There's a lot of buzz and excitement around Dan Ellis these days. With the second film in the American Guinea Pig series coming out and a new contract recently signed with his agent, Dan is emanating some pretty positive vibes. He's more than a talented thespian though. He's a full-fledged horror fan and his authenticity is reflected in his work.
Dan Ellis: I met a girl… I was living in San Francisco and decided I didn’t want to do the long distance relationship. So I moved out to Canada. A child, marriage and another child later I’m still here.
Body Count Rising: Right on! That’s romantic. Do you have dual citizenship?
Dan Ellis: I don’t have dual citizenship yet but I’m working on that. So right now I’m just a permanent resident.
Body Count Rising: Your IMDb profile said you “took a culinary journey” after serving in the Navy. Were you a chef in the Navy? What’s the scoop?
Dan Ellis: When I joined the Navy I operated radar and did navigation, working with radio, tactical signals and stuff. I served as a liaison between the captain and the other ships that were traveling in our group and was responsible for notifying of any potential threats. They originally offered me the job of cooking when I joined, but I read the description and thought there is no way I’m waking up at 4:00 AM every morning and making powdered eggs for 600 guys. Then I saw the description for Operations Specialist and felt that was something that not only would challenge me intellectually, but it was something I decided I really wanted to do.
Once I got out, I didn’t have many options as far as transferring what I had learned in the Navy into the civilian world as it was so specialized. Maybe I could have been an air traffic controller or served in the Merchant Marines, but I had enough of the sea at that point, so a friend got me a job washing dishes in a kitchen. It wasn’t long until they moved me up to the line and after a few months they had me running the line. Now, people steal people from other kitchens all the time when they open new restaurants and so I moved around a lot. I worked my up to sous chef and eventually I became executive chef at a couple different places. Growing up, my mom had exposed me to different foods and cooking techniques and this was something I really enjoyed. I moved away from that profession, but it's always been a dream of mine to open a pub or a restaurant at a later time.
Body Count Rising: You should do a cooking show!
Dan Ellis: Well I thought about doing that and getting people on board from horror movies. “Tonight’s episode: Making chili with Elvira” (laughing)
Body Count Rising: Oh yeah! If you could get some gore effects in there, THAT would be awesome. (laughing) Prior to acting in films, you did theater work. Which type of work is more stressful and why?
Dan Ellis: I would say theater because it's live. You can see the crowd and it’s wonderful because you get instant feedback and gratification when you really nail an emotion or deliver a line properly. You can feel the energy in the crowd. When everybody applauds it’s a really good feeling. But, there’s also the chance of “Oh my God I just fucked up my line.” The trick is to not let anyone know except the people that you’re working with. A professional cast will help you recover. You can also look out into the crowd and hear cell phones going off or other distractions so that can drive you nuts.
When you’re on set, it’s not live. You’re in front of a crew and nobody else in the world exists except the people you’re acting with. The only stress in film, for me, is that time between when you wrap and when you finally get to see it. Trying to keep your lines and your character together… that’s a piece of cake compared to the problems that are dealt with by the director, the DP and the rest of the crew, those guys get most of the stress.
Body Count Rising: Have you gone to any of the “American Guinea Pig: Bloodshock” screenings?
Dan Ellis: No, I haven’t. I was set to go to Texas Frightmare, but had a family emergency and had to cancel.
Dan Ellis: When I was a young pup, my mom used to take me to these really bizarre movies in the 70’s. It’s probably something that a kid shouldn’t go to, but at the drive-in, they had this playground up front. All the parents would go to see “Rosemary’s Baby” or “Amityville Horror” and they’d send the kids off to the playground assuming they’d all just go off and play. But I was the one just sort of sitting back, looking up at the screen and watching the movie. I would rather watch the movie than play on the swings. Swings just weren’t as interesting to me like those films were.
I became fascinated with the movies and I grew up wanting to do creature effects and make-up. But as I started wearing the prosthetics and make-up I realized I enjoyed it more than applying it to others. That drive got me into the drama department in school, but there were politics and it seemed like those who had parents who were more active in the school got preference for the best roles. Seemed like it was a game of “favorites” and it was discouraging. I put that part of my life on hold, never been much for bullshit or playing games...
In San Francisco following “my culinary adventure”, I had the opportunity to become active in the theater again and I felt that passion for acting once more. San Francisco had a great scene for comedy and theater. While I was working I met a guy named Dan Burr who had friends that he introduced me to, Dan West and Rick Popko. I didn’t know they were working on a movie at the time, but soon they offered me a part.
After I did it, I had this epiphany... It was like “What the fuck am I doing?” This is what I’ve always wanted to do! So at that point I decided that film in any capacity would be my career. I mean I love theater and would do it again in a heartbeat, but I just really enjoyed film. The lights, camaraderie, outtakes… and just having a good time… I can't explain the feeling of being “on set” and how good it makes me feel. That was the wake up call I needed to help me toward the path I’m on today.
Body Count Rising: You were in “The Profane Exhibit” which ran the festival circuit in 2013-2014 then fell off the map. What can you tell me about this film?
Dan Ellis: Ryan (Nicholson) and I did a segment called “Goodwife” and Monique Parent played my wife. It’s a twisted love story. I think to this day it’s the best thing he’s ever done. The writing was exceptional, the shots were great. We had a guy named Matt Leaf who was the DP and he did a fantastic job with the look of the film. There’s a lot of controversy around that movie and I’ve tried to keep my finger on the pulse as much as possible, and all I can say is that it’s not dead.
Body Count Rising: Yay! So, is it currently in litigation then?
Dan Ellis: No, but I can’t confirm or deny what may be the hold up because I simply don't know. But, I do know it’s going to happen.
Body Count Rising: Is this based on Bittaker and Norris since that is what they called their van?
Dan Ellis: Yes, loosely.
Body Count Rising: So, you’ve been in Ryan's films (“Gutterballs”, “Hanger”, “Star Vehicle”) and now you’re in the new American Guinea Pig series. What attracts you to such graphic and gritty gore films?
Dan Ellis: I think the fact that they’re so much fun to make. If you’re making something like a drama, it’s a different dynamic. But horror… the fans are like nothing else in the world. People will volunteer to just come on set and help out because they want to see the movie made and they love it! And the kind of people that make horror movies are a different breed all together. You can have a beer with anyone but these guys are just more fun. You get bloody and it’s a blast. Plus I just love horror.
Body Count Rising: Now there’s a difference between mainstream horror and the kind of horror Ryan Nicholson, Marcus Koch and Stephen Biro are doing though…
Dan Ellis: OK, touché. (laughing) But people always bring up that since you watch horror films you want to go chop people up. That’s not the case at all. It’s just how I like to be entertained. There’s horror, there’s extreme gore, there’s faux snuff… with a horror fan there’s so many sub genres. This is what I love. You really get the chance to go to extremes with different emotions and a broad spectrum of characters. You can do camp, or truly serious stuff. It allows you to exorcise your personal demons a times also.
When I was small I watched “Phantom of the Opera” and I was terrified. I hid under the chair the whole time, but I still watched because I wanted to see what he looked like without the mask. And when he took it off, I was floored. I asked my mom if he was a real guy. I wanted to know everything. She explained that he was a regular guy that just had on make-up and it was all fake. I was enamored and Lon Chaney has been one of my idols ever since. I’ll do anything, appearance-wise, as long as it's right for the part. Why wear a wig or a fake mustache? Do it for real if you have the time, it looks better and really helps to get into character. I probably always will be active in horror but not limited to it. I'd like to do a lot of different roles, genres and work with as many different people as possible.
Body Count Rising: What’s the most challenging role you’ve had to play and why?
Dan Ellis: I think “Bloodshock” is up there because what they needed from the character. Sometimes a script can be a crutch. You can use words to get you to a place where you need to be but in “Bloodshock” I had to express myself without words, I really had to take myself to some dark places I forgot I had inside. Besides that, there was the physical toll it took on me and the place we were filming in Florida was like a sauna.
Body Count Rising: In American Guinea Pig: Bloodshock you’re extensively tortured. Was it difficult having so many practical effects while you were acting?
Dan Ellis: No, not at all and I find it really helps with the performance. Marcus is really good at what he does. And working with Ryan, I’m no stranger to prosthetics and effects. I enjoy it. A lot of actors don’t like to wear prosthetics. They just don’t get it. That’s the fun part. Some of the gore was actually inserted after I left. It wasn’t that big of a deal. I loved it.
Body Count Rising: Any great stories you can share from behind the scenes?
Dan Ellis: Well, I almost caused a wreck. Towards the end of “Bloodshock” I looked pretty bad and I had shaved my head and my eyebrows. We were filming but, when there was a break between scenes, we’d go out front and smoke and cool off. Now, I’ve got on a hospital gown and bandages on a busy Friday night in Ybor City. I’m standing there barefoot and bruised with blood all over my gown. I have a big scar across my head and I’m out there with a guy dressed like a doctor and we’re just smoking. I heard a few people stop short.
It was such a tight shoot that there wasn’t enough time for mischief. Now the last night was fun because I was completely covered in blood from head to toe. I’m bald and naked in the back of Marcus’ car talking to people as we pass. He put one of those plastic tarps down so I wouldn’t get blood all over. We had shot 16-18 hours and we were all exhausted. Now I don’t know if you’ve been covered in movie blood before, but it’s REALLY sticky. And when you’re in dried sticky blood naked sitting on a plastic tarp it especially hurts to move. So every now and then they would hear me moaning in the back seat and they would just laugh their asses off.
Body Count Rising: Oh! I just figured out what got stuck to the tarp! (laughing)
Dan Ellis: Yeah. It was not good. (laughing)
Body Count Rising: What can we expect from you next besides “Valley of the Rats”? Vince went to Italy awhile ago and he’s really been into giallos since he came back. I went to the Vancouver Badass Film Festival and met up with him. His next film is a great story with what will be some solid visuals. I’ll be playing a detective to help unravel the murder mystery. Tristan Risk was just cast as well and I've heard good things about her. Vince is fun to work with, focused guy but also fun. I also worked with him on “Hard Cut” where I was able to play two completely different characters. I played Jonas, who’s a sleazy film producer and then I also got to play a religious zealot with a mullet. I hope to work with Stephen and Marcus in the future. The whole experience with “Bloodshock” was just amazing and I am and will continue to be eternally grateful to them for allowing me to be part of this amazing series.
Body Count Rising: Any advice for anyone considering acting as a career?
Dan Ellis: Oh yeah I have tons of advice (laughing). Get a thick skin. Take a good look at your life and if it's really what you want to do then go full force. Don’t do anything half-assed or try to bullshit people. Listen to those who have been there before and pay attention but take everything with a grain of salt. Headshots are important, keep those current. Don’t take “No” for an answer when it comes to your dreams. Don’t leave the audition and be crushed because you didn't get a call back. Rejection hurts because you’re human, but learn to take rejection, maintain humility and learn as much as possible from it. It's not always about you. Don’t ever act for a “job” or because you want fame or money. I've met those kinds of actors and most of them are hard to work with. Do it because you love everything about acting or don’t do it at all.
Keep up with Dan’s projects on his IMDb or follow him on Facebook or Twitter.
Dan Ellis: I would say theater because it's live. You can see the crowd and it’s wonderful because you get instant feedback and gratification when you really nail an emotion or deliver a line properly. You can feel the energy in the crowd. When everybody applauds it’s a really good feeling. But, there’s also the chance of “Oh my God I just fucked up my line.” The trick is to not let anyone know except the people that you’re working with. A professional cast will help you recover. You can also look out into the crowd and hear cell phones going off or other distractions so that can drive you nuts.
When you’re on set, it’s not live. You’re in front of a crew and nobody else in the world exists except the people you’re acting with. The only stress in film, for me, is that time between when you wrap and when you finally get to see it. Trying to keep your lines and your character together… that’s a piece of cake compared to the problems that are dealt with by the director, the DP and the rest of the crew, those guys get most of the stress.
Body Count Rising: Have you gone to any of the “American Guinea Pig: Bloodshock” screenings?
Dan Ellis: No, I haven’t. I was set to go to Texas Frightmare, but had a family emergency and had to cancel.
Body Count Rising: I heard the crowds are loving it. Were you able to see the movie yet?
Dan Ellis: Yes, I saw a couple rough cuts and Marcus (Koch) prepared a finished version for me. Marcus and I have been friends since we met a Fangoria Convention in 2006 or 2007. We always wanted to work together. We started to once but there was this horrid blizzard and things kind of fell through. So he called me up and said “Hey do you want to make a movie?” and I said “Sure!” He said “Don’t you want to know what it’s about?” and I said “I don’t care. I want to work with you!”
Marcus needs to be recognized not just for his effects, but his directing too. He has a definite signature that he puts on things. I mean if you watch “100 Tears”, “Fell” and “Bloodshock” you know those are Marcus Koch films.
Body Count Rising: Oh yeah- and “Rot” too.
Dan Ellis: I’m really excited for him and Stephen Biro. Both stellar dudes and they have done a fantastic job with the film.
Body Count Rising: So, you’ve been a film actor since 2003 and your first film was “Monsturd”, which was hilarious. I saw that and laughed a lot. What about this sealed the deal to make you decide to begin acting in films?
Dan Ellis: Yes, I saw a couple rough cuts and Marcus (Koch) prepared a finished version for me. Marcus and I have been friends since we met a Fangoria Convention in 2006 or 2007. We always wanted to work together. We started to once but there was this horrid blizzard and things kind of fell through. So he called me up and said “Hey do you want to make a movie?” and I said “Sure!” He said “Don’t you want to know what it’s about?” and I said “I don’t care. I want to work with you!”
Marcus needs to be recognized not just for his effects, but his directing too. He has a definite signature that he puts on things. I mean if you watch “100 Tears”, “Fell” and “Bloodshock” you know those are Marcus Koch films.
Body Count Rising: Oh yeah- and “Rot” too.
Dan Ellis: I’m really excited for him and Stephen Biro. Both stellar dudes and they have done a fantastic job with the film.
Body Count Rising: So, you’ve been a film actor since 2003 and your first film was “Monsturd”, which was hilarious. I saw that and laughed a lot. What about this sealed the deal to make you decide to begin acting in films?
Dan Ellis: When I was a young pup, my mom used to take me to these really bizarre movies in the 70’s. It’s probably something that a kid shouldn’t go to, but at the drive-in, they had this playground up front. All the parents would go to see “Rosemary’s Baby” or “Amityville Horror” and they’d send the kids off to the playground assuming they’d all just go off and play. But I was the one just sort of sitting back, looking up at the screen and watching the movie. I would rather watch the movie than play on the swings. Swings just weren’t as interesting to me like those films were.
I became fascinated with the movies and I grew up wanting to do creature effects and make-up. But as I started wearing the prosthetics and make-up I realized I enjoyed it more than applying it to others. That drive got me into the drama department in school, but there were politics and it seemed like those who had parents who were more active in the school got preference for the best roles. Seemed like it was a game of “favorites” and it was discouraging. I put that part of my life on hold, never been much for bullshit or playing games...
In San Francisco following “my culinary adventure”, I had the opportunity to become active in the theater again and I felt that passion for acting once more. San Francisco had a great scene for comedy and theater. While I was working I met a guy named Dan Burr who had friends that he introduced me to, Dan West and Rick Popko. I didn’t know they were working on a movie at the time, but soon they offered me a part.
After I did it, I had this epiphany... It was like “What the fuck am I doing?” This is what I’ve always wanted to do! So at that point I decided that film in any capacity would be my career. I mean I love theater and would do it again in a heartbeat, but I just really enjoyed film. The lights, camaraderie, outtakes… and just having a good time… I can't explain the feeling of being “on set” and how good it makes me feel. That was the wake up call I needed to help me toward the path I’m on today.
Body Count Rising: How do you prepare for your roles?
Dan Ellis: I wouldn’t say I’m completely a method actor, but I do practice it to an extent in my technique. I do develop back stories for my characters. I give them personalities so that it is more than just lines. When I learn the lines, I develop mannerisms to keep it appropriate to the character. I spend a lot of time in the garage. That is my work space. It’s my place where I can get quiet. I do also work with the director for his vision of the character, but I have been given a lot of liberties as well over the years. It’s a lot of communication back and forth, but I also I'm in my own head quite a bit.
Body Count Rising: What about improvisation?
Dan Ellis: That all depends on the director. I’m getting ready to work with Vince D’Amato on “Valley of the Rats”. Vince is open to ideas, but he has written the script a certain way for a reason. He creates his art through actors as his medium and I stick closely to what he has laid out. Now with Marcus, it’s a lot more organic. With “Bloodshock” it was more of an outline with direction and I didn’t have that dialogue to lean on. I had to act non-verbally through my mannerisms and facial expressions. That especially attracted me to this part. I would be given direction to look in a certain direction and it was up to me to act and react accordingly with each situation using nonverbal cues, so it was directed improv.
Dan Ellis: I wouldn’t say I’m completely a method actor, but I do practice it to an extent in my technique. I do develop back stories for my characters. I give them personalities so that it is more than just lines. When I learn the lines, I develop mannerisms to keep it appropriate to the character. I spend a lot of time in the garage. That is my work space. It’s my place where I can get quiet. I do also work with the director for his vision of the character, but I have been given a lot of liberties as well over the years. It’s a lot of communication back and forth, but I also I'm in my own head quite a bit.
Body Count Rising: What about improvisation?
Dan Ellis: That all depends on the director. I’m getting ready to work with Vince D’Amato on “Valley of the Rats”. Vince is open to ideas, but he has written the script a certain way for a reason. He creates his art through actors as his medium and I stick closely to what he has laid out. Now with Marcus, it’s a lot more organic. With “Bloodshock” it was more of an outline with direction and I didn’t have that dialogue to lean on. I had to act non-verbally through my mannerisms and facial expressions. That especially attracted me to this part. I would be given direction to look in a certain direction and it was up to me to act and react accordingly with each situation using nonverbal cues, so it was directed improv.
Body Count Rising: You were in “The Profane Exhibit” which ran the festival circuit in 2013-2014 then fell off the map. What can you tell me about this film?
Dan Ellis: Ryan (Nicholson) and I did a segment called “Goodwife” and Monique Parent played my wife. It’s a twisted love story. I think to this day it’s the best thing he’s ever done. The writing was exceptional, the shots were great. We had a guy named Matt Leaf who was the DP and he did a fantastic job with the look of the film. There’s a lot of controversy around that movie and I’ve tried to keep my finger on the pulse as much as possible, and all I can say is that it’s not dead.
Body Count Rising: Yay! So, is it currently in litigation then?
Dan Ellis: No, but I can’t confirm or deny what may be the hold up because I simply don't know. But, I do know it’s going to happen.
Body Count Rising: OK. I heard something about a film called “The Murder Mack” you were working on with Plotdigger Films that you were producing and starring in. Is that project still in the works?
Dan Ellis: As of now, no. The last Ryan and I talked we discussed another “Gutterballs”. The idea is still kicking around, but it’s on hold for now. It’s a pretty good story. It’s pretty fucked up, so it’s right up our alleys.
Dan Ellis: As of now, no. The last Ryan and I talked we discussed another “Gutterballs”. The idea is still kicking around, but it’s on hold for now. It’s a pretty good story. It’s pretty fucked up, so it’s right up our alleys.
Body Count Rising: Is this based on Bittaker and Norris since that is what they called their van?
Dan Ellis: Yes, loosely.
Body Count Rising: So, you’ve been in Ryan's films (“Gutterballs”, “Hanger”, “Star Vehicle”) and now you’re in the new American Guinea Pig series. What attracts you to such graphic and gritty gore films?
Dan Ellis: I think the fact that they’re so much fun to make. If you’re making something like a drama, it’s a different dynamic. But horror… the fans are like nothing else in the world. People will volunteer to just come on set and help out because they want to see the movie made and they love it! And the kind of people that make horror movies are a different breed all together. You can have a beer with anyone but these guys are just more fun. You get bloody and it’s a blast. Plus I just love horror.
Body Count Rising: Now there’s a difference between mainstream horror and the kind of horror Ryan Nicholson, Marcus Koch and Stephen Biro are doing though…
Dan Ellis: OK, touché. (laughing) But people always bring up that since you watch horror films you want to go chop people up. That’s not the case at all. It’s just how I like to be entertained. There’s horror, there’s extreme gore, there’s faux snuff… with a horror fan there’s so many sub genres. This is what I love. You really get the chance to go to extremes with different emotions and a broad spectrum of characters. You can do camp, or truly serious stuff. It allows you to exorcise your personal demons a times also.
When I was small I watched “Phantom of the Opera” and I was terrified. I hid under the chair the whole time, but I still watched because I wanted to see what he looked like without the mask. And when he took it off, I was floored. I asked my mom if he was a real guy. I wanted to know everything. She explained that he was a regular guy that just had on make-up and it was all fake. I was enamored and Lon Chaney has been one of my idols ever since. I’ll do anything, appearance-wise, as long as it's right for the part. Why wear a wig or a fake mustache? Do it for real if you have the time, it looks better and really helps to get into character. I probably always will be active in horror but not limited to it. I'd like to do a lot of different roles, genres and work with as many different people as possible.
Body Count Rising: What’s the most challenging role you’ve had to play and why?
Dan Ellis: I think “Bloodshock” is up there because what they needed from the character. Sometimes a script can be a crutch. You can use words to get you to a place where you need to be but in “Bloodshock” I had to express myself without words, I really had to take myself to some dark places I forgot I had inside. Besides that, there was the physical toll it took on me and the place we were filming in Florida was like a sauna.
After I got home, for about two weeks, I was pretty bad off. I was sore from what I put my body through plus I was depressed. That non-stop intensity with lack of decompression really did a number on me, but I would do it all again in a heartbeat. In the same vein it was therapeutic, and I had to come to terms with the memories that came up and why. I also get really attached to a production, you spend so much time with people and when it's time to say good bye it's really sad for me. I know, big softie. (laughing)
Body Count Rising: So you said Lon Chaney was one of your favorite actors…
Dan Ellis: He is!
Body Count Rising: I know he would put hard celluloid in his mouth for some of his roles to achieve the correct level of misery. Is this also something like you do to properly convey agony?
Dan Ellis: Not intentionally. I just wind up getting hurt in most everything I do. (laughing) When we filmed “Star Vehicle” I was buried alive and I ended up getting hypothermia from being in the shallow grave of mud. When I came out they rushed me to a car, turned on the heat and wrapped me in blankets to help adjust my body temperature. It was the middle of the summer too. I’m not proud of that and I don’t tell people, “Well you can go beat the shit out of me because I’m a MAN!” You just get so involved in what you’re doing that if you get hurt, you shake it off and just continue on. Like in “Bloodshock”; that’s really me getting those spiked wheels run up my back.
Like I said, I'm not bragging but you sometimes have to go places most people would rather not. My safety has always been of the utmost importance with everyone I've worked with. It's mostly been my decision on what I'm willing to put myself through. People think most horror directors are sadists but that couldn't be father from the truth. They are some of the most considerate and caring people I have ever had the pleasure to meet. Stephen Biro and Marcus really went out of their way to make me comfortable, putting me up, keeping me fed and a genuine concern for my well being. Top notch guys, those two!
Body Count Rising: So you said Lon Chaney was one of your favorite actors…
Dan Ellis: He is!
Body Count Rising: I know he would put hard celluloid in his mouth for some of his roles to achieve the correct level of misery. Is this also something like you do to properly convey agony?
Dan Ellis: Not intentionally. I just wind up getting hurt in most everything I do. (laughing) When we filmed “Star Vehicle” I was buried alive and I ended up getting hypothermia from being in the shallow grave of mud. When I came out they rushed me to a car, turned on the heat and wrapped me in blankets to help adjust my body temperature. It was the middle of the summer too. I’m not proud of that and I don’t tell people, “Well you can go beat the shit out of me because I’m a MAN!” You just get so involved in what you’re doing that if you get hurt, you shake it off and just continue on. Like in “Bloodshock”; that’s really me getting those spiked wheels run up my back.
Like I said, I'm not bragging but you sometimes have to go places most people would rather not. My safety has always been of the utmost importance with everyone I've worked with. It's mostly been my decision on what I'm willing to put myself through. People think most horror directors are sadists but that couldn't be father from the truth. They are some of the most considerate and caring people I have ever had the pleasure to meet. Stephen Biro and Marcus really went out of their way to make me comfortable, putting me up, keeping me fed and a genuine concern for my well being. Top notch guys, those two!
Body Count Rising: In American Guinea Pig: Bloodshock you’re extensively tortured. Was it difficult having so many practical effects while you were acting?Dan Ellis: No, not at all and I find it really helps with the performance. Marcus is really good at what he does. And working with Ryan, I’m no stranger to prosthetics and effects. I enjoy it. A lot of actors don’t like to wear prosthetics. They just don’t get it. That’s the fun part. Some of the gore was actually inserted after I left. It wasn’t that big of a deal. I loved it.
Body Count Rising: Was this the most effect-heavy role that you’ve played?
Dan Ellis: No, that was probably “Hanger”. I had to wear prosthetics through the whole shoot, almost everyone did. It took about an hour and a half to apply and then there was constant maintenance. Taking it off is not much fun though because it’s an adhesive and probably the reason most people don't like wearing it. Your face gets red and irritated and you have little bits of goo on your face that you’re picking off on the way home. (laughing)
Body Count Rising: Did you get a rash?
Dan Ellis: No, I haven't had a reaction yet.
Dan Ellis: No, that was probably “Hanger”. I had to wear prosthetics through the whole shoot, almost everyone did. It took about an hour and a half to apply and then there was constant maintenance. Taking it off is not much fun though because it’s an adhesive and probably the reason most people don't like wearing it. Your face gets red and irritated and you have little bits of goo on your face that you’re picking off on the way home. (laughing)
Body Count Rising: Did you get a rash?
Dan Ellis: No, I haven't had a reaction yet.
Body Count Rising: Any great stories you can share from behind the scenes?
Dan Ellis: Well, I almost caused a wreck. Towards the end of “Bloodshock” I looked pretty bad and I had shaved my head and my eyebrows. We were filming but, when there was a break between scenes, we’d go out front and smoke and cool off. Now, I’ve got on a hospital gown and bandages on a busy Friday night in Ybor City. I’m standing there barefoot and bruised with blood all over my gown. I have a big scar across my head and I’m out there with a guy dressed like a doctor and we’re just smoking. I heard a few people stop short.
It was such a tight shoot that there wasn’t enough time for mischief. Now the last night was fun because I was completely covered in blood from head to toe. I’m bald and naked in the back of Marcus’ car talking to people as we pass. He put one of those plastic tarps down so I wouldn’t get blood all over. We had shot 16-18 hours and we were all exhausted. Now I don’t know if you’ve been covered in movie blood before, but it’s REALLY sticky. And when you’re in dried sticky blood naked sitting on a plastic tarp it especially hurts to move. So every now and then they would hear me moaning in the back seat and they would just laugh their asses off.
Body Count Rising: Oh! I just figured out what got stuck to the tarp! (laughing)
Dan Ellis: Yeah. It was not good. (laughing)
Body Count Rising: What can we expect from you next besides “Valley of the Rats”? Vince went to Italy awhile ago and he’s really been into giallos since he came back. I went to the Vancouver Badass Film Festival and met up with him. His next film is a great story with what will be some solid visuals. I’ll be playing a detective to help unravel the murder mystery. Tristan Risk was just cast as well and I've heard good things about her. Vince is fun to work with, focused guy but also fun. I also worked with him on “Hard Cut” where I was able to play two completely different characters. I played Jonas, who’s a sleazy film producer and then I also got to play a religious zealot with a mullet. I hope to work with Stephen and Marcus in the future. The whole experience with “Bloodshock” was just amazing and I am and will continue to be eternally grateful to them for allowing me to be part of this amazing series.
Body Count Rising: Any advice for anyone considering acting as a career?
Dan Ellis: Oh yeah I have tons of advice (laughing). Get a thick skin. Take a good look at your life and if it's really what you want to do then go full force. Don’t do anything half-assed or try to bullshit people. Listen to those who have been there before and pay attention but take everything with a grain of salt. Headshots are important, keep those current. Don’t take “No” for an answer when it comes to your dreams. Don’t leave the audition and be crushed because you didn't get a call back. Rejection hurts because you’re human, but learn to take rejection, maintain humility and learn as much as possible from it. It's not always about you. Don’t ever act for a “job” or because you want fame or money. I've met those kinds of actors and most of them are hard to work with. Do it because you love everything about acting or don’t do it at all.
Keep up with Dan’s projects on his IMDb or follow him on Facebook or Twitter.