Hot Picks

- Ready for My Close Up 2019

- Talk of the Dead 2016

- Tower Rats 2020

- Script of the Dead 2024

- The Bell Affair 2023

- Easter Bloody Easter 2024

- Velma 2022

- Everwinter Night 2023

- Main Character Energy 2023

- Stupid Games 2024

- Bittertooth 2023

- 4 Minutes of Terror: Night Slasher 2024

- Apart 2024

- The Abandoned 2006

- Becky 2024

- The Evil Fairy Queen 2024

- The Black Guelph 2022

- Followers 2024

- Silence of the Prey 2024

- Battle for the Western Front 2024

- Beware the Boogeyman 2024

- Subject 101 2022

- Driftwood 2023

- The Legend of Lake Hollow 2024

- Black Mass 2023

- Skinwalkers: American Werewolves 2 2023

- The Manifestation 2024

- Spirit Riser 2024

- Garden of Souls 2019

- It's a Wonderful Slice 2024

- Caleb & Sarah 2024

- The Thousand Steps 2020

- The Desiring 2021

- When a Stranger Knocks 2024

- Quint-essentially Irish 2024

- Son of Gacy 2024

- Saltville 2024

- The True Story of the Christ's Return 2024

- Whenever I'm Alone with You 2023

- Jurassic Triangle 2024

- Midnight Peepshow 2022

- Offworld: Alien Planet 2024

- The Swiss Conspiracy 1976

- Sex-Positive 2024

- Here for Blood 2022

- All Over Again 2024

- The Color Yellow 2023

- Des Töchterleins Leid 2024

- I Am a Channel 2024

- The Hermits 2023

- Murdaritaville 2024

- Inheritance 2024

- The Devil's Partner 1960

- First Impressions Can Kill 2017

- A Killer Conversation 2014

- Star Crash 1979

- Strangler of the Swamp 1946

An Interview with Chris Spinelli, Star and Producer of Heartbeat

by Mike Haberfelner

August 2020

Chris Spinelli on (re)Search my Trash

 

Quick Links

Abbott & Costello

The Addams Family

Alice in Wonderland

Arsène Lupin

Batman

Bigfoot

Black Emanuelle

Bomba the Jungle Boy

Bowery Boys

Bulldog Drummond

Captain America

Charlie Chan

Cinderella

Deerslayer

Dick Tracy

Dr. Mabuse

Dr. Orloff

Doctor Who

Dracula

Edgar Wallace made in Germany

Elizabeth Bathory

Emmanuelle

Fantomas

Flash Gordon

Frankenstein

Frankie & Annette Beach Party movies

Freddy Krueger

Fu Manchu

Fuzzy

Gamera

Godzilla

Hercules

El Hombre Lobo

Incredible Hulk

Jack the Ripper

James Bond

Jekyll and Hyde

Jerry Cotton

Jungle Jim

Justine

Kekko Kamen

King Kong

Laurel and Hardy

Lemmy Caution

Lobo

Lone Wolf and Cub

Lupin III

Maciste

Marx Brothers

Miss Marple

Mr. Moto

Mister Wong

Mothra

The Munsters

Nick Carter

OSS 117

Phantom of the Opera

Philip Marlowe

Philo Vance

Quatermass

Robin Hood

The Saint

Santa Claus

El Santo

Schoolgirl Report

The Shadow

Sherlock Holmes

Spider-Man

Star Trek

Sukeban Deka

Superman

Tarzan

Three Mesquiteers

Three Musketeers

Three Stooges

Three Supermen

Winnetou

Wizard of Oz

Wolf Man

Wonder Woman

Yojimbo

Zatoichi

Zorro

Your new movie Heartbeat - in a few words, what is it about?

 

Hi Michael. The story of Heartbeat starts off with two women employees at a fast food restaurant that are murdered in a similar way. Then from there the body count goes up in this crime thriller with twists and turns of several suspects.

 

What were your sources of inspiration when writing Heartbeat, and what can you tell us about your collaboration with your co-writers?

 

The director and my friend, Gregory Hatanaka (CineRidge Entertainment), was inspired by the classic giallo film genre when he came up with the idea for Heartbeat. Details of that genre are included in Heartbeat from the lighting to black gloves. Gregory and Nicole D’Angelo (lead role as Jennifer, producer) would structure the scenes and my collaboration was dialog. I don’t write scripts often, but for some reason I love writing good natural dialog.

 

Now how did the project come into being, and how did you end up on the production side of things as well?

 

Heartbeat came into being at the same time we were filming our other feature Choke. We had a slight downtime due to scheduling and Gregory had the idea of Heartbeat in his mind. Gregory, Nicole, Shane Ryan (Rick, co-executive producer) [Shane Ryan interview - click here], and I had a meeting and we all agreed to to make Heartbeat as well. Mainly because we had the equipment, insurance, and a lot of “why not?” So that’s where our pattern of shooting two movies at once came about. Might sound crazy, but we pulled it off and our battle cry “Making Movies” was and still is said often among us. As for my involvement with production, in the past I’ve been an associate producer on a couple of films and got experience there. Also in the past I’ve been an office manager for a “day job”, and when Gregory asked me to be a part of CineRidge Entertainment, I (at least I think) was able to bring some of those organizational skills to the table. With the combination of that contribution and Gregory giving me the opportunity to do the hands-on approach to producing by having me very involved, that has been the best way for me to learn that side of the industry.

 


What were the main challenges of bringing Heartbeat from a producer's point of view?

 

Since we were shooting two movies at once, we used a lot of the same actors. The main challenge for me was communicating to the them which movie we were shooting that day (sometimes both movies were filmed during the same day). There was a lot of “today you’re playing this character... sure that wardrobe works for the other movie as well.”

 

You also appear in front of the camera in Heartbeat - so what did you draw upon to bring your character to life, and have you written Santoro with yourself in mind from the get-go?

 

Yes, I also appear in front of the camera, and acting is my true passion. Thanks to Gregory for the role of Santoro. What I drew upon for this character was simple, Santoro is by the book and in control. That’s the first thing I brought to the character. Now that I’ve watched Heartbeat, he’s basically Sergeant Joe Friday from Dragnet. I love that choice because of the dynamic it creates with Jennifer and Rick. To go back to Choke, one of the things about the structure of the story is there is a triangle between the three main characters. That structure also holds true in Heartbeat. Jennifer is in-between Rick and Santoro, and I really enjoy that contrast. Rick is very unbalanced and Santoro is centered and organized. There you go, my organizational skills is what I brought to Santoro.

 

Do talk about the rest of Heartbeat's cast, and as a writer/producer, how much of a say did you have/demand during the casting process?

 

Since we used most of the actors from Choke in Heartbeat, they came from the casting sessions we held for Choke. I was very involved and had a lot of say with the casting process. It was fascinating because I’ve always been the one walking into the room to audition for a role (and as actors we know some auditions are great and some not so much). I also read with the actors auditioning so I was able to develop a better eye on when they’re right for the character. We also recognized if someone wasn’t right for the role they read for, we would put them somewhere else. As I mentioned, the main cast of Heartbeat had roles in Choke as well. Nicole, Shane, and I are a good team and work well together. Nicole had the challenge of being in all of the scenes for the most part as Jennifer, and with the challenge of making two movies, she was still very focused on set. Nicole also brought a very natural performance to her role. Since Heartbeat she has become the powerhouse of the group directing/writing Acrylic and starring in two movies (Sinful and Quarantine Girl) all from CineRidge Entertainment. Going into these movies I had so much respect for Shane because he’s made so many movies on his own, and to add to that, his performance’s in Heartbeat and Choke are fantastic. As I mentioned, we used a lot of actors from both movies including (to name a few) Lisa London [Lisa London interview - click here], Sarah Brine [Sarah Brine interview - click here], Joycelyne Lew, and Scott Butler [Scott Butler interview - click here].

 

What can you tell us about Heartbeat's director Gregory Hatanaka, and what was your collaboration like?

 

Now the man of the hour! Gregory is always current with the ever changing industry. He realizes that streaming (even before the pandemic) is the main way to get films out there. He understands that a production company has to continue to put content out on different streaming platforms for audiences. Another approach he has is that all the movies we’ve made are different genres to appeal to a wide range of audiences. My collaboration with Gregory is simple, we have the same sense of humor and work ethic. There is a lot of laughter on and off the set, but we always focus when the camera is rolling and we have to get several scenes done. We also respect and listen to each other’s input. Gregory also knows where all the best restaurants are in each town.

 

Heartbeat wasn't the first time you worked with Gregory Hatanaka - so what can you tell us about your previous collaborations, and how did the first of you first meet even?

 

I met Gregory a long time ago, probably in 2002 or 2003, at an industry networking event for filmmakers and actors. I’ve always wanted to say this, “...and the rest is history.” That being said, Choke was our first collaboration. We did keep in touch and had lunch a couple of years ago. That’s when he was getting back into directing and everything fell into place last Ssummer when we were scouting locations for Choke. Through all of it, we’ve become very good friends.

 

Back to Heartbeat - what can you tell us about the shoot as such, and the on-set atmosphere?

 

The Heartbeat shoot was a healthy blur since we had to work fast. We were all on adrenaline because of the combination of writing scenes on set, the actors getting off-book, and shooting that same scene. For me, the shoot was doing producer duties and then turning the acting switch on for the Santoro scenes. I got used to the process very quickly, especially when there is no turning back. Both cast and crew were very driven on set and we all got it done.

 

The $64 question, where can Heartbeat be seen?

 

Heartbeat can be seen on Amazon Prime Video and Tubi.

 

Anything you can tell us about audience and critical reception of Heartbeat?

 

Audiences like the twist and turns in the movie. Critics like the nod to the giallo film style Heartbeat has including the lighting and editing. It’s satisfying to hear this for a movie that was written as it was shot.

 

Any future projects you'd like to share?

 

We just released Sinful on Amazon Prime Video and I just read your review today! Quarantine Girl is coming out this month. For both movies I was a producer and actor. We have another movie in pre-production and have several in development. So the good news is we are not going away.

 

What got you into acting in the first palce, and did you receive any formal training on the subject?

 

My parents took me to a lot of movies and at an early age I developed an interest in acting. I guess I liked the idea of people playing different characters and going on different adventures. I was 13 when I joined a theatre group called Stage 11 in Denver, Colorado where I grew up. That was it, acting was in my blood. During my junior year in high school I started taking classes and doing plays. After that I went to Chapman University in Orange, California and was a Media Performance Major, which was acting on film and production training. I’m very thankful to still be in the game and be creative on both sides of the camera.

 

What can you tell us about your filmwork prior to Heartbeat?

 

In the past prior to Heartbeat, I’ve been fortunate to book work in commercials, film, and television. I’ve had parts on All That and Jimmy Kimmel Live! I’ve also done a lot of independent films, mainly small roles before Heartbeat.

 

Your career spans quite a few years now - so how has the filmworld changed over the years?

 

There are some things that stick out in my mind. I mentioned streaming earlier, well that is one major change. Where a lot of independent movies went straight to video in the past, now we have straight to your laptop, phone, or smart TV. Technology is amazing. That also goes for acting as well. When I started as a professional actor, it was before the internet. Now I can go online and submit for roles myself when only an agent or manager could do so back then. Another change, well not to age myself, but I did start when black & white headshots were still used and your representation needed stacks of them to mail to casting offices.

 

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

 

As an actor, I love immersing myself in a role. As I touched on, acting is using your imagination and I love being another person with different problems, upbringing, goals, career, etc. The main technique I use in my process to bring a character to life is creating a backstory from childhood to the point of their life in the script. Then I break down each scene (objectives, thoughts, behavior, turning point of the scene) with that foundation and apply it to the camera. Even on a shoot like Heartbeat, where we would get the script the same day or before a scene, I was able to apply those techniques quickly.

 

Actors (and indeed actresses) who inspire you?

 

I have a short list that comes to mind. Tom Hanks, Edward Norton, Sigourney Weaver, and Jodie Foster. Trust me, that list is much longer.

 

Your favourite movies?

 

Once again, short list: The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, Casino, North by Northwest.

 

... and of course, films you really deplore?

 

One that sticks out: Super Mario Bros. (1993) - great cast though, look it up.

 

Your website, social media, whatever else?

 

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 Chris Spinelli
at the amazons ...

USA  amazon.com

Great Britain (a.k.a. the United Kingdom)  amazon.co.uk

Germany (East AND West)  amazon.de

Looking for imports?
Find Chris Spinelli here ...

Thailand  eThaiCD.com
Your shop for all things Thai

You can see my credits and current photos on IMDb. My Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok handles are all @chrisspinelli2 where I post current projects and fun things.

 

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

 

I also do stand-up comedy and have a Facebook live show with a couple of friends called Comedians at Denny’s. We have a show every Wednesday at 8:30 PST (now on ZOOM per pandemic). Just go to our Facebook page, Comedians at Denny’s and enjoy. You can watch other previous shows as well. We have a new website: www.comediansatdennys.com

 

Thanks for the interview!

 

Thanks for the interview and your support!

 

© 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 !!!



 

 

In times of uncertainty of a possible zombie outbreak, a woman has to decide between two men - only one of them's one of the undead.

 

There's No Such Thing as Zombies
starring
Luana Ribeira, Rudy Barrow and Rami Hilmi
special appearances by
Debra Lamb and Lynn Lowry

 

directed by
Eddie Bammeke

written by
Michael Haberfelner

produced by
Michael Haberfelner, Luana Ribeira and Eddie Bammeke

 

now streaming at

Amazon

Amazon UK

Vimeo

 

 

 

Robots and rats,
demons and potholes,
cuddly toys and
shopping mall Santas,
love and death and everything in between,
Tales to Chill
Your Bones to

is all of that.

 

Tales to Chill
Your Bones to
-
a collection of short stories and mini-plays
ranging from the horrific to the darkly humourous,
from the post-apocalyptic
to the weirdly romantic,
tales that will give you a chill and maybe a chuckle, all thought up by
the twisted mind of
screenwriter and film reviewer
Michael Haberfelner.

 

Tales to Chill
Your Bones to

the new anthology by
Michael Haberfelner

 

Out now from
Amazon!!!