screening. There’s more, but it’s starting to sound like a laundry list.

What's the one question (with answer) you wished somebody would of ask you, but never has?

Wow, that’s a tough one. I’m not sure what the question is, but I know the answer. (I always think backwards.) "KatieBird" was written for a purpose — to inspire others to get off their butts and start taking action on their dreams today. When you watch the behind-the-scenes footage on the DVD, this will all make sense. In Hollywood, nobody wants to share information. It’s too competitive, but Justin is different. He tells it all and even gives out (on the commentary) his personal e-mail so others can contact him. That’s no BS. It’s the same e-mail I send him stuff on. But we need some help. This film will live or die by what’s posted on the Internet. If you feel inspired, feel the need to do something. Stop reading and go to one of the sites (Amazion.com, IMDb.com, etc.) and write something about this film. Love it or hate it, want to see it or not, just take some action. It can be only one sentence, but your action will create other actions.

Now…I’m going to give you something nobody knows. The first 5,000 DVDs have a CD included of the original sound track. That’s been talked about, but what’s not is that the DVD comes with a special jacket over it that’s a duplication of the front and back covers only with raised blood red metallic letters. I just saw one yesterday and it’s unbelievable. But that’s what this film is all about — a very deep dark subject that is shot and presented in a beautiful manner.

Are you a reader of Horror-Movies.ca?

Yes…I have to say that, right? If I don’t, you’ll hit the delete button on the interview. Sorry, my smart-ass side. Down, Merl, down! Yes, I’m a reader. I love reading about films. There’s always so much to learn. I feel like I’m in the first grade, but graduating very soon. Maybe someday college.

Once again, thank you so much for talking with us and we wish you much continued success.

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