Interview with Beau Yotty

- written March 8th, 2011





- Beau Yotty has appeared in many movies, including "MERC: Shadow Knight Origin". Anyone looking for more info on Beau or his films, can visit him at his IMDB page or his website: www.beauyotty.com.








Q: Beau, can you explain how you got into the movie business?


          A: Well, I have always had a passion for movies, especially action films. As a kid, my heroes were Stallone, Schwarzenegger and every action hero of the 80’s and 90’s. My first acting experience was in 4th grade when I played a horseman in Cinderella. Now that’s not really an induction to the movie business or what I had in mind at the time for an “action” role, but it allowed me to experience the thrill and excitement of acting. I was an athletic kid, with my childhood spent on the baseball diamond or the gridiron, which in the back of my mind would prepare me physically for future roles in film. I began formal acting training at 18 and continued through college. Soon after I landed my first commercial and on to my first feature as an FBI agent.


Q: Would you please explain your part in "MERC: Shadow Knight Origin "?


          A: I took on the role of Eric Lancer/Shadow Knight. Eric is a complex character who, with the help of genetic enhancements, develops a side effect that creates a second personality in his head. His parents were killed and an early age and as a result, he was raised by his uncle in a paramilitary training facility. He becomes the ultimate weapon known as Shadow Knight. Eric is forced to choose between a normal life in which he is unfamiliar and the life of a Mercenary.










Q: Knowing how movie reviews may skew the perception of one’s product, give us in your own words what you want people to know about the film.


          A: This is a Drama film, with a lot of action and a Sci-Fi theme along the way. Eric struggles daily with the idea of choosing the life of western morality or a MERC life of killing for money. The film really digs in deep to the psyche of Eric Lancer both consciously and subconsciously. There is a deep and entertaining plot that the audience will definitely enjoy.










Q: If there were one part of the filming that was more difficult than you expected, what would that be? Getting a costume to work? Appearing in a certain scene? Certain lines?


          A: We filmed in Orlando during the middle of the summer, and with the humidity, it became extremely hot. This was a physically demanding role with a lot of stunt work. It was hard enough not to sweat just standing on set, let alone being in the Shadow Knight costume. Needless to say, water was my best friend. We had an issue one day on set because of the heat. There was a scene where Eric was sliced open that required Special FX makeup. We almost couldn’t film the shot because my arm was so sweaty, the makeup wouldn’t stick. Eventually we were able to film the scene, and it is one of my favorites in the film.










Q: Was there any one day, one moment where you just knew the film would work the way you thought it could?


          A: Actually, I would say, the first day on set. As soon as I saw how focused and driven our director Craig Alarie was, I knew we were going to accomplish our goals with the film. We had a blast filming and I am proud of the film.










Q: Looking back, I know that you’ve also appeared in other films. Can you tell me a little about them and your experience with it? First, “Island of the Cannibal Death Gods”?


          A: Island of the Cannibal Death Gods was a fun film to be part of. We had a great cast and our Director Jeff Freeman is a great guy to work with. Plus we were surrounded by jungle, cannibals, blood and guts… What more could you ask for? I hope the audience enjoys watching the film as much as we enjoyed making it. We also came across a little snag while making this film. There is a scene that required my character to jump off a boat into the shallow water just off of the island. This water was, the best word to describe it would be “nasty”, I was told there was a dead chicken floating near the boat, trash and all in all, just gross. Our director Jeff told me that it was up to me, I didn’t have to jump in. I decided it was best for the film to go ahead and brave the water. Forget the Bull Sharks and Alligators; I just didn’t want to emerge out of the water as Wes Craven’s Swamp Thing. We got the shot and I am still in one piece, so it was well worth it.










Q: How about “Hell Glades”?


          A: Hell Glades was directed by Aiden Dillard. A group of beautiful women head into the jungle of the Everglades and run into a Seminole warrior-spirit out for blood. The women start to go missing one by one and their faithful tour guide has “no idea” what’s happening. My role was the boyfriend of the lead character played by Katie Rotolo, and he doesn’t exactly believe in monogamy. Things usually don’t work out too well for those kinds of guys in Horror Films. So you can imagine how long he lasts. Again, jungle, beautiful woman, blood and guts… great movie to be part of.


Q: What other projects have you worked on?


          A: I’ve been in a number of other films and Indies such as; Bloody Right He Was, Unlikely Prophets and Class Act to name a few. I have done a countless amount of commercials and was in several music videos. Without a doubt, film is my passion and what I see myself doing for a very long time to come.


Q: What's next for you? Can you tell me what else you have going on in 2011?


          A: Right now I have several projects getting ready to begin filming soon as well as later on in the year. I can’t open my mouth yet, but they will be in genres of Horror, Action and Thriller/Suspense. I will let you know as soon as I can. I am very excited about what is in store for this year!










Q: Is there any movie director or producer you’ve never worked for that you really want to work for one day?


          A: One of my goals is this business is to work with Robert Rodriguez on a film. One of my all time favorite movies is “From Dusk Till Dawn.” I must have seen that film 50 times, and another is Desperado. Great movies by a great director. I hope to get an opportunity to work with him soon.










Q: Finally...this is an "Obscure Horror Movie" website. Can you name the last horror movie you watched either at the theatres or on dvd, etc? How about name a favorite horror film that you have seen that most people probably haven't seen?


          A: The last horror film I saw, although it’s known to true horror fans, is “An American Werewolf in London.” My favorite werewolf movie, hands down. The transformation into the werewolf is one of a kind. The role of his best friend as one of the undead is incomparable to victims in other werewolf films. I saw the film when I was a little kid, and to this day, nothing has surpassed it in my mind. When I bring it up to friends, people not in the movie business or a younger generation, they look at me with a blank stare. If you are reading this and you haven’t seen it, you have homework.


Q: Thank you very much for doing this.


          A: Thank you soo much for your time!!!
- END -





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