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Trent Haaga Interview
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Trent Haaga is obviously an enormous independent film star, and his insight on the topics that I asked were really amazing. He seems to be a very educated and well-spoken person. Please check this out!
Dr Pogo: Independent film is something that has always been blacklisted from any sort of mainstream exposure. Regardless, there has always been a huge fanbase, and somehow it has reigned victorious. Besides the fans, what do you think makes independent films appealing? Rather, what is it about the "ideas" of the movies?
Trent: I suppose that independent film remains vital because there will always be people out there that feel that the movies in the cinemas don't really "speak" to them. It's kind of the same attitude that created punk rock and keeps it alive. A spirit of anarchy, a spirit of difference, a spirit of being outside of the mainstream. Now there are certainly many indie films that are just trying to ape Hollywood without the budget and there is the occasional interesting and challenging big-budgeted flick that slips through the cracks ... but overall, independent films are more able to go to extremes - sexually, in the level of violence, politically, etc. Independent movies have a lot less to lose, financially, and are therefore more apt to keep whatever fringe-y ideas that were in the script in the first place. Plus, only a few bog movies come out every week. Lots of people watch a movie a day or more ... eventually, Hollywood can't keep up with the need of the consumer. But I think that independent films continue despite everything because they're art made by a human ... by the time TRANSFORMERS comes out, it has been sapped of any individual vision by the "committee" process in writing, casting, etc. Marketing teams and spreadsheets make "events" that are big and glossy and eye-catching, but mean nothing to anyone.
Dr Pogo: You've acted for many independent studios, which one is your favorite and why?
Dr Pogo: You moved from New York 8 years ago, settled in California and started a family. Moving from New York also moved you away from Troma. I know you aren't COMPLETELY cut from them, but can you tell me anything about the writing and acting process with them (i.e Citizen Toxie, Terror Firmer, etc.)
Trent: I really learned a lot about how to make (and NOT make) a movie with Troma. One of the great things about Troma is the fact that they're so brutally honest and open with their processes. Everything you need to know about how casting, development, and shooting of their films is easily available on the "Making Of" DVDs for both of those flicks or Lloyd's three books ... This may seem like a cop-out answer, but there are HOURS of footage and REAMS of pages written about the Troma process (I should know, I co-wrote "MYODM" with Lloyd).
Dr Pogo: I'm not trying to brown nose, but your acting skills are VERY good, much better than a lot of the actors that act in B-movies/independent movies. You have almost a "flare" on your acting that really shows that you know what you're doing. For example, in Citizen Toxie, your part as the leader in the Diaper Mafia was the funniest and most believable part in the movie, and in B&C vs. D it was absolutely stunning. It's almost if your acting fits pefectly in the mood of every movie, but for some reason shines brighter than some of the other parts. Can you comment on this? Your style? execution?
Trent: Wow, man, I really appreciate that. All I can say is that I take whatever I'm doing as seriously as I can. I treat each job as its own thing and try to act accordingly. I think that my writing actually helps with acting. If you have to create characters on the page as a writer, then you need to know them, to understand their motivations. Even cartoonish guys like Tex Diaper don't realize that they're cartoons. They're serious about whatever it is that they're saying and they mean it. It may be funny to you and I, but to Tex Diaper, his agenda is important.
Dr Pogo: Any other comments about the world of Independent film?
Trent: Keep it alive. We need things that are created by people, not boardroom committees. Independent film is what makes film an art and not just a business.
Categories: Interviews: Check this Frequently!
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