Frightfest was host to the UK premiere of Red White & Blue last night, the latest from Writer/Director Simon Rumley, and we were lucky enough to get a chance to talk to Amanda Fuller, who plays the role of Erica in the film.

Fuller is wonderful in the film and despite the excellent writing and direction from Rumley a great deal of the success of particularly the early scenes rests on her shoulders. This is a performance that is sure to get wide acclaim and respect.

You can read our full exclusive interview with Amanda Fuller below.

HeyUGuys

How did you first become involved in Red White & Blue and what first drew you towards the film?

Amanda Fuller

I received a call from my manager about RWB and he sent me the script to read. They were looking to cast it right away because Erica was the only character they hadn’t found yet. Within 10 pages of reading the script I was drawn to it and the role of Erica, and it only grew from there. Halfway through the script, I was hooked. By the end, I was so emotionally affected that I knew it was something I was interested in doing. The way the film dissects human behaviour and relationships is really unique. It script was incredibly provocative and challenging story to tell, which is something I always look for. That being said, I was also very aware that it was a project that needed the right creative team behind it to make it work. With the extreme nature of the film, the risks I would have to take to play the role, the budget, etc. That is where meeting with Simon came in. I watched “The Living and the Dead” (and the behind the scenes of it to get an idea of how he worked) and I was blown away. I trusted him and his vision from there on out. The next day I met with him and it was obvious that we both were on the same page and wanted to tell the same story, which was essential. Apparently, Simon felt the same way and four days later I was in Austin filming! It was a little chaotic and very last minute, to be honest…but I was truly thrilled to have the opportunity to bring Erica to life.

HeyUGuys

How would you describe the character of Erica?

Amanda Fuller

I try to approach every character I play without judgment and pretense, and I tend to get pretty deeply involved in my work. I like build a character from the inside out. So, to look at Erica from an outside perspective and describe her is kind of a challenge. When I first started getting this question, I asked a very dear friend of mine after seeing the film how he would describe Erica in a nutshell…to which he replied “I’d want to curl up in that nutshell and hold her.” That statement embodies so much to me. The precious thing abut portraying Erica is that it was more about how we could make the audience feel after getting to know her so intimately, rather than her “character attribute’s”…or even her (mostly questionable) actions in the film. I will say that she is a lost soul. She has had some very unfortunate things happen to her in her childhood, which she hasn’t properly healed from and I think the emotional damage from those things have caused her to act out in dangerous and unhealthy ways. Self- sabotage and the sabotage of others. Whether or not her actions are intentional, I like to leave up to the viewer and their own perspective. I don’t think that is the point. I feel that at the core, she is a human being dealing the best way she can with the cards she has been dealt… without the love and guidance to keep her on the ‘right’ track. I believe Erica has a good heart and is just looking for love and acceptance, like so many of us on this earth. That is why I fell in love with her. My intention with taking on the character was to make her as human and relatable as possible, so the audience might be a little less quick to judge, and watch the film with more of an open mind and heart. I think we all approached the characters in RWB that way. But the girl definitely needs some help…

HeyUGuys

Were there discussions about Erica’s background and did you have a fixed idea about what in Erica’s past had led her to where she is when we meet her in the film.

Amanda Fuller

Yes, Simon and I discussed her background so that we were clear with the story we were telling. There were obvious specifics that were important to agree upon (like the ones we actually deal with in the script), but most of it he kind of left up to me. The events of her past that have lead her to where she is in the film were very distinct. And we built that up together a bit, but then he gave me the freedom to explore and create for myself a background that spoke to me and would make me feel more connected to her. We trusted each other, which is the most important thing you can have when working with a director. We also didn’t have a lot of time to prepare. But honestly, the beautiful thing about Simon as a writer, is that it was all already there. I didn’t need to ‘do’ or ‘add’ much to make her a real person. I built everything from what he gave me on the page.

HeyUGuys

The relationship between Nate and Erica is a fascinating one and the kind of relationship we rarely see on screen. How do you see the relationship between them and why do you feel it works for them?

Amanda Fuller

In my eyes, Erica and Nate are made for each other. And I don’t say that because they are both “freaks” or super-intense, or lost, or misunderstood, or whatever. I say that because they are both true. And I think they recognize that in each other. Nate and Erica share that undeniable, unspoken connection that is so rarely experienced. They unravel each other. Peel away the layers that they have built up in order to function in society. Nate doesn’t just view Erica as a piece of meat and a possible fuck, and she see’s more in him than a creepy older guy with a scary beard and awkward yet threatening sensibility. There is an instant trust and respect between them, even if Erica is too scared and closed off at first to admit it. (I am probably giving too much away…) But- the bottom line is, I feel there is a true love between them and that they need each other. The human connection is so very important. And for them, the relationship represents hope for a happier future and a possible way out of the precarious lives they have built for themselves. An opportunity to be more of who they are. And for Erica, not to live in so much fear. It is the kind of relationship I wish we could see more of in cinema. Not cookie-cutter. Not expected. But honest and sincere. If only things didn’t go so horribly wrong for them…

HeyUGuys

The film is very raw and emotionally intense. Were there times when this was difficult during filming and were there any particular scenes that were hard to do?

Amanda Fuller

A lot of my work as an actor has been pretty intense (maybe not to this extent), but I kind of thrive off of emotionally challenging roles. I love getting into the deepest, darkest parts of human nature. Usually, it’s only really difficult if I don’t believe the writing or connect to the character, which was definitely not the case with RWB. The only truly difficult scene, I’d have to say, (SPOILER ALERT!) was the hog-tying stuff. Physically, it was a little more demanding than I had anticipated. I told them to do whatever it took to make it believable and real, but I didn’t realise how that meant that my limbs would go numb within a couple of minutes (which is apparently one of the body’s first reactions to being hog-tied). I am used to doing stunts, and like to think that I am pretty strong with all of that stuff (I love it!), but I just wasn’t mentally prepared in this instance because it was something we came up with on the spot. It kind of caught me off-guard but it all ended up ok, and they totally took care of me! I do, however, remember saying to a friend at the end of the night that it felt like I had actually just died. Fun stuff.

HeyUGuys

The film deals with very dark subjects, there are risqué scenes and Erica is a somewhat unflattering character. Were you ever cautious about playing the character and were there any personal barriers that you had to overcome to play the role?

Amanda Fuller

There was no caution, really, because I knew that all of the risks I had to take were essential to show the audience who this girl was. In her daily life. The nudity and sex and violence aren’t gratuitous or exploitative. That is the only reason why I did it and the only reason I wasn’t cautious. There was no other way to tell this story authentically. And we couldn’t take any shortcuts. Because of that, because it was so raw and not for a studio’s profits sake, it was a little more challenging to my ego. I had to put all of my insecurities aside and simply focus on the story and the relationships. There was definitely no room for vanity on this film, and I am grateful for that. I think it makes the film better and Erica more believable. It also forced me to grow as a person and artist. I have to say, it was a relief to not think of what I looked like the whole time. To be fully exposed and let the truth be seen. I had my insecure days, of course, my weak days…where I thought “I just want to be all made up and look pretty!” But that thought itself goes against what I believe in as an actor and filmmaker. And it was refreshing to actually allow the inside of a character be more important than the outside. Especially in this industry, and especially as a female. It has made me, ironically, into a more confident woman. Flaws and all…

HeyUGuys

The filming of Red White & Blue sounds as if it was a very intensive experience and also a fast shoot. What was the experience like and did this feed into your performance?

Amanda Fuller

The filming was fast. Nonstop, really. I had never experienced anything like it. We had barely any lighting set-up’s and were running from location to location. It was intense. But the crew worked their tails off. And everyone was wonderfully committed, even with the time-crunch and 100+ Austin heat. Milton Kam, our DP, is a total rock-star. How he and the crew pulled it off will always amaze me! And the relationship between Milton and Simon was so important. Their communication was key. Without all of these elements, I honestly don’t know how we would have gotten the film made. As an actor, the pace just forced me to trust (Simon, Milton, the other actors, the crew, myself…everything really.) I am kind of a perfectionist and it is really easy for me to get in my head about things and overanalyze, so this was really beneficial. It forced me to just live from the moment and trust the work we had done to get there. It was terrifying at times, and I didn’t always know what the hell I was doing, but it was liberating more than anything.

HeyUGuys

You have experience working in both film and television. What differences have you found and what do you think the strengths and weaknesses of each medium are?

Amanda Fuller

The main difference I have found is that television is generally shot at a faster pace, on a schedule, and is more formulaic than film. There is less room for creative spontaneity and freedom. But I do mean generally. RWB was faster than any television shoot I have ever done, but it was a rare exception. Most films have far fewer set-up’s a day therefore a lot more time with each set-up. Which means a lot more time to wait in your trailer. There is also more time for rehearsal and the opportunity to film significantly more takes. I don’t know if this is a pro or a con. I think it can be both, depending on the team and the material. I say television is more formulaic because that has mostly been my experience up until now. When you get hired on a television show as an actor, you know to show up and do your job, and then you are done (unless it is your own series, of course). With film, the actor is regularly more a part of the process. Networks don’t like to take a lot of risks and are serving a very specific audience. But I think that is drastically changing with all of the current cable shows. (And with the internet now, an entirely new medium, really.) I also think you can fall into the same trap with studio film versus independent film. Spoon-feeding a certain audience to make money versus valuing originality and effective storytelling. I have found that it is very case-specific, but I love exploring in all mediums…

HeyUGuys

What kind of work excites you the most and are you looking to do more roles with darker subject matter, like Red White & Blue?

Amanda Fuller

This is a question I have been getting a lot lately, and I think it’s kind of funny. Now that I have played such a “dark” role, so to speak, I think people are expecting more of that from me and the choices I make. For me, it’s all about the storytelling. Of course, I am more drawn to material that is challenging and thought-provoking. I want to do films that serve a purpose, that push the boundaries of what we are use to seeing in film and affect people in a way that encourages them to step outside of their comfort zone. The opportunity to tell stories and play characters that open people’s minds but also moves them on a deeper, more emotional level really excites me. I do seem to be drawn to the darker side of things. I am inspired by the untouched and hidden or maybe repressed subject matter. Maybe because it’s more of a challenge. Or because it is more honest. I don’t know. I think partly because I have been really blessed so far in this life, it makes me more curious to investigate areas I may not be so familiar with. I have realized in my experiences and work up to this point that we all really stem from the same elements. Discovering human nature, I know I keep referring to that, but it really is what stimulates me as an artist the most. Finding a connection. Giving a voice to those who may not have one. It is why I love photography as well. I get turned on by finding the beauty in everything, dark or light. Of course, I wouldn’t mind doing something that involves rainbows and unicorns someday! Or a romantic comedy! (I say that because some of my more sensitive, weaker-stomached friends are begging me to…) Just to have some fun. Falling in love can be very raw…haha. I just love to work. But it really boils down to if the project is seeking to express truth in some way. That is what I am committed to.

HeyUGuys

Is there anything you’re currently working on or have coming up soon that you can talk to us about?

Amanda Fuller

Yes! A few things, actually. I did a film this past May called “Blood is Blood”. It is a sort of multi-layered monster movie set deep in the Louisiana bayou. It was directed by Fred Andrews and is also starring Mehcad Brooks, Serinda Swan, Lauren Schneider (who is in RWB!), Aaron Hill and Dillon Casey. An ensemble film, obviously. The legendary Sid Haig is also in it. He is incredible. It is pretty special because Sid Scheinberg produced it and was very hands on, for the first time in a while. His presence on set was very cool. Daniel Bernhardt (from the Matrix) plays the “monster”… I can’t really say much more but it should be a lot of fun!! I also just finished a supporting role in a film called “Freerunner” with Sean Farris, about these young kids that do parkour. They race for money and then things turn bad (of course). It is an action film and some of the stunts these guys were doing were astounding! I was lucky enough to play opposite Tamer Hassan and Danny Dyer, which was a true blessing. They are the best. In a couple weeks I will be filming an episode of Law and Order: SVU. It will be interesting going back to television after all of the film I have been doing lately, but it is a guilty pleasure and a childhood dream of mine to do the show, so I am super excited! It looks like it is going to be a great episode…I will be working with Rosemary Harris and Mariska, so I am a happy camper at the moment…. Then there is a ‘desert chase’ film in the works for November, kind of a modern day western which I am also very excited about. I am just so happy to be working, can’t wait to discover what’s next!