Allen: Tell us something personal about yourself.

Paul: I grew up in Natick, MA one of the biggest sports communities in New England (Heisman trophy winner Doug Flutie went to my High School). Being one of two “film geeks” was, needless to say, quite challenging at times. But I persevered. I was one of a few students who went west of the Mississippi for college. I attended USC and got my first job in the film industry my first summer in LA. I’m currently married (My wife Melissa is an ultra-talented Interior Designer) and have a daughter in Kindergarten and a nearly one year old son.

Allen: Do you recall some of the first comic books you ever read?

Paul: I was more of a Marvel guy than DC. I avidly collected comics as a kid and still have 8 long boxes of comics (all bagged in plastic) back home safe in my parent’s attic. I read some of the big titles like X-Men and Iron Man but also read a lot of unusual stuff like The New Defenders, Marvel Team-Up, Marvel Premiere. The Thing (From Fantastic Four) had his own series that I loved. I also was a big fan of the Marvel limited series (Like Wolverine, Secret Wars, Cloak & Dagger, etc.) I also own all the original issues of TMNT (actually issue#1 is the 4th printing all the rest are originals in B&W).

Allen: Tell me about some of the novels that influenced your youth?

Paul: When I was younger I read The Chronicles of Narnia and really loved them. I was also a huge fan of Robert Asprin’s Myth Adventures Series and Douglas Adams’ Hitchhiker's Guide Series. As I got older I started to read more horror and became a huge Clive Barker fan before he was really discovered by the mainstream. I also was greatly influenced by Kurt Vonnegut (Esp. Slaughterhouse 5 & Mother Night), Stanislaw Lem (Solaris) and the James Bond Series.

Allen: How did you begin your professional career?

Paul: I decided when I was 13 yrs old that I wanted to do Make-Up FX and make monsters for a living. My parents were very supportive and encouraged me to explore artistic endeavors when I was growing up. When I came to USC, I felt like it would be years before I ever got my shot. So I decided to hone my craft and worked on about 15 student films during my first year. That led to some industry contacts. So I decided to stay in LA for the summer and was fortunate to interview for a job as a runner for Tony Gardner’s Alterian Studios. Tony liked my enthusiasm and thought I reminded him of himself so he gave me my shot. When I wasn’t out doing errands, I was allowed to work on the shows. I wound up working on The Addams Family, Mom & Dad Save the World, The Dark Backwards and the Swamp Thing TV series. So now I had professional experience and real movie stuff to fill out my portfolio.

Allen: What exactly is an FX artist?

Paul: An FX artist or more specifically a Make-Up FX Artist deals with anything that transforms the human body (Whether it be a simple nose or forehead appliance or a full on creature suit. It also deals with Puppetry and blood gags. It’s really the culmination of a great many disciplines and there is a lot of overlap with other departments such as Make-Up, Special FX, Mechanical FX and Props. We sort of combine all of them.

Allen: I have been reading about your movie credits as Writer, Producer, FX Artist. What was it like working on Batman & Robin? What exactly did you do as job for Batman & Robin?

Paul: Batman & Robin was a lot of fun. I specifically worked on Poison Ivy’s Flower Bed (with many others). This huge mechanical puppet (which nowadays would be down digitally) was massive and we had to figure out a way to make it lightweight enough so the mechanics would break and also puppeteer well. I believe we had something like 17 puppeteers on set for it. I actually just got a residual check the other day for B&R. I also worked on some of the frozen people (including the frozen bulldog that freezes while taking a piss on a fire hydrant).

Allen: What did you like most working on Ed Wood?

Paul: Ed Wood was one of my favorite things. Not only was it a superb movie, but I got to make one of the iconic props from the movie: The Giant Octopus. I was working for SOTA FX and Ken Hall and I were the ones that built it. It’s just such a fun thing to make. Most people don’t know that the Octopus that Ed Wood stole from the prop house was from a John Wayne movie called Wake of the Red Witch. We watched that movie for reference when we built it and of course added the Burton-esque signature dark circles around the eyes.

Allen: Tell me what your favorite memories are about working on movies "There's something about Mary" and "Me, Myself and Irene".

Paul: I worked on many of the Farrelly Bros. movies and they were always a lot of fun. Peter and Bobby made it a family atmosphere on set. Working once again for Alterian Studios, I made the fake dogs (including the infamous Dog in the cast) as well as a number of other gags. I also worked on set in Florida for most of the shoot and got to hang out with Ben Stiller and Cameron Diaz (Remember at the time they both hadn’t truly broke out yet). No one had any idea it would be the success it was. M,M&I was fun too. I worked on the fake cow that Jim and Rene find on the road. I was also a puppeteer on set with it as well.

Allen: Tell me about some of your directing projects.

Paul: I’m attached to direct two medium budget horror movies. Both of which I wrote. THE LAST BREATH… is a supernatural horror movie that deals with internet suicides and is being Produced by Peter Schwerin and Eric Gitter (of ONI Press’ film division) and FILTH about a college students who’s well ordered life spirals out of control when he goes searching for his lost cousin and falls into a world of depravity that he was unprepared for. Filth is being done through Rat Bastard Productions (Which I am President of Production). For my feature debut I wanted to make sure it was something that I wrote and a reasonable budget (not too high nor too low). Both scripts are extremely respectful to the genre and attempt to tell new stories or familiar stories in a new way. If horror is to grow, it needs to take chances and I don’t mean being overly graphic, I mean telling good stories first and let the horror and terror emerge from situations and characters that you care or can relate to.

Allen: What sort of stories do you like most to direct:

Paul: Honestly…just plain old good stories! I prefer horror, but there are some comedies that I am interested in directing too.

Allen: What kind of movies did you write? Are movies also orderable DVD's?

Paul: Even though I am known for Sci-Fi and Horror, I write in almost every genre. The movies I’ve had produced are THE DEAD HATE THE LIVING (Co-Story by), THE ST. FRANCISVILLE EXPERIMENT (I’m credited as a Producer) and ALIEN SIEGE (A Sci-Fi Channel original movie). All three are available on DVD.

Allen: Tell me about nonfiction books that you wrote. What is best way to get these books?

Paul: I am the author of 2 non-fiction books. The first is THE COMPLETE DVD BOOK (Written with Film Threat’s Chris Gore). This book is a how-to book designed for independent filmmakers who want to release their films on DVD. The second book is MOVIE SETS 101. This book contains all the basic information you need to step foot on a Film set no matter what department you work in. I’m proud to say that it’s used as a textbook in film schools around the world. It features advice from such notables as Gale Ann Hurd, Wes Craven, Tom DeSanto, Ron Underwood, James Gunn and Owen Roizman (as well as 70 more). MS101 just got picked up by a large distributor and I am currently working on an updated and revised edition. The book will also feature a new title: ON THE SET: THE HIDDEN RULES OF MOVIE MAKING ETIQUETTE. Both books are available online and at major bookstores.

Allen: How did you get involved in the comic book industry?

Paul: A number of years back, I had one of my Sci-Fi scripts called THE SILENT PLANET optioned by Humanoids, inc. With the idea of doing a 4-part hardcover graphic novel and then pitching it as a film through their deal with DC and Warner Bros. There was even an article about it in Creative Screenwriting Magazine. Humanoids hired me to adapt the screenplay and even though they paid me to do the first two issues and we’re completely happy with them, they never hired an artist. Evidently there was a shake up at the company in France and the executive who brought the project in left. So it kind of slipped through the cracks. Another 6 months went by and then they just gave it back to me free and clear. It was a real shame, because for me it wasn’t about the money. It was a script that I was really passionate about (it’s like Solaris meets Jurassic Park) and I would have been happy if it just existed in Graphic Novel form. So if there’s anyone out there reading this interview and interested the first two scripts are done and it’s just needs an artist J

Recently I moved over to APA (Agency for the Performing Arts) and my Agents (Sheryl Petersen and Debbie Deuble) felt that a number of my scripts would make great graphic novels or comics. So we started putting the feelers out. One of my scripts in particular a Sci-Fi/Horror script in the tradition of Aliens and The Thing called STASIS started out as a Movie/Graphic Novel concept. Stephen Susco (Scr The Grudge 1 & 2) is attached as a Producer and he submitted it to a company and we are currently in final negotiations to do it with them. The truly incredible artist is already attached and we should be starting rather shortly.

Allen: How did you get involved with writing Roger Corman Presents comic book?

Paul: One of the places my Agents submitted my scripts to was Blue Water Comics. I had a great chat with their publisher Darren G. Davis and we instantly hit it off. He read my sample (I had sent STASIS) and was impressed by my enthusiasm. My timing was perfect. They were just in final negotiations with Roger Corman for the series and they had decided that BLACK SCORPION would be their first title. At the time they hadn’t hired a writer and Darren asked me to pitch an idea. He said that they wanted to do a relaunch of the franchise with a Batman Begins type spin to it. The original Black Scorpion films and series had a fun, campy feel and they wanted to try to make it dark and edgy. They liked my first take enough to send it to Craig Nevius (The Co-Creator of Black Scorpion). Craig gave some notes and I did a second pass on the pitch and knocked it out of the park, as it were. They hired me and I’m currently finishing up Issue#3 as the artist is working on Issue#1 (which hits the stands in Feb 2009).

Allen: Tell me how different it is writing comic book story compared to writing movie script?

Paul: It’s challenging. They are similar in many ways and then very different as well. To be honest I had to find a method that works for me. It might seem archaic to most, but I found it really helps me wrap my brain around it. I write the Issue in script format first. This way I can concentrate on story and character and not get bogged down by the technical issues. I then print it out and with a pencil I draw a line where I feel each comic page should end. If I’m doing my job properly, each issue will have about 22 pages (So far, so good). I then draw the empty panels per page and scribble little stick figure sketches. Now mind you, I can’t draw to save my life. These sketches are pathetic at best. they just help me visualize the panels in my mind. I’ve told the artist that they in no way have to follow these to the letter, they’re meant more for me than for them. I then number the panels and put corresponding numbers by the action and dialogue in the script.

Once this is accomplished, I sit back down at my computer and then adapt it into comic script format which for me contains:

1) Panel Number
2) Panel Size
3) Scene Location
4) Shot Size. i.e. Wide, Medium, CU, ECU etc…
5) Description of action
6) Dialogue

The only difficulty that I find is minimizing the amount of panels (They tell me to average 5 panels per page) and making sure there is only one action per panel. That alone is difficult because it’s almost the opposite of screenwriting. Also having the ability to use interior dialogue is something that I haven’t mastered yet. I’m not a big fan of Voiceover in my scripts so I tend not to use it in my comics either.

Allen: Are you an avid watcher of Roger Corman movies? What are some of your favorite Roger Corman movies?

Paul: I am a fan of Corman’s films. I actually worked on CARNOSAUR (Key Creature FX). Growing up I loved It Conquered the World, Attack of the giant Leeches, The Man with the X-Ray Eyes. I also got into Humanoids from the Deep, Battle Beyond the Stars and Space Raiders. His movies can be campy fun and sometimes that’s what the Doctor ordered.

Allen: Tell me about the stories you are writing for Roger Corman Presents.

Paul: BLACK SCORPION is an origin tale ala Batman Begins. We see what drove Darcy Walker to pick up a mask and fight as a vigilante. It takes her awhile to get up to speed and she’s trust into a dangerous situation before she’s actually ready for it.

Allen: Who are some of the characters in your issues of Roger Corman Presents: Black Scorpion?

Paul: BLACK SCORPION contains all the major characters created by Craig Nevius including Darcy Walker (aka Black Scorpion), Det. Steve Rafferty, Captain Strickland and Argyle. The villains for the piece are Gangster Prankster and The Breathtaker.

Allen: How many issues of Roger Corman Presents: Black Scorpion are you going to write? When can we find this comic book on the stands?

Paul: I’m writing 4-Issues series for both BLACK SCORPION and DEATHSTALKER AND BARBARIAN QUEEN.

BS Issue#1 will be on shelves in Feb. 2009.

Allen: Who is the artist of for Roger Corman Presents: Black Scorpion? What impresses you most about artist?

Paul: The Artist for BLACK SCORPION is Daniel Cuchacovich. I like his style. It seems to fit the mood of the story perfectly.

Allen: What comic book conventions will you be attending or have attended?

Paul: I always attend San Diego Comic-Con and used to be on panels with my friends. I’ve been going now for almost 12 years. I also speak every year at the Gallifrey Con. Which is the largest US DOCTOR WHO Convention. I am a HUGE Doctor Who fan. I plan to speak at next years convention about adapting comics. Now that I have 3 comic projects going I will probably attend more conventions to promote them.

Allen: Do you read many comic books at present time?

Paul: Honestly, I am not as big of comic fan as I was growing up, though I do read some graphic Novels Watchmen, 30 Days of Night. Right now I’m reading The Nightmare Factory (Fox Atomic) which are adaptations of Lovcraftian-esque horror writer Thomas Ligotti’s work.

Allen: How can someone contact you?

Paul: They can reach me via Facebook. I have a picture of me as a Simpson’s character drawn by one of the actual Simpson Artists. It’s pretty cool!

Allen: What are your hobbies and recreational activities?

Paul: I love to Cook. If I didn’t work in the industry, I’d probably be a chef. I also like to read and collect things. Like I said before, I’m a big Doctor Who fan, so I obsess over that and I’m a huge DVD whore. I own over 1,200 DVDs (in all genres).

I’m also the Film Moderator for the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films. I’ve been involved with them for almost 18 years and have worked as a Academy Leader and have worked as a Producer on a number of the Saturn Awards including this years 34th Annual Saturn Awards at Universal.

Allen: If you can have 6 dinner guests, 3 fictional and 3 real-life from any time period, who would those 6 people be and why? Julie and Daves Q to Go Catering will be doing dinner services.

Paul:
Real: Kurt Vonnegut, Stanislaw Lem and David Cronenberg

Fictional: The Doctor (aka Doctor Who), Hannibal Lecter (Silence of the Lambs) and Roy Batty (Blade Runner)

I think with this group we could certainly talk about a great many subjects. Lecter could probably give me great cooking tips as well.

Allen: If you could go into any time machine, what year would you stop at and tell us why.

Paul: I actually own the original TARDIS console from the 1996 Doctor Who FOX TV Movie with Paul McGann. So technically I have a time machine and travel quite often. To answer your question…I’d probably go into the future. That would be more interesting.

Allen: If you could have any superpowers for a day which ones would you like to have?

Paul: Invisibility would be great for so many perverse reasons, so to be PC. I’d say the ability to fly. That seems like the best one where I won’t get myself into too much trouble.

Allen: What TV shows, movies, cartoons do you like?

Paul:
Doctor Who
Battlestar Galactica
Lost
Top Chef
Ramsey's Kitchen Nightmares
American Idol
Buffy The Vampire Slayer
The X-Files
The Wire
The Sopranos

Allen: What novels do you enjoy reading ?

Paul:
Solaris
Mother Night
Roadside Picnic
Slaughterhouse 5
Myth Adventures Series
Hitchhiker's Guide Series
James Bond Series

Allen: What gives you your creative energy?

Paul: The sense of accomplishment drives me. There’s nothing like printing out the first draft of a new screenplay because I’ve told a complete story and that never can be taken away.

Allen: What future movies are you working on?

Paul: I am currently developing a Comedy with a Major Studio (I just turned in the 3rd draft yesterday) and putting together a slate of films as a Producer and President of Production for Rat Bastard Prod. (www.ratbastardproductions.com). I am also actively pitching a number of scripts around town.

Allen: Do you plan on working on more comic book stories for Bluewater Productions or any other company?

Paul: Absolutely. I love doing comics. Blue Water just hired me to do DEATHSTALKER AND BARBARIAN QUEEN and I’m working out the story right now. I’m open to anyone who wants to work with me. It’s a lot of fun!

Allen: This ends the interview, any encouraging words of wisdom?

Paul: Yes. Having been in the business for over 18 years as a Make-Up FX Artist, Writer, Producer, Author, Director and Executive, I am proof that you can accomplish anything you set your mind and heart too. Don’t ever give up on your dreams and don’t lose yourself in the process. You don’t have to be a complete douche to make it, just be a good person and treat people with respect. you’ll be amazed at how far that can take you.