Interview with Jeff Kirkendall

Jeff Kirkendall has been involved in many facets of independent cinema over the years. He first had the idea for movie making in college when he was studying Communications. Jeff took some cinema-related courses, such as Broadcast Writing and Film Arts, as well as Television (video) Production. At the same time he began taking acting classes from several private teachers/studios in the area. After graduation from college Jeff Kirkendall used what he had learned from all of this to begin producing his own independent movies. He would write, direct and often act in his movies, all of which were under the banner Very Scary Productions.

Jeff Kirkendall also had friends who were making independent movies, and he would help them out and appear in their films as well. When digital video took over the landscape Jeff invested a lot in self-study and became proficient in non-linear editing (on Adobe Premiere). This “jack-of-all-trades” approach has pretty much continued to this day, although looking at his IMDb Page one can see Jeff has the most credits as an actor, followed second by editor, and then as a producer. Jeff enjoys being involved in any way he can in the movie-making experience.

#DVD box art for the latest released movie I acted in from #PoloniaBros \ #SterlingEntertainment @indieactivity @BmovieBros @theschlockpit pic.twitter.com/A2Ox0K0ZR5

— Jeff Kirkendall (@JeffKirkendall1) July 31, 2017

indieactivity: How did you become an actor?
Jeff: I’m not sure one can say when they are officially an “actor”, but for me it was just a matter of one day wondering if I could do what I saw others do on television, in movies, theater, etc. I was a huge fan of entertainment in general and cinema in particular, but I was also introverted. So I knew that, unlike some people who are just naturals at it, I would need training in order to be able to perform. That’s why I started taking classes and kept taking classes until I finally developed a comfort level performing in front of others. Luckily my determination won out!

indieactivity: Do you take courses to improve your craft?
Jeff: I’ve taken a lot of workshops, classes and private coaching in the past and am always open to more when time permits. Also I’ve been fortunate in recent years to have worked on a lot of movies, which keeps me in practice.

indieactivity: What acting books do you read?
Jeff: One book I really enjoyed was Acting in Film by Michael Caine. It has a lot of great anecdotes, practical advice and words of wisdom. I’d recommend it for anyone interested in acting or any other aspect of the movie business.

indieactivity: How do you keep fit as an actor?
Jeff: For general mental fitness I like to read a lot, both fiction and nonfiction. And for physical fitness I enjoy walking briskly everyday and also lifting weights at the gym.

The Jurassic Prey Poster

indieactivity: How do you prepare for a role when you get it?
Jeff: I read the full script a couple times so I understand the story and how my character fits into it. I then mentally read my own dialog over and over until I’ve memorized it. And finally I say the lines out loud as much as possible, regardless of whether or not I have an acting partner to play off of. If I don’t have an acting partner I simply pretend I’m speaking to someone.

indieactivity: How do you create a character from a script into a person?
Jeff: I’d say most of my work is internal. That is I think a lot about the character and the situation they are in.  From that thought process I’m usually able to shape how they speak and act.

indieactivity: How do you stay fresh on a production set?
Jeff: I’ve been fortunate in that most of the productions I’ve worked on are filmed very quickly. So once a scene begins we usually keep moving and it’s easy to stay in character because there is not a lot of down time. But in general I just try to stay focused and in the moment.

indieactivity: Describe a memorable character you played?
Jeff: One character I especially enjoyed playing was Andy Kilpatrick in the creature feature Jurassic Prey (2015, directed by Mark Polonia). Andy was a former child star who later in life had become an often out-of-work b-movie actor. He and a couple of his production pals from the TV show he was on as a child are desperate for cash and so come up with the crazy scheme to rob a bank. They successfully steal the cash, but still bungle the robbery because their getaway car won’t start.

Jeff Kirkendall as Andy in Jurassic Prey

They then take a hostage (who has a car) and hide out at a remote cabin in the woods to avoid a police detective hot on their trail. Little does everybody know that a mining explosion has unleashed a previously dormant prehistoric dinosaur who is very hungry! Since I act in a lot of b-movies, I could definitely relate to this character who was a b-movie actor. Andy’s cohorts were basically down and out as well, so when the robbery went wrong tensions escalated and we were always verbally sparring. These were some fun scenes to play, and it resulted in some funny moments in the film.

There was also a memorable scene where the detective brings Andy’s wife to the cabin and he thinks she is happy to see him still alive, but instead she gives him a hard slap across the jaw because she believes he is committing infidelity (with the woman they took hostage). I chuckle every time I watch that scene. And also just in general the movie had a lot of action which was challenging and fun to work on.

indieactivity: What do you want most from a director?
Jeff: I tend to be somewhat hands-off when I’m directing, probably because I have a relatively laid back personality. I’ll usually let people run with their characters and occasionally interject and help guide them if necessary. I greatly prefer this as opposed to being intense and/or overbearing. So as an actor I appreciate this approach from a director and generally feel most comfortable just doing my thing, but being able to get feedback and guidance when I need it. Of course all directors have their own style, and you must work with whatever style that is.

indieactivity: What actors do you long to work with?
Jeff: There are many great actors whom I admire. One of my favorite Hollywood actors is Christopher Walken.

Jeff Kirkendall as Klaus in Sharkenstein

indieactivity: Why?
Jeff: I think he is at the top of his craft. I also appreciate actors who still appear in a variety of roles even after achieving high honors. Christopher Walken won an Oscar early in his career and kept appearing in not only big studio fare but also many low-budget indie films. The man just likes to work and I admire such a work ethic!

indieactivity: What advice would you give to actors?
Jeff: I would give the same advice to actors as I would to anyone else in, or wanting to be in, the entertainment business. Just follow your passion, learn as much as you can, work hard and keep persisting. Never give up!

indieactivity: You’ve both acted in and directed movies. Do you prefer one over the over?
Jeff: I enjoy both and each have their own unique challenges and rewards. With acting it’s all about focusing on your character and being as truthful as possible in the moment. That is your primary task. With directing independent movies however, I often wear many hats and am involved in many aspects of a production, including working with talent and crew, running camera, assisting with makeup, etc.

indieactivity: Having edited many indie movies, technology has necessary played a big role. Talk about that.
Jeff: Technology has played a big role, especially in low-budget or “micro-cinema” filmmaking. The advent of affordable digital cameras and non-linear video editing has given many people an opportunity to produce their own movies on miniscule budgets. Prior to this equipment being available that opportunity didn’t exist. I’ve always referred to this as “the democratization of filmmaking”. And in terms of artist creativity, digital technology has also been instrumental.

The Sharkenstein Poster

When I started out learning editing, all the decks were analog and linear. This was great for developing a feel for editing because the challenge was to build a video piece by piece from start to finish. However it was very restrictive in terms of trying out new ideas one might have during the process, because often you would have to go back or start over to make a change. With non-linear computer-based editing, all elements (footage, audio, effects, titles, etc.) can be dropped in anywhere in any order and changed a million times if necessary. This allows for greater creativity and makes the post-production process especially fun and rewarding.

indieactivity: What words of wisdom can you pass on to hopeful filmmakers who may be reading this?
Jeff: Besides learning as much as possible about the craft of filmmaking, or whatever aspect(s) of it you plan to specialize in, it is important to surround yourself with like-minded, passionate people. That is, surround yourself with folks who are just as determined and excited about filmmaking as you are. And beyond this be persistent and never give up no matter what obstacles you face.

indieactivity: Briefly write about your career?
Jeff: I began making and promoting independent movies in the mid-90’s, and as of this writing have written, produced and directed seven. My directorial productions include the horror feature The Temptress and the dramatic comedy Of Theatre & Bikinis, both produced in Upstate New York’s Capital Region utilizing local talent. My latest completed work was The Hunt, an action-horror short film starring scream queen Deana Demko (also produced in Upstate New York).

Amityville Death House

Additionally, I’ve served as Associate Producer & Editor on several features over the years, including The Edge of Reality (from JB Productions) and London After Midnight (from Pagan Productions), to name just a couple. As an actor I’ve appeared in over two-dozen movies, including the features Sharkenstein, Bigfoot Vs. Zombies, Jurassic Prey, Amityville Death House and Amityville Exorcism (from Polonia Brothers Entertainment), Project D Classified (from JB Productions), The Drowned (from Pagan Productions), and Bloodlust (from Archangel Productions).

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