Exclusive Interview: Felicity Mason from UNDEAD

Horror-Movies.ca & MoviesOnline.ca got a chance to talk to Felicity Mason of Undead. The new Zombie flick that is coming down the tubes. We will also be bringing you an interview with Emma Randall and Mungo McKay the other two leads in the very near future. So without further ado lets get right into the chit chat with Felicity.

First off I would like to say thanks to you for taking time out of your busy schedule to talk to all the fans. So to start things off could you tell us exactly what this film is about?

Undead is about a small, peaceful country fishing town called Berkeley that is all of a sudden bombarded by meteorites! Inside the meteorites carries an infection that starts turning the towns folk into zombies.

After losing her childhood farm to the bank, Rene decides to leave town, but with the zombie onslaught, leaving town ends up being a lot more difficult than planned. She ends up seeking refuge at a lonely farmhouse that turns out to be Marion’s house – The local crazy man. 

Four other desperate locals stumble across his house too in search of a safe haven and the film follows these very different characters as they battle their way through the plague of the walking dead. In the end there is a twist, all was not as it seemed.

Give us your basic take on the story.

UNDEAD is a black comedy, action, sci-fi, zombie film.  It features an overflow of gore and visual effects and some classic Aussie dialogue. You really have to go and see it.

We really dont know alot about your character in the film so give us the low down!

By the time you first see Rene she’s already had a hard time.  Her parents have passed away, she’s an only child and she’s been left with the debt of paying off the family farm to the bank. She has been struggling to make the repayments for the home she loves and grew up in.

The unsympathetic, nasty bank manager threatens to take her family farm, if all repayments aren’t met on time.  Out of desperation she enters a beauty competition to win the cash prize, but the money isn’t enough.  She is left with the opportunity of heading to the city –  "a sleazy talent scout has promised her a better life".

She’s around 19, a tomboy, liked to help her father on the farm. She’s a hard worker and would like a job with a sense of duty – like a nurse. She’s tough, unassuming, instinctive, thoughtful, caring, observant and brave.

What attracted you to the role of Rene?

Rene is a fighter, she struggles against all odds.

I heard that alot of the filming was done in one or two takes. Did that cause alot of tension on set? Or did it just drive everyone to work that much harder?

I didn’t feel any tension on set. I like the fact that we got only one take or two.  I’d hope to nail the performance by then anyway. It was good training for all of us.  We rehearsed with the directors prior to filming so by the time we started shooting we were all ready to go.

The movie is sort of left open at the end.. Is there any talks of a sequel?

Sure, but I’m not sure when, you’d have to ask the boys that one

How was it working with the other cast members? Emma Randall writes in to us and Mungo McKay we interviewed back when everyone in the States was saying "Undead..... who, what?"

We all (cast and crew) had a great time.  We were all on this mission to make a movie so the vibe was great. Dirk hunter (the policeman) was a constant source of entertainment on and off set – he cracks me up.  A lot of his dialogue was adlib. he’s a very talented actor.

While you were working on the film did you have any idea that the film would get as much exposure as it is recieving?

Not until I saw the preview of the film did I start thinking about it’s potential for exposure.  Considering the budget I was blown away with the outcome.  I thought, "This WILL get exposure and if it doesn’t, I’m giving up on the industry."

How was the movie recieved in Australia?

Great reviews, it’s attracted a lot of fans.  The main focus with the media was how impressed everyone was with this film - that it was made on next to nothing.  The Spierig Bro’s have certainly made themselves known in the Aussie film industry.

Are you fan of horror/zombie films?

Pet Semetary was a favourite.  I like scary films like The Omen, The Exorcist, the Shining…

When did you decide that you wanted to pursue acting?

I joined an agency at around 14yrs but didn’t look at acting as a career option until around 23yrs. Prior to that I was more focused on artwork.

What was your first job in 'the biz'? ( as an actor or any other role on the set )

Apart from TVC’s and extra work my first real speaking role was for a training video for hospitals.  The video was about youth suicide and the procedures a nurse should and shouldn’t take when treating a patient. 

 I played a bad nurse first (disinterested, stressed, uncaring etc), and then I played the good nurse (firm but nurturing, sympathetic etc).  It’s not bad acting for a first role actually.

 I remember the "real nurse" trained me to correctly clean and dress a wound in only minutes prior to filming; I had to clean and dress both his wrists correctly and promptly whilst giving my dialogue.

What filmmakers have inspired you and how so?

I like Tim Burton’s films, his offbeat characters, sets, style of filming… Jim Jarmush for "Night on Earth".  Sam Mendes is amazing for "American Beauty" great film with substance. Ridley Scott is amazing – I don’t even have to say why.

I like David Lynch  - but I can’t work his films out. Basically what inspires me about directors is their ability to help draw out and create an interesting and engaging character within a story.

What big film role do you wish you could have played? And would you have played it differently?

I can’t think of a big or little film role I would have played differently. I’ve seen roles that I think "I would have liked to have had that role" but that’s because I admire the actors performance.  For example: Naomi Watts in Mullholland Drive – Great role – great actor!

What films are you looking forward to seeing in the coming year?

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – Tim Burton.

What projects are you working on now? Give us some details if you can.

Right now, like tonight - I’m in a kid’s musical called "The Shoemaker and the Elves". I play a very rich and evil shoemaker that hates elves and fairies.  (Very Cruella Deville)  It’s good versus evil, good wins and I’m cured of my evil ways.

Also, I’ve just recorded my voice for a cartoon character for T.V - that was a new experience.

What is the one question you have always wanted to be asked and the answer to that question?

There are so many topics, so I can’t think of one particular question.  You’ve done pretty well so far, so I can’t really think of anything else to add.

Are you a reader of MoviesOnline?

Yes

Thanks again for doing this interview with us. Don't be afraid to contact us if you have any big announcements to unleash on your fans. To you readers dont forget to read our interview with the Male Star of Undead Mungo Mckay : Exclusive Mungo Mckay Interview