First and foremost we would like to thank Steve for taking the time out of his busy schedule to answer your questions, we appreciate it very much! and secondly thanks to you guy's for taking the time out of your busy schedules to ask the questions...THANKS!!
So, here are the questions and answers....
Thanks, Jess. I appreciate that.
Kerry Freemantle ..I went to the London premier for Firecracker and was one of many that only knew of the film because of Mike's involvement. We're you slightly disappointed that many had actually come because of this reason? Ps....was great seeing it on the big screen..the colours were phenomenal
Thank you! I loved that premiere, and I’m very happy everyone came out to watch it. One trick in casting a film is making sure that you put people in it that guarantee people will watch it. There’s no reason to make a movie if no one will see it.
Thank you! I loved that premiere, and I’m very happy everyone came out to watch it. One trick in casting a film is making sure that you put people in it that guarantee people will watch it. There’s no reason to make a movie if no one will see it.
Fuehrer Fists ..who approached who about Mike being in the film? was the decision made because you are a fan of any of his music beforehand, did you see in him the potential to act or did he contact you about working on something?
Mike and I have a lot of mutual friends, but I reached out to him specifically because I like working with musicians as actors. Kevin Richardson from the Backstreet Boys is excellent in my film THE CASSEROLE CLUB (out now on Netflix instant), Jane Wiedlin from the Go-Go’s is in a few of my films (latest being CULTURE SHOCK).
Mike and I have a lot of mutual friends, but I reached out to him specifically because I like working with musicians as actors. Kevin Richardson from the Backstreet Boys is excellent in my film THE CASSEROLE CLUB (out now on Netflix instant), Jane Wiedlin from the Go-Go’s is in a few of my films (latest being CULTURE SHOCK).
Benjamin Dorry.. What made you decide to have Mike play two roles? Would those characters have been played by the same actor, regardless of who it was?
Yes, my original concept for the film was to have the town sequences filmed in black and white and the carnival scenes in vivid color, and to use the same actress for both the Mother/Carnival Singer parts and the same actor for the Brother/Carnival Owner parts.
Yes, my original concept for the film was to have the town sequences filmed in black and white and the carnival scenes in vivid color, and to use the same actress for both the Mother/Carnival Singer parts and the same actor for the Brother/Carnival Owner parts.
David Barajas.. Jonah Torreano did a fantastic job behind the camera on 'Firecracker'. Any plans to work with him again? Also, I noticed The Far Flung Star listed on Dikenga's site. Can you tell us anything about that? Thanks.
FAR FLUNG STAR is an action adventure comedy we filmed last year in Hong Kong. It’s in the final stages of post-production. I should be able to make a trailer for it very soon. I’ve worked with 3 DPs (Jonah, Rhet W. Bear, and Daniel Stephens). Depending on the project, I’d love to work with any of them again.
FAR FLUNG STAR is an action adventure comedy we filmed last year in Hong Kong. It’s in the final stages of post-production. I should be able to make a trailer for it very soon. I’ve worked with 3 DPs (Jonah, Rhet W. Bear, and Daniel Stephens). Depending on the project, I’d love to work with any of them again.
Angel Clyman.. I was curious if Mike improvised or contributed something that was not written in his roles. Also, which role did he seem to enjoy more?
I think there are always some lines that get improvised, although off the top of my head can’t remember what precisely in FIRECRACKER. Mike seemed to have a ball in both parts from what I could tell on set. It was a lot of fun during that shoot.
I think there are always some lines that get improvised, although off the top of my head can’t remember what precisely in FIRECRACKER. Mike seemed to have a ball in both parts from what I could tell on set. It was a lot of fun during that shoot.
Thomas Connor the film was based on actual events,how much of this(movie)was factual?
I’d say 85% of the film was based in fact, but of course we had to add some fictional cinematic elements to it to make it a movie. For instance, take numbers 1-10 on a timeline. We knew 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, and 10 were fact. But we didn’t know 3. So we had to think of the most logical and practical way to get from 2 to 4. And then compare that to the research and witnesses who were there, and then write the scenes for step 3. So while steps 3, 6, and 8 are fictionalized, they are the most likely way to get from one point to the next, so are probably true.
I’d say 85% of the film was based in fact, but of course we had to add some fictional cinematic elements to it to make it a movie. For instance, take numbers 1-10 on a timeline. We knew 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, and 10 were fact. But we didn’t know 3. So we had to think of the most logical and practical way to get from 2 to 4. And then compare that to the research and witnesses who were there, and then write the scenes for step 3. So while steps 3, 6, and 8 are fictionalized, they are the most likely way to get from one point to the next, so are probably true.
Nicole Mason.. Hello, So I was a bit confused with what Frank did to Sandra. I know there was some kind of surgery, and then he said "Now we'll be together forever." Does this mean he grafted his own penis onto her genitalia? Please clarify. Thank you! GREAT MOVIE by the way!
Angel Clyman... My friends and I became very interested in the fact that this movie was based on a true story. After some research, we discovered that there was some question as to if Sandra was a female impersonator, since she was considered an “oddity.” The movie addresses this to some extent, but it was never quite spelled out. Can you explain this any further?
I combined these questions because they have the same answer. Genital mutilation and female circumcision. When Frank learned Sandra was pregnant (with David’s child), he aborted it and sewed her up. There was some question that she had been a hermaphrodite prior to the operation.
I combined these questions because they have the same answer. Genital mutilation and female circumcision. When Frank learned Sandra was pregnant (with David’s child), he aborted it and sewed her up. There was some question that she had been a hermaphrodite prior to the operation.
Bob White.. WHY WAS IT SO LONG
Because it was a feature film, not a music video.
Because it was a feature film, not a music video.
Mark Rayburn.. Hi Steve, thanks for this! Q... How much artistic freedom did you allow Mike while filming?
Tons. It’s my practice to let the performer do what they can and then if I think it’s off the scope of what we’re doing, I’ll ‘direct’ them back into it. His instincts and timing were spot on. Mike’s a very talented actor and would be great in a variety of roles. He played those two parts so differently. A lot of actors couldn’t have achieved what he did, creating two totally different people and embodying them effortlessly.
Tons. It’s my practice to let the performer do what they can and then if I think it’s off the scope of what we’re doing, I’ll ‘direct’ them back into it. His instincts and timing were spot on. Mike’s a very talented actor and would be great in a variety of roles. He played those two parts so differently. A lot of actors couldn’t have achieved what he did, creating two totally different people and embodying them effortlessly.
Rob Hartley ...Firstly, thanks for a wonderful film. Here we go, was Mike your first choice to play dual roles and do you have any plans om working together in the future?
Yes, once I decided to revert to my original conception and have dual roles, he was the first person I spoke to. And, yes, I’d love to work with Mike again on something, somehow. We’ve talked about a few things over the years but haven’t found it yet.
Yes, once I decided to revert to my original conception and have dual roles, he was the first person I spoke to. And, yes, I’d love to work with Mike again on something, somehow. We’ve talked about a few things over the years but haven’t found it yet.
Michelle Ann Hurd... Firecracker was quite disturbing in so many ways...... and on so many levels....... but movies are suppose to invoke emotion and reaction...... I had a very hard time enjoying it even knowing Patton was in co-starring roles...... duel-roles was too much...... though in my opinion?? It was hard enough just to follow and keep up ( I can't say it made me feel good afterwards for watching it )....... A question for the director....? Will you please made a happier film and have Mike Patton star in it...... Can base it on him writing a song for a loving interest that has absolutely nothing to do with selling any kind of product!!!!!!! Just a thought....... Aloha and Mahalo
Perhaps that’s it – Mike Patton in a romantic comedy! I’ll email him and we’ll see. LOL.
Perhaps that’s it – Mike Patton in a romantic comedy! I’ll email him and we’ll see. LOL.
Robert Giardina... What did the Roger Ebert review of Firecracker mean to you? Did you ever discuss the film with him?
Ebert’s review of my film meant the world to me. He was such a smart moviegoer. He would watch a low-budget indie or a big-budget blockbuster with equal attention and focus, and communicate his feelings about each with truth and conviction. I personally never spoke with him, although he reached out to several of the actors and some of my family members.
Ebert’s review of my film meant the world to me. He was such a smart moviegoer. He would watch a low-budget indie or a big-budget blockbuster with equal attention and focus, and communicate his feelings about each with truth and conviction. I personally never spoke with him, although he reached out to several of the actors and some of my family members.
Matthew J. Stacey... I discovered Firecracker because of Karen Black (who I'm a big fan of). I almost shit myself when I discovered Patton was in it. It's a wonderfully beautiful film!!!
Awesome, thank you.
Awesome, thank you.
Anonymous
Have you stayed in touch with Karen Black? I know that she has raised the money for her cancer treatment, but wasn't sure how she was doing. Thanks for doing this Q & A!
My pleasure! Yes, Karen and I talk every couple weeks and when we can we meet for dinner in LA. She also co-starred in my film STUCK! with Mink Stole and Susan Traylor. I haven’t spoken to her in the past couple weeks so I don’t know how her cancer treatment is going, but I’m hopeful and sending her greatest light.
Anonymous
Is it just me, or does Kansas turn out more than it's fare share of sociopaths? Can you let us know your feelings on the state?
I have a home there and love it. But, I love it because the airport is 30 minutes from my house and I can be in Paris in the morning. Yes, sociopaths and right-wing Christian fundamentalists have the run of the place. So it’s best to stay indoors.
Is it just me, or does Kansas turn out more than it's fare share of sociopaths? Can you let us know your feelings on the state?
I have a home there and love it. But, I love it because the airport is 30 minutes from my house and I can be in Paris in the morning. Yes, sociopaths and right-wing Christian fundamentalists have the run of the place. So it’s best to stay indoors.
Anonymous
Did Dennis Hopper put any work into the film before it was decided that he would not continue?
Hopper was attached to the film for about a year or so and we couldn’t find the financing to make the film! So I decided that I had to fire him and revert back to my original concept of filming dual worlds (black and white versus color) and two sets of dual roles. But no actual filming work commenced until Mike was already cast in his part.
Did Dennis Hopper put any work into the film before it was decided that he would not continue?
Hopper was attached to the film for about a year or so and we couldn’t find the financing to make the film! So I decided that I had to fire him and revert back to my original concept of filming dual worlds (black and white versus color) and two sets of dual roles. But no actual filming work commenced until Mike was already cast in his part.
Anonymous
What are your future plans? Would you consider casting Patton as the lead in your take on Citizen Kane:)?
We should totally do that as a musical.
What are your future plans? Would you consider casting Patton as the lead in your take on Citizen Kane:)?
We should totally do that as a musical.
Anonymous
Thanks for doing this. I only watched Firecracker because Mike Patton was acting in it. I found the plot a little confusing but thought your imagery and direction was excellent. How does that sit with you that many will have watched the film just to watch Mike?
Fine by me, although there is so much more to it. Would be a pity to miss out on the rest.
Thanks for doing this. I only watched Firecracker because Mike Patton was acting in it. I found the plot a little confusing but thought your imagery and direction was excellent. How does that sit with you that many will have watched the film just to watch Mike?
Fine by me, although there is so much more to it. Would be a pity to miss out on the rest.
Anonymous
Not to be nit picky here, but ask that last question to any director that put out a film with say, Brad Pitt. I bet the response will be "Great, especially if the alternative is not watching it at all?"
Exactly. Although, Karen Black would’ve guaranteed the film a viewership, so I didn’t have to have Mike in it at all. He was just the best person for it.
Not to be nit picky here, but ask that last question to any director that put out a film with say, Brad Pitt. I bet the response will be "Great, especially if the alternative is not watching it at all?"
Exactly. Although, Karen Black would’ve guaranteed the film a viewership, so I didn’t have to have Mike in it at all. He was just the best person for it.
Anonymous
Were you a fan of Faith No More or any other Patton projects before meeting him?
I had an ex who was, and although I like his music I’m not a fanboy if that’s what you mean.
Were you a fan of Faith No More or any other Patton projects before meeting him?
I had an ex who was, and although I like his music I’m not a fanboy if that’s what you mean.
Anonymous
Any regrets about not moving forward with Hopper?
None.
Any regrets about not moving forward with Hopper?
None.
Anonymous
You had an old hitchcock actress (karen black) a legendary frontman (patton) a world known circus freak (enigma), you had first time actors, midgets, and most likely townies from witchita hanging about. Any weird stories or friendships that were formed? Like, did enigma and patton go drink beer at the local tavern after takes?
Everyone had a ball and there were some fun stories, but the best person to ask about that is Pleasant Gehman, who remembers everything. When everyone else was done working for the day, I was still working, always at home looking at dailies (footage as it came back from the lab) and couldn’t hang out with everyone.
You had an old hitchcock actress (karen black) a legendary frontman (patton) a world known circus freak (enigma), you had first time actors, midgets, and most likely townies from witchita hanging about. Any weird stories or friendships that were formed? Like, did enigma and patton go drink beer at the local tavern after takes?
Everyone had a ball and there were some fun stories, but the best person to ask about that is Pleasant Gehman, who remembers everything. When everyone else was done working for the day, I was still working, always at home looking at dailies (footage as it came back from the lab) and couldn’t hang out with everyone.
Nancy
Thank you FNM Blog and Steve for getting together for this interview...! This is amazing.
Steve.. the amount of effort and research you put into the movie shows that it was really a labor of love for you:
Were you haunted by the stories about the murder while you were growing up in the area? It seems the police case has been wiped off the records. How did you put together the facts? Was it difficult to get any remaining friends and family to open up about what really happened?
My aunt was there on the alley when they dug up the body! A lot of residents still living here today were there as well. The guy who worked at the carpet store is still living. There is also a file folder at the Wamego Public Library full of newspaper clippings and magazine articles. The only thing we couldn’t see was the transcript from the trial at the County Courthouse. Everything else was very easy to find. We also met the real Jimmy, who is still alive, and promised him we would change the names and never tell anyone who he is (even though everyone in Wamego knows, and all the info at the library is accurate).
Thank you FNM Blog and Steve for getting together for this interview...! This is amazing.
Steve.. the amount of effort and research you put into the movie shows that it was really a labor of love for you:
Were you haunted by the stories about the murder while you were growing up in the area? It seems the police case has been wiped off the records. How did you put together the facts? Was it difficult to get any remaining friends and family to open up about what really happened?
My aunt was there on the alley when they dug up the body! A lot of residents still living here today were there as well. The guy who worked at the carpet store is still living. There is also a file folder at the Wamego Public Library full of newspaper clippings and magazine articles. The only thing we couldn’t see was the transcript from the trial at the County Courthouse. Everything else was very easy to find. We also met the real Jimmy, who is still alive, and promised him we would change the names and never tell anyone who he is (even though everyone in Wamego knows, and all the info at the library is accurate).
Anonymous
What's the hardest thing about making a movie that no one would expect?
Finding the funding.
What's the hardest thing about making a movie that no one would expect?
Finding the funding.
Anonymous
Do you ever think you'd rather get a desk job whenever people actually shell out money to see an Adam Sandler movie or a re-make of an action movie that was just made 15 years ago?
Not at all. I think there’s something for everyone out there. So I’ll just keep doing what I do and providing the kinds of stories I’m interested in, hoping there’s a pocket of people out there who appreciate them.
Do you ever think you'd rather get a desk job whenever people actually shell out money to see an Adam Sandler movie or a re-make of an action movie that was just made 15 years ago?
Not at all. I think there’s something for everyone out there. So I’ll just keep doing what I do and providing the kinds of stories I’m interested in, hoping there’s a pocket of people out there who appreciate them.
Anonymous
I haven't seen Pep Squad...do you have any thoughts you'd like to share on the recent resurgence of school violence?
Watch PEP SQUAD as soon as you can! I think there will always be school violence until the United States culture has the courage to confront the root of the problem. If there weren’t guns, they’d use other weapons. It’s about the fundamental beliefs that fuel our society at large. Those basic beliefs are fucked up, and until those things are examined, it’ll keep happening. This is exactly the storyline in PEP SQUAD. Enjoy!
I haven't seen Pep Squad...do you have any thoughts you'd like to share on the recent resurgence of school violence?
Watch PEP SQUAD as soon as you can! I think there will always be school violence until the United States culture has the courage to confront the root of the problem. If there weren’t guns, they’d use other weapons. It’s about the fundamental beliefs that fuel our society at large. Those basic beliefs are fucked up, and until those things are examined, it’ll keep happening. This is exactly the storyline in PEP SQUAD. Enjoy!
Anonymous
Given your appreciation for Hitchcock, did you ever see Faith No More's Last Cup Of Sorrow video and what were your thoughts?
Loved it.
Given your appreciation for Hitchcock, did you ever see Faith No More's Last Cup Of Sorrow video and what were your thoughts?
Loved it.
Anonymous
Is there any particular reason or experience that caused you to stay away from Hollywood and work independently in places like Kansas? I imagine there is a lot of deceit and smoke n mirrors going on out there. And that must be frustrating to someone who is making a real attempt at art through cinematography. Thanks for answering our questions.
My pleasure. I filmed part of my movie FAR FLUNG STAR in Hollywood right under their noses, and I’ve filmed in Palm Springs, London, Paris, Hong Kong, and other places like Macon, Georgia and Wamego, Kansas. For me it’s just about the right to work and the freedom to work when I want, how I want, wherever I want. In Hollywood, if they know you’re there, you can’t do it that way. There are so many ineffective rules and regulations. So one has to either hide in the shadows or do it guerrilla style, or risk never getting anything made.
Is there any particular reason or experience that caused you to stay away from Hollywood and work independently in places like Kansas? I imagine there is a lot of deceit and smoke n mirrors going on out there. And that must be frustrating to someone who is making a real attempt at art through cinematography. Thanks for answering our questions.
My pleasure. I filmed part of my movie FAR FLUNG STAR in Hollywood right under their noses, and I’ve filmed in Palm Springs, London, Paris, Hong Kong, and other places like Macon, Georgia and Wamego, Kansas. For me it’s just about the right to work and the freedom to work when I want, how I want, wherever I want. In Hollywood, if they know you’re there, you can’t do it that way. There are so many ineffective rules and regulations. So one has to either hide in the shadows or do it guerrilla style, or risk never getting anything made.
Anonymous
It seems you dedicated colors to each character after watching this. Why did you choose specific colors for specific characters? Any reason other than assigning them? Or did you pick those colors based on their typical emotion, i.e. blue=depressed, sad, "blue"
You’re kinda right about the blue reason. Red for passion/blood/birth for Sandra, and that meant Eleanor had to be the opposite on the color wheel (green), and so forth. All of my movies have a ton of color-coding to them. I use the same colors for the same reasons in PEP SQUAD.
It seems you dedicated colors to each character after watching this. Why did you choose specific colors for specific characters? Any reason other than assigning them? Or did you pick those colors based on their typical emotion, i.e. blue=depressed, sad, "blue"
You’re kinda right about the blue reason. Red for passion/blood/birth for Sandra, and that meant Eleanor had to be the opposite on the color wheel (green), and so forth. All of my movies have a ton of color-coding to them. I use the same colors for the same reasons in PEP SQUAD.
Anonymous
What kind of music do you listen to on your free time?
Anonymous
That would be interesting to know, considering he wasn't a fan of Patton's music when he cast him for the movie.
Right now, Rob Kleiner is working on the score for FAR FLUNG STAR, which is like Hong Kong on crack, it is really amazing stuff. So that’s what I’ve been obsessing over. Oddly enough, Chinese music is really fun to listen to while cooking Italian food.
What kind of music do you listen to on your free time?
Anonymous
That would be interesting to know, considering he wasn't a fan of Patton's music when he cast him for the movie.
Right now, Rob Kleiner is working on the score for FAR FLUNG STAR, which is like Hong Kong on crack, it is really amazing stuff. So that’s what I’ve been obsessing over. Oddly enough, Chinese music is really fun to listen to while cooking Italian food.