MORE THAN A SCREAM QUEEN II

Pamela Sutch and Darin Caine with deadly weapons.

CCF: Tell me a bit about the creative process for you as a writer/director. How do you get started on a project?

PS: First, I write an outline and chain of events. Then try to make them cleverly tie together. I’m not a real stiff writer or director. I think I can get the best performances and character development that way. I’m into quirky weird characters that resemble people we see each day.

CCF: So do you kind of start with characters and then try to think up situations to put them in or is it more of giving the characters freedom to come alive on their own?

PS: I have worked with many experienced actors and also people with very little or no experience. I kind of see what I’m dealing with and then see what I can get. It’s always different. Sometimes people need to stick with what is scripted and sometimes I try and get them to improve. But I know when I get what I need. Also, when shooting, there is so much to concentrate on involving camera work, continuity, lighting and having the edit cuts somewhat in your mind.

CCF: I felt your film “Transformed” hit on a lot of good issues. Was it a conscious thing from the get go or did some of this stuff kind of seep in as the movie went along?

PS: A lot definitely seeped in. The entire movie wasn’t written until after we started shooting and many additional scenes were added.

CCF: What were some of the scenes added later? Was the Mark Tambone and Michael Leiberman exchange one of them? I loved that scene.

PS: Yes, that was one of them and so were all of the others actually. (LOL) Matthew Jacobs wrote that scene. And Len from Killer Wolf Films did the camera work on that. And that was the scene you liked? OK!! (LOL) You know, there was dirt all over the lens. If you look back at the footage you’ll see it! I told him. Clean the damn lens!

Pamela Sutch and her fist of fury.

CCF: (LOL) Sorry if I touched on a sensitive topic bringing up that. But see, even though there was dirt on the lens, as director and editor, you knew to leave that scene in. Like I said in my review, in another movie these guys wouldn’t have had that exchange. They would have come and went, completely unnoticed. And besides that moment in the film there were a lot of other great ones. I definitely liked how it all turned out… One of the things I read about you as an actress was you didn’t do any type of nude scenes at first. I think you said it took you five years in front of the camera before you did your first scene topless. You said this was due to your parents, but at the same time you said they never even see your movies because they are so low budget. I feel there’s an interesting issue there we could explore... and I’m sorry if I am sounding too much like a therapist. (LOL) I think as adults we all find ourselves from time to time doing things or not doing things because of a number of subconscious reasons. Maybe it’s a matter of not wanting to disappoint our parents or perhaps it’s a matter of their morals and opinions being ingrained into us for so long that we still feel a bit under their rule. What’s your take on all of this?

PS: Weeellll, Yes you’re right. It took me a long time for all of those reasons. I think I did my first topless scene at about the same time I started Siren Tales. Business decision. (LOL) I’ve never been uncomfortable with my body but did give it a lot of thought before I decided to do any nudity. Is it right? Is it wrong? Who will ever know? It’s just the human body. But in America... It is a business decision.

CCF: You aren’t done being naked in front of the camera now that you are focusing on your craft, are you?

PS: I have a scene in Killer Wolf Films “Curse of the Wolf” that was creatively and tastefully done. That may be the extent of what I do. I’ll take each project as it comes and decide from there.

CCF: Obviously, you don’t have a problem with violence or nudity in films, but do you feel either of these elements have an impact on people in a negative way?

PS: When you’re younger, you don’t think so. When you get older you question it in your mind. But my personal thoughts on that issue is “People are who they are.” They create themselves in many ways. I think some people are even born happier then others. There are a lot of negative things in the world as well as positive. They will always be there and I’ve been around many of both! I’m a happy person because when things got tough or my self esteem was hurt, I picked myself up, brushed myself off and tried to make the right choices to come out ahead instead of behind. I think a lot of people give up too easily in this world. As time passes they’re unhappy, unsatisfied and just don’t care what they do to hurt themselves or others.

CCF: What made you pick up martial arts?

PS: After years of dancing, and no longer pursuing it on the level I originally did, I thought martial arts was the next best thing for exercise and knew I would be able to use it in my productions.

CCF: Again, business decision. (LOL) So how is it for exercising? I’ve always had an interest in martial arts, but for whatever reason never got involved in any of it.

PS: It’s great for exercise. Not as boring as the gym and you are also learning an art form. Plus, it will help you to defend yourself should you ever need to.

CCF: As far as your personal taste in movies, what are you a fan of? Are you a fan of kung fu movies? Do you like horror? Are you into cult type stuff or what exactly?

PS: Not really any of the above.

CCF: (LOL)

PS: I really like a good drama or indie movie with strange characters. I liked the movie “Best in Show” and “The Pallbearer.” That’s my taste and it comes out in the movies I make.

CCF: I see. I liked “The Pallbearer” too. So you’re more into dark, but comical character driven dramas. What about “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape?” That’s my all time favorite film. Or “Me and You and Everyone We Know?”

PS: Yes, that’s my style. I hope to create more original movies of my own like these in the future as Siren Tales grows and I have more flexibility.

Pamela Sutch aiming to break new ground.

CCF: You offer services to do custom movies on your site. Tell me a bit about that. Have you done one of these yet?

PS: Yes, a number of the movies on my site are custom movies. All three in the John Bradley series are. If I like the script, think it fits in with what Siren Tales produces, and we agree on a price, I will produce it. Though the cost of these can add up a bit, my productions are much more affordable than what you could get anywhere else. I also give them the best possible production because they will be added to the Siren Tales repertoire.

CCF: Lastly, what can we expect from you in the future? You have any projects you are working on?

PS: I just finished a 20 minute custom short that I will use on a compilation DVD. It’s about a genetically enhanced female with super powers and strength. She can also change form. This will be packaged with a story of a not so poised, out of shape, somewhat addictive personality woman who ends up switching bodies with a beautiful, has it all together, hot women. This will be my writing and I will enjoy it. The success of “Transformed” has inspired me to make these shorts.

CCF: I’ll be looking forward to them. I really enjoyed “Transformed” and can’t wait to see more of your work. I truly wish there were more filmmakers like you. And I don’t say that just because you’re a gorgeous blonde, I say it because I feel like you play by your own rules and to me that’s what makes movies fun.

PS: Thanks, and I will continue to produce, break new ground and entertain.

CCF: Sounds good. Thanks for you time.

- CCF, October 2006