An Interview with Jon Kondelik, Star and Producer of Blood Brothers a.k.a. The Divine Tragedies

by Mike Haberfelner

May 2014

Jon Kondelik on (re)Search my Trash

Your upcoming movie The Divine Tragedies a.k.a. Blood Brothers - in a few words, what is it about, and what can you tell us about your character in it?

It's about two brothers who decide to commit murder for the intellectual experience. Once done, the murder tears the brothers' relationship apart. 

My character is Thomas Lo Bianco. He's the older of the two and more outgoing. He's fascinated with murder and likes to write true crime novels. Without giving too much away there is a moment that changes everything for him. 

What did you draw upon to bring your character to life, and how much of Jon Kondelik do we find in Thomas Lo Bianco?

Jose and I decided that we wanted Thomas to be a reflection of myself as opposed to me becoming a new person entirely. We all have a darkness in ourselves. I had to dig for my Thomas in me, but once I found him I isolated him and amplified him. 

How did you get hooked up with the project in the first place, and how did you and your brother James end up on the production side of things as well?

Jose and I are good friends, and we were watching a film with Orson Welles called Compulsion, from the 50's I believe. Right then, Jose had remembered an idea he's had for some time now. He pointed out to me and Graham Denman that he wanted to make a film like this. That had grabbed me and I wanted to know more. The more we talked, the more I was pulled in. By the end of the conversation I asked Jose, "How soon can you get a script?" I think he was a little shocked and excited at the same time. He quickly replied, "I'll start writing tonight!" Before I knew it, my brother and I were producing Divine Tragedies that would start shooting 4 or 5 months later.

What can you tell us about your director Jose Prendes [Jose Prendes interview - click here], and what was your collaboration like?

You can tell he's a writer because he's very protective of the script and his characters. He'll be honest with someone if they aren't their character. He definitely elevates the material with almost a certain magical quality about him. Our collaboration was painless, haha. Being friends helped. They say never go into business with your friends, but I'm glad we did on this film.  

As the movie's producer as well as lead, and with some directing experience under your belt, how hands-on or hands-off have you been during the shoot when it came to creative decisions?

I wanted to be in complete actor-mode when I was on-set. So my brother, James, was there to take care of anything producer-wise. I was 100% hands-on in pre-production, but very rarely did I dip my hands into the creative bowl if it didn't pertain to my character while shooting.

What can you tell us about the shoot as such, and the on-set atmosphere?

This was one of the easier shoots I've been on. The atmosphere was fun and very relaxed.

Any future projects beyond The Divine Tragedies you'd like to share?

At this moment, my brother and I are developing a few more features we'd write and direct potentially this year. Can't say what yet.

What got you into acting in the first place, and what can you tell us about your training on the subject?

I'm a theatre geek and I got into acting when I was in high school. So it was my drama teacher's fault--Mrs. Johnson. Everyone learns differently and I'm one of those who are different. I learn by doing not going to school. I've never gone to acting class. Being on set is my class. One thing I've been taught and still have it echoing in my head is, "Don't just act your role--own it!"

What can you tell us about your filmwork prior to The Divine Tragedies?

I've primarily worked with my twin brother, James. We've written the feature screenplay A House is not a Home, which helped land us the Airplane vs. Volcano writing gig and then directing it as well. My brother comes from an editing background and myself casting. We've worked on nearly 20 features each.

How would you describe yourself as an actor, and some of your techniques to bring your characters to life?

I try to find parallels with my life and Thomas' emotionally that helps ground the scene for me and to just live the scene moment to moment.

Actors (or indeed actresses) who inspire you?

Feeling lucky? Want to search any of my partnershops yourself for more, better results? (commissions earned)

The links below will take you just there!!!

Find Jon Kondelik at the amazons ...   amazon.com   amazon.co.uk   amazon.de Looking for imports? Find Jon Kondelik here ...   eThaiCD.com Your shop for all things Thai

Gary Oldman, Christian Bale, Leo DiCaprio, and Jack Nicholson.

Your/your movie's website, Facebook, whatever else?

The Kondelik Brothers website http://www.thekondelikbrothers.com/

The Kondelik Brothers Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/TheKondelikBrothers

The Kondelik Brothers Twitter https://twitter.com/thekondelikbros

The Divine Tragedies Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/divinetragediesmovie

Anything else you are dying to mention and I have merely forgotten to ask?

LIKE The Divine Tragedies page to be up-to-date on all things happening with the film!

Thanks for the interview!

© by Mike Haberfelner

Legal note: (re)Search my Trash cannot
and shall not be held responsible for
content of sites from a third party.

Thanks for watching !!!