The Attention Whores: Deep Inside Nic & Brenna
An Intricate Portrait of Two Low-Budget Starlets
Interview by Rhonda Baughman
I wanted a classy name for the article, but the stars of this interview insisted after I jokingly suggested the above – and not wanting to disappoint, I stuck with it. I let them have it. I gave it to ‘em good. It’s not as if it’s inaccurate, either.
Take a peek …
Splashed all over the aether via IMDB, myspace and youtube – you’ll see Nic Pesante and Brenna Lee Roth – and watch a few of their films, you’ll witness bouncing boy ass and jiggling girl funbags in abundance. And that’s the bad news …
INTERVIEW – BRENNA LEE ROTH
Rhonda: So, Ms. Roth - tell us about yourself - for those fans who know you and for those who don't. Additionally, please provide a brief career retrospective ...
Brenna: I've been in about 40 indie horror and b-films; in the past three years I've started doing small roles in studio films. I got my start in horror by going to an audition for Troma's Poultrygeist in 2005, before then I just did low budget drama. Horror is way better!!! I've been acting since 1999, and so far this has been my only job. As a hobby I produce documentaries. This past year I have been working on a film called Grindhouse Glory. (www.grindhouseGLORY.com)
Rhonda: Please elaborate on your favorite career highlights thus far ...
Brenna: Some of my favorite things have happened all this year. I've worked with a lot of great people. My favorite actor is Viggo Mortinson (The Road) and my favorite actress is Elizabeth Banks (Zack and Miri Make a Porno). My favorite on screen moment was on a film called She's Out of My League, where I play a flight attendant and get to take a phone away from the lead actress - and oh, man was she a BITCH!
Although I've been doing a lot of non-horror this year, I still find that people at horror conventions know who I am. I love the horror fans. I try to never go a month without doing some sort of horror project. This year I finished Killer Biker Chicks and Hellweek, and both should be on sale at conventions later this year. I just got a call for the remake of Burnt Offerings for next year, as well as Toxie 5. Both should be amazing, and I am so excited to see where my career goes in 2009.
Rhonda: So are we! What else are you planning next .... ?
Brenna: I am doing a film with the guys from Horror Junk this winter, as well as a small role in a Cohen Brother's film. By January I'll be ready for some time off.
Rhonda: No such thing. So, tell me - who are your idols/influences?
Brenna: Debbie Rochon. I like seeing that a good b-actress can survive. I've only been doing horror for 3 years...I like knowing that maybe I could be doing this for a lot longer.
Rhonda: I agree – she is B perfection personified. And such a professional! If you had three wishes - what would they be?
Brenna: To be allowed to kill someone, hostel style. To get paid 1million per film instead of 10grand (... I need a new roof on my house...) And to work on studio horror films like Burnt Offerings all the time.
Rhonda: You are allowed to access anyone's home - where would you go?
Brenna: Quentin Tarantino. I want to know what makes that man tick. I don't think he's really a "nerd" like he would like everyone to think...I think he's very normal and the nerd thing is an act. Just like how Paris pretends to be a slut ... oh, wait. Sort of how Paris pretends to be stupid – yeah, that’s it.
Rhonda: What are some examples of music and films you cannot live without?
Brenna: Nothing. I read the New York Times every Sunday and it takes me until about Wednesday to finish it. I don't really watch movies or listen to music. Although, I go walking every morning and lately I've been listening to Pink.
Rhonda: Is there anyone you would NOT kick out of bed?
Brenna: Eli Roth. I'd keep him there until I was certain he wasn't gay; that was I could put a stop to all the rumors for him.
INTERVIEW – NIC PESANTE
Rhonda: For all the lovely ladies … tell us about yourself …
Nic: Well, I'm 28 and live in Pittsburgh, PA. I love doing production work in movies and theatre; I also do a bit of acting, since there hasn't been as much production work as I'd like. I started producing live and recorded music when I was in high school. Sadly, my record label didn't survive very long and I abandoned the music idea. I met Project: Valkyrie director Jeff Waltrowski in 2001, we were both working for Ritz Camera at the time. He got me involved in producing Valkyrie and the rest is cinematic history. I've always loved producing in one form or another, but as time went by I got more into acting as well. I won't call myself an actor though, out of respect for real actors like Brando...and Traci Lords. But I have got a few good roles in films and in the theatre. I also do a bit of modeling, or at least did before I gained 30lbs, hopefully I'll be back on the runway before the year is over.
Rhonda: Oddly enough, I was just reading about Lords. Great minds …. You and I should appear in a movie with her … any movie. I don’t care if it’s a PG family oriented drama. I am so there. Give yourself a break on the 30 – some of us like robust men! Tell us about some of your career highlights thus far …
Nic: I'm really proud of my portrayal as “Decon Sloan” in Henrique Couto's Marty Jenkins and the Vampire Bitches. He was such a fan favorite that he was written into Steve Rudzinski's Wolfster Pt. 1: Curse of the Emo Vamp. (Could we come up with longer titles, please?) I was an extra in Robert Kurtzman's The Rage; I got to walk right past the camera during a crowd scene. I did a lot of good work with Happy Cloud Pictures, including two nude scenes which got pretty good reviews, for their unexpectedness I'm sure. I'll take it nonetheless.
Rhonda: What are you planning next?
Nic: I'm actually trying to get some crew work in Pittsburgh. Preferably as a videographer, but I'd settle for a production assistant job any day. I love indie work, but it's not paying the bills.
Rhonda: Who are your idols/influences?
Nic: In 2008 it's a hard thing to say, but I can state George Lucas. At least in the early days what he (and Francis Ford Coppola) achieved outside of the system was truly inspiring. He's never been scared to throw in his own money to make a picture. He’s pushed the limits of developing new technologies to advance the craft. Also … Robert Rodriguez.
Rhonda: Wave your wand – and give me your three greatest wished. (This is not a metaphor for your penis).
Nic: Bummer. But honestly, I want to work more (creative work,) I've been in a slump for way too long, and alienated some friends/colleagues along the way. I want to be able to eat whatever I wanted and not gain weight. And lastly, I want to beat depression
Rhonda: If you could break into anyone’s home … who would it be?
Nic: Michael Jackson. Seriously. I'd love to check out the Neverland Ranch...besides, I doubt I'm his type.
Rhonda: Maybe. Be careful … What’s some of your favorite pop media?
Nic: Faith No More- King for a Day, Fool for a Lifetime, and Goodfellas. Those are my desert island essentials. I don't listen to much music anymore but I LOVE Opie and Anthony, I record their show on XM everyday.
Rhonda: Rumors abound, but who would you NOT kick out of bed?
Nic: I don't know where I got this reputation from, but I'm not a perpetual tail chaser. I'm actually perpetually lonely; I spend way more time alone than with someone. My standards are actually really high (although we've all made some bad choices now and again, right?)
Rhonda: Me? Never. (snort) Well, there was that one night with Rachelle …
http://www.nicPesante.com
http://www.myspace.com/brennaleeroth
