Central Ohio movie buffs have many reasons to see the new movie “Bad.” The horror flick, which was officially released on Friday, stars Jessica Sula — who received her biggest recognition of the day for her supporting role in M. Night Shyamalan’s “Split” (2016) — as a rookie police officer who is thought to be appearing empty-handed in the evening, just as- I am disturbed by the decommissioner.
Of course, in horror movies, the promised land is rarely empty.
In director Antonio DiBlasi’s film – a remake of his own 2014 release “The Last Shift” – all manner of aliens turn to guard the morals of Sula’s society.
Local audiences also want to check out the amazing Ohio connection: Christopher Matthew Spencer’s Ohio hometown is featured in the cast.
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Born in Columbus to a father from India and a mother from Mansfield, who went on to receive a medical degree from Ohio State University, Spencer moved with his family to Virginia when he was 3.
“All of our roots are from Ohio, and we have many relatives throughout Ohio,” Spencer said in a recent phone interview with The Letter.
Now based in California, Spencer has served in the Navy, worked as a consultant and book writer, but sees all of that as a prelude to a career in acting.
Already a prolific veteran of music videos including Coldplay’s “Beautiful”and a short film, with “Bad”, Spencer can add another to his credit resume: an actor supporting horror in a feature-length film.
Below are highlights from an interview with Spencer Letter about “Bad” and the screenplay’s background.
Question: When does the acting bug bite you?
Christopher Matthew Spencer: my mother got me involved in theater at school. … I played the games. I actually play lead in the game. Then, in 1300, when I came to Los Angeles, I did a repertory theater. For the past 30 years I have always been involved in some type of entertainment related activity. I did speak openly. … and I consider that kind of prologue in the movie, because I learned a lot of confidence skills. I have also done 12 courses for LinkedIn Learning, which is a powerful online learning program. I did a lot of in-camera work for them.
Now I’m looking at my years in life, and I wanted to play full roles. I love adventure, I love being in character, I’m really enjoying the opportunity. The director of this movie, Anthony DiBlasi, really gave me my big break. There is no such thing as overnight success anyway.
Q: Tell us about the movie, which I know is a remake of DiBlasi’s “Last Shift.”
Spencer: Anthony will never reform the shooting. First of all, that’s a scary idea. This just ends up being a bloody, fun movie. “Bad” forgets “Shift” DNA in a big way. This renaissance is like a new, new movie. That demographic penetrates the more serious hardcore horror fan, because it is much more intense, much bigger budget and much bigger resources to work with. … Many days it’s digital, and you see a lot of (special effects) on the computer (but) Anthony decided to put a lot of money into practical effects.
Q: What is the plan?
Spencer: You have a rookie cop. He came down to the police station to spend the last shift of the evening. At that point, he met all the people. Whether they are alive or not, this is important to know. … Ambition is part of the movie: Are they dead? Are they spirits? Are they from another system? Of course we do not know, as that which unfolds in the night.
Sam Brooks portrays Officer Price, and I portray Soldier Hudson. We’re partners, and we’re kind of a Lauri and Hardy team. I love being typecast. I am a talented actor. I’m dressed dusty and conservative, but acting allows me to vent my inner demons and let them play on camera. … There’s a lot of comic relief, and (Sam and I) do funny bits. Not an innocent joke, though; We are the jokers in the movie and we do some damage.
Q: What part did you have?
Spencer: A self-tapping process involved. You have to get yourself on the phone to the machine, send a candle and then show that you can do the part. It’s the second time you do Zoom. Unlike many, Anthony has great faith. There is a lot of loss where they show up physically somewhere. Anthony wanted to do the whole callback on Zoom without a meeting. When we got into the zoom meeting, Anthony said, “Please, do your work.” I did a couple of takes. He said, “Okay, thank you.” Then I immediately said, “Shall I say liquid?” I took the opportunity to apply for a job. ,,, Next thing I know, I’m taking a balance.
Q: Where was the movie filmed?
Spencer: Thanks to the generosity of the people in Kentucky, we were able to set the film in Louisville. This was moved (with) a fair tax credit. …Lots of local people were hired.
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Q: What do you see yourself doing more? More feature films? He said he wanted me to write and direct something.
SpencerWriting and directing is a journey, because you have to learn it. Acting is already something I study anyway. … I would like to be in all of Anthony’s films. I think he’s very talented: he doesn’t take endlessly, he’s efficient, he has a clear vision. … The movie is really something I like to spend time on.
At a glance
The new movie “Bad” is playing at the Gateway Film Center, Eston 30, Grove City 14, Dublin Village 18, Crosswoods and Pickerington. Check listings for shows.
