Pulp Features

Luc Bernier (MySpace page) is a genuine enthusiast about the horror genre in general and the low budget sector in particular. His ambition and love for the genre and all things creative has certainly paid off and he has already worked with a number of the genre’s most recognisable faces. Whether he is writing, directing or acting, Luc is always willing to be involved with anything creative, and his kind nature has seen the work come thick and fast. He is living the ultimate fanboy’s dream, managing to work with his idols on a number of projects, and he hopes of bringing together the horror community. And he’s kindly taken some time out from a hectic schedule to talk to our own Dale Pierce.

Dale. You have acted in several films. Tell people about some of these.
Luc: I did my first film in October 2004, in Mississippi. It was for Southern Gothic from director Steve Sessions. Had a great time doing it and we did some scenes in Louisiana in a fort! I since then worked for SV Bell (little appearance in She Demons of the Black Sun), Lucien Eisenach (as a villain, but pretty funny one, in his sci-fi spoof Sea Creatures from Outer Space), Peter Keir (Wolfika), Diggerfilms (in Nightmarish Orgasm for anthology Graveyard Picture Show and also worked for them in a short called Le souper… funny funny!)… I did some of my own projects and worked with great scream queens, including Kimberly Lynn Cole, Krystal Stevenson, Laura Giglio, Debbie D, Isabelle Stephen and Kerri Taylor. I am actually working on Bonbon Rouge for director Jef X. and will work in few days on a movie called Torment, for Steve Sessions… very excited!

Dale: Did you study acting in school or just learn as you went along?
Luc: I never studied acting in school… I would have loved it though… but I was always a big fan of movies, even as a kid, reading books about it, checking bios of screen legends, watching everything…always knew I wanted to be in movies and I am happy I am doing it since few years now!

Dale: And what interested you in acting?
Luc: Creation, making a story from the mind of someone into something you can watch, passion, being someone else for the camera… It’s a passion!

Dale: Is the horror film your favorite genre or just one you are involved in because of so many of these films being made?
Luc: Horror is my favorite genre.. so I am really into this and want to do more and more horror films… Most of my favorite films, directors, actors are from the horror scene… I love horror movies!

Dale: Any interesting behind the scenes stories to tell during filming?
Luc: I guess there is… but now you ask, I need to think about it… I know for sure it’s always fun to be on the set and meet everybody and doing the movies… It’s always fun! But about a particular behind the scenes story… I will get back to you later with this! hehe Ask me again!

Dale: The indy scene is growing thanks to the net, my space, dvd craze and horror conventions. Do you think indy cinema will become bigger and bigger?
Luc: Well, of course, the indy scene is still alive and making movies. I think it can grow much more though… It’s easy to get a camera now, so if you get a story and wanna make it, it’s possible to do it… If you are passionate and think you can do it, do it! I am sure more people can make movies! Get people to help you, a little team, few cool locations, reliable actors, and everything can be done if you put the energy in!

Dale: Do you think fans are becoming bored with Hollywood and also their remake craze?
Luc: Bored? I don’t think so… There will always be people to like those…and pay tickets to watch those… I guess as long as companies get money from the fans, they will still do the remakes and other blockbusters…

Dale: Any future films in the works?
Luc: Still working on Bonbon Rouge for Jef X. in whick I have the lead.. it’s going to be a really cool movie. It stars Isabelle Stephen as well! And will start working soon on Torment for Steve Sessions. It’s filmed in Mississippi… Also, I directed a short recently, early 2007, and it stars Kimberly Lynn Cole and Tom Stedham. Kimberly is great actress! So is Tom! It’s called Still There. Someone is editing it at this time. Have some projects too, just waiting the “It’s a go” from filmmakers…cannot wait to act in their movies! :)

Dale: What do you do to get “into” or develop a character you play?
Luc: First of all, I try to get the visions of the directors, what they want me to do, how they see the part… that helps alot! You can work around that to prepare for the shoot!

Dale: Do you have trouble memorizing lines and if not, how do you overcome this?
Luc: I never had a problem learning lines.. it’s work, sure, but I always had a good memory and I think learning lines is actually fun to do! :)

Dale: What would be your strong points as an actor?
Luc: Enthusiasm for the project, patience, the ability to take the role seriously but not myself seriously.

Dale: Without doing yourself in, what about weak points?
Luc: That depends on what the role is. Each role brings out different strengths or weaknesses that reveal themselves.

Dale: You also do modeling? Do you prefer this to acting?
Luc: I do prefer acting to modeling… but I do have lots of fun doing modeling… I had the chance to work with lots of great photographers, and creative shoots! I love that!

Dale: Do you have any favorite people to work with in indy film?
Luc: Kimberly Lynn Cole, Steve Sessions, Isabelle Stephen, Kerri Taylor, Debbie D, Laura Giglio, Suzi Lorraine, Krsytal Stevenson, Lucien Eisenach, Pénélope Jolicoeur, Magenta Baribeau, Tom Stedham, the guys from Diggerfilms! Sv Bell… I never got the chance to work with Brinke Stevens yet, but I am really hoping this will happen soon!!! She is awesome and a big inspiration to me! I was in Southern Gothic with Jeff Dylan Graham, but we didn’t work together.. So I hope to work with him face to face sometimes! I would also love to work for Dante Tomaselli! He’s great director! Might never happened, but would love to work for Dario Argento… Would also love to work with Debbie Rochon, Demona Bast, Linnea Quigley and Julie Strain!!! Joe Zaso, Eric Spudic, Richard Grieco and much more people!

Dale: Do you ever make the convention circuit?
Luc: Never got the chance!!! but I am hoping to attend some this year!!!!

Dale: Closing comments?
Luc: Thanks alot for interview!!! I am looking forward to work with some of you! take care!