MISS SEPTEMBER 2006

APRIL WADE

Though not a household name, April Wade should be quite the familiar face to fans of horror and independent cinema. In the past several years, Wade has gone from community theater actress to starring in the zombie prequel “Day of the Dead 2: Contagium,” the award winning “Sunnyvale,” the Texas Indie Meet production “The Ancient” and a slew of other films. She was also a hostess in Shane Ryan’s “Big Boobs, Blonde Babes and Bad Blood” and soon can be seen in “Special Dead,” which is highly praised by Fangoria, and “Creepshow 3.” She also owns and operates an acting studio the Actors Creative Workshop in Los Angeles and is now getting involved with writing and producing with her Women on Top Productions. Having recently penned her first feature screenplay “Phoenix,” Wade and company are to begin filming later this month in both California and Arizona. Wade discusses that project, her previous work, including playing Wilber the pig and if she is really as talented as her resume says as this month’s Polly Pinup.

DOWN WITH THE SICKNESS

CCF: You’re a busy, busy woman. You’re acting, writing, producing, you’re an entrepreneur. How the hell do you do it and keep from going crazy?

AW: I don’t. I am a little crazy. I think you have to be to want to tackle this business.

CCF: So tell me crazy woman, what draws you to a project? You’ve done a lot of horror and indie productions, are you a fan of both?

AW: I love horror films, but am an indie freak. To be honest, the way most actors get their foot in the door is with really low budget projects. But, I’ve really come to embrace these indies. I think that independent film is a very exciting place to be working right now.

CCF: I’ve read a lot of good about “Sunnyvale” and “Special Dead.” I’ve yet to see either of them, but I’m definitely wanting to. Why don’t you tell me a bit about both?

AW: “Sunnyvale” was a really fantastic script from the get go. The new title is “Opie Gets Laid.” I play Thai, a rouge pot dealer who falls into a relationship with a serious loser. It has played every film festival in the world, it seems. I can’t wait to see it on video shelves soon enough. “Special Dead” was written by a college friend of mine and is an incredible script. It is funny, scary, touching and very true to the genre. I haven’t quite seen it, myself. One thing is for certain, it was dark and dusty, but a process with really amazing actors and crew.

CCF: Film Threat said of your performance in “Sunnyvale” - “And Wade? My God, what a find. She needs to be in more films ASAP. She’s got the acting down, and her looks and mannerisms just draw you in.” That obviously has to feel good to hear, but how frustrating is it to bust your ass, feel you are doing a good job, get reinforcement that you are with a glowing review like that and then still be a complete nobody, still looking for your big break?

AW: It is, and it isn’t. I’ve come to really understand the hard work that goes into building a career. Sure, I wish my uncle was a big producer - that would make life easier... But, I am really enjoying the process of creating my own film right now. It seems to me that there is no “big break.” It just looks that way on the outside. If reaching my dreams is a 10 year process, well, then, I best enjoy the journey.

CCF: Tell me about “Phoenix” and how that project is coming along?

AW: “Phoenix” is my baby right now. It has been a long time coming, too. We’ve spent at least a year and a half on developing the characters and story. Our new screenwriter, James Ryan, has really solidified the script. We are a month out from shooting and are really proud of how it is coming together. Our creative team constantly impresses us. It has been by far one of the most rewarding experiences and we haven’t even shot yet. The first read through was this week and I was really excited about how well it went.

CCF: Still looking for investors?

AW: The answer to that question will eternally be “yes!” We are funded and ready to shoot. We do intend on future projects and could always use some cash for marketing on this project.

CCF: How cool was it to be in “Creepshow 3”?

AW: It was my first time shooting on a lot, so it was WAY cool. That’s right. Way cool.

CCF: (LOL) Were you a fan of the original or other movies and shows like it? “Tales from the Crypt,” etc?

AW: To be honest, not really. I love all genres of movies, though. I find that you can enjoy just about anything if you are “in the mood.”

CCF: “The Truth About Monkeys” - did post production on it ever get wrapped up?

AW: We’ve had some trouble with the sound, but hope to be able to reshoot a large chunk of the first act soon.

CCF: That’s got to suck… You produced it. That was your debut as a producer if I remember right. Are you pretty involved as a producer?

AW: Not particularly. I am more of an associate on that one, as I brought a few parties together and lit a fire under everyone to make the movie. I am far more involved in “Phoenix,” as I am line producing and starring in it.

CCF: What’s the Actors Creative Workshop about exactly?

AW: It is a studio for ongoing acting study. I have coaches from all walks of life: manager, casting associate, director, etc. that teach workshops in their particular area of expertise.

CCF: Is it true you once played Wilber in a stage production of “Charlotte’s Web”?

AW: Oh, yes. Loads of fun. Pig snout and all.

CCF: (LOL) It says on your site, you started acting at age three to “not-really-critical acclaim.” Did you really get started that early and at what point did you decide this was what you knew you wanted to do as a living?

AW: I’ve never wanted to be anything else. I was creating little shows when I was three years old and never looked back. It’s a sickness, I tell you.

CCF: On your resume, an Irish accent, trampoline, painting and ceramics are listed as skills. So if I had a script that called for a Leprechaun jumping on a trampoline while painting a ceramic gnome, you’d be up for doing that part?

AW: I would not only be up for it, I would be on set early to practice my jump-painting.

CCF: That’s great because I’m working on that script and I thought it was going to be hard to cast. But it sounds like I found my star. Thanks for your time April. Good luck with everything.

AW: Thanks so much, Chad. I really appreciate you promoting indie film actors!

- CCF, September 2006