- Lee Perkins, star of "Katiebird," agreed to an interview. Anyone looking for more info on Mr. Perkins or his films, can visit the IMDB page.
Lee, can you explain how you first got into the movie business?
A: As a kid, I used to lie in front of the TV, watching and dreaming about all the westerns and war movies I saw. But I guess sports were my first love. I played baseball and football, and then found my way into driving formula cars in the U.S., Italy and England. During that period, I got offered a role in the film “Freejack”. I had been in smaller stuff and always studied acting, but that was my first introduction to Hollywood.
Please explain your role in “KatieBird”.
A: I play a third-generation serial killer named Merl “Daddy” Wilkins. Merl is a pretty twisted guy and the father of KatieBird. The film takes the viewer along on the ride of how KatieBird is transformed from a sweet innocent little girl into a homicidal murderer. Merl teaches her the only thing he knows, that truth can only be found through death. Through the use of a hammer, saw and tooth extractor, KatieBird and her dad teach their victims what truth and truthful pain are.
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 this film.
A: “KatieBird” is a film that you will either love or hate, which is great for an indie. About 10% will find that this is something that touches them very deeply. It’s very hard to explain, but in every screening it has always worked out like that.
If there were one part of the film that was more difficult than you expected, what would that be? Getting a costume to work? Appearing in a certain scene? Certain lines?
A: Usually the hardest part of most films is getting the job you want. But in this one, I got lucky — another actor had the role and dropped out. So the director, Justin Paul Ritter, offered it to me. The hardest part was that I had only four days to prepare forty-plus pages of dialogue and come up with some sort of character.
What did you think of the way the film was shot? The use of the frames, do you think that enhances the film? Make it easier, more difficult to understand the film?
A: The shooting seemed as normal as anything else I’ve ever done. It wasn’t till about three or four months into editing that I saw the multi-paneling. I liked it right away. I can see how someone would not, but for me it works. That’s the love-it-or-hate-it part. What has surprised me is how audiences get the feeling of a fractured mind from it. I never got that, but it really draws some people in.
Was there any one day, one moment where you just knew the film would work they way you thought it could?
A: I remember one day on set when I started to see Justin’s vision. I was talking with Jun Hee, who played Kevin, and we both started to feel that something special was there. But it wasn’t till the reviews started to come in that I understood what had happened. When people started calling “KatieBird” the best serial killer film ever, I knew we had hit on something.
Since “KatieBird” what have you been working on?
A: Well, it seems like “KatieBird” is a never-ending project. We shot it over two-and-a-half years ago, and here I am still talking about it. Not that I’m complaining — I hope it goes on for another 20 years. But I have some things that are coming out soon. I just finished a film called “Carnies” that is set in 1936. Any fan of “Freaks” should love this flick. I play The Professor, who owns the famous Pickled Punks Show. This summer, I'm scheduled to shoot the film “Job” (as in the Bible). I’ll be working with Bill Moseley. We both play priests who are paying for a very bad deed from their past. Then in the fall, I’ll shoot “The Red Machine”. It’s a spy thriller set in the 1930s.
What’s next for you? If you and I were to talk 1 year from today, what do you think would be on your plate at that time?
A: I’ve had 21 reviewers who have singled out my performance in “KatieBird”. My next move is to see if I can land one of the big agencies in Los Angeles, where I live. So a year from now, I would love to be in a position where offers were just flooding in. I’m getting about two a month at this point, but the more the better. I hate saying no, but life is short and I'm looking for quality roles that challenge me.
Is there any director or producer you really want to work for one day? Someone that you look up to?
A: That’s a great question. There are so many that it’s hard to choose. I think working with Clint Eastwood would be a great learning experience. His films always come in on time and under budget. Rob Zombie and Guillermo del Toro are at the top of the horror list. I really enjoyed “The Devil’s Rejects” and I have met Guillermo twice. He’s a great guy who definitely knows how to have fun.
You’ve appeared in some TV series and other television episodes. Is that something you enjoy doing, or do you prefer films, doesn’t matter?
A: Films seem to suit my style of acting. Most of the TV shows don’t have the depth that I look for. And when you’re opposite a series regular, it’s really all about them. They’re the one that the audience tunes in to see.
Anything you wish to add for my readers and visitors? Something special about you that they probably do not know?
A: I believe in God, and I owe everything to my parents. (That way if I end up having a crummy life, I have someone to blame.)
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 one was “Freaks”. I was doing a little research for my role in “Carnies”. If you rent it, listen to the commentary. It has fascinating stories about some of the characters. And for a film that most haven’t seen, “Evil Aliens”. I saw it at a film fest in San Fran. It's a U.K. film that will be here in the States soon. It’s very funny. I laughed my butt off. And the director, Jake West, easily drank me under the table.
Thank you very much for doing this.
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