indieactivity: How did you get connected to the project? Did you have to audition? If you did, would you still have got the part?
Morrison James (MJ): I submitted originally to the breakdown on a casting site. Yes, I did an audition by self-tape first up, then two separate call backs with the Director and Producer by Skype. No, if I didn’t audition I would not have gotten the role as the Director and Producers did not know me before this.
As one of the main cast on the project, how did this ‘choice’ work for you?
Morrison James (MJ): It was the right choice to take on the role of Bill Westbrook in Special Election as the production quality was as high as anything I have done. It has been submitted to multiple upcoming film festivals throughout 2019-2020.
What part of the story challenged you when you read it? What drove you to get on the project?
Morrison James (MJ): The challenge was to portray two sides of the same man. The loving dad, hometown hero running for mayor of the town vs the brutal badass sheriff. I was driven to get on Special Election as I had viewed the many previous films of the Director and Producer. The film already had multiple festival entries, it was a really good script and of course the fellow cast members.
You’re not new to indie films. What do you enjoy about the work that keeps you working?
Morrison James (MJ): Each production and character is different. I most enjoy creating the magic with fellow cast members and the feeling that we just did something real special. Also the collaboration between cast and crew.
Give an example of a direction you received from the director during the production?
Morrison James (MJ): John the Director was very specific in the sequence of fight choreography for the major fight scene in the film. The direction was simple, basic and above all realistic.
How did you create your character from ground up?
MJ: I created a backstory relationship between Bill and his wife who passed away before the start of the story. I spent some quality time on the job and interviewing real small town police sheriff’s for this role.
Got to spend time with and interview the real Governor of the county we were shooting in which really helped on the political side of my character.
Got to know my character’s daughter before we started the shoot so we had a real father/daughter chemistry on the set.
As the main cast in the film, describe the feeling of responsibility that you shouldered. Were you scared? Or did it fire you up? What scenes were difficult to shoot?
MJ: The feeling of responsibility was pretty big because I was the lead of the film and was working with some very well established actors. I was very nervous and scared leading up to the shoot and even at the start. Once we all got to know each other and started working our craft, it was great.
Probably the most difficult scenes were the overnight shoots. We shot 3 nights straight from 11pm through 6am, it rained off and on.
Of course, the major fight scenes were shot at that time. My fellow cast member split his head open on a rock which was fun and a few hours of downtime while he got medical attention. The other scene which was difficult to shoot as far as getting everyone in order – but crazy fun was the auditorium interview scene with Gillian the journalist and my character. We had 20+ press journalists, 10+ photographers all clicking and flashing their cameras. Around 350+ extras which were the audience.
Explain one creative choice you made on set during production?
MJ: I suggested to the cinematographer we try slow slide in shots for the interview scene with Gillian the journalist and my character. They came up incredibly, the shots ended up being used in the final cut.
What did you take away from the film production?
MJ: A real sense of achievement and joy. I knew we had made something special. Also made some good friendships which is leading to us working together again in the future.
What do you like most about the director, and his/her collaboration with his/her team?
MJ: The Director John was completely down to earth, honest and upfront about everything. He treated everyone on set crew and actors with the utmost respect. And he knew exactly what he wanted but was open to my own ideas about my character and wasn’t afraid to let me run with it. He was so passionate about the story and wanted to make the best film possible.
What is next for you?
MJ: Next I am back over to L.A for a new TV Series. We start shooting in December and wrap out February 20. I am very excited (and nervous). I am one of the four leads in the series.
What advice do you give actors regarding what you learnt on the project?
MJ: Have belief and confidence in yourself and craft. If you have been cast in the role? It is because the filmmakers have belief in you. Treat everyone, cast, crew and extras with respect. Above all, have fun and enjoy the experience.
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