Baker Chase Powell – Xenophobia

By starrymag | August 19, 2019

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

 

Q) What are the recent projects that you are working on?

 

A) My next project I have coming out is a Netflix film called Dolemite is My Name. It’s a biopic starring Eddie Murphy and directed by Craig Brewer, about the 70s comedian and blaxploitation star Rudy Ray Moore. It’s premiering at the Toronto Film Festival in September and will be available in select theaters and on Netflix this October. Also, I’m starring in a short film called We Die Alone that l co-produced along with director Marc Cartwright, which is currently on its festival run.

 

Q) Please tell us the premise for the film Xenophobia.

 

A) Xenophobia is about a group of six strangers who, even though they don’t know each other, they all share the common thread of having experienced the phenomenon of extra-terrestrial abduction and possession.

 

Q) What made you want to be a part of the movie?

 

A) I’ve done several horror films before, but this is actually my first sci-fi flick. I’ve always been interested in aliens and the idea of life outside of planet earth, ever since seeing Independence Day with Will Smith. So, I was thrilled when the opportunity came my way.

 

Q) How was your character originally described to you?

 

A) I play Eric, who is somewhat of the newbie to the alien abductee group.

 

Q) Was there anything you added to your role that wasn’t initially scripted for you?

 

A) I didn’t stray too far away from my initial thoughts about Eric. Out of all the abduction stories, Eric’s was the only one that occurred while he was alone and by himself. While others were with friends or family members, Eric’s is not a shared experience. So, I really wanted to make sure I played him in a way that the audience could empathize with his loneliness.

 

Q) What was your audition like for the movie?

 

A) The best I’ve ever had; there wasn’t one! Having worked with Joe [Castro] and Steven [Escobar] on a previous project, the role was a direct offer.

 

Q) Were you looking forward to sharing a scene with anyone in particular?

 

A) It was my first time meeting and working with everyone in the cast, so I was equally excited to share the screen with them all.

 

Q) Talk about working with directors Joe Castro and Thomas J. Churchill. 

 

A) Joe was a blast to work with. He always keeps the set fun and upbeat and with all his crazy monsters lying around it’s hard not to say entertained. I actually didn’t get to work with Thomas, but I loved his segment in the film and certainly would love the opportunity to work with him someday.

 

Q) Was there any advice they offered you while filming that you took to heart? 

 

A) The biggest thing I learned on set was actually a greater appreciation for people out there in real life who claim to have experienced real alien encounters. It’s something I’d always heard about and obviously seen on film before, but it wasn’t until playing a character who has dealt with it that I actually started to think about how creepy it is.

 

Q) What were some of your favorite scenes to film?

 

A) My favorite scenes to film were out at the Trona Pinnacles. I’d never been before and it was one of the most beautiful and interesting on-location film shoots I have been a part of. The desert is such a desolate and quiet place to be…the perfect place for an alien abduction!

 

Q) What is it about Xenophobiathat will make it a fast fan favorite sci-fi/thriller film? 

 

A) The practical effects are really something special. When I see practical effects in films, it always reminds me of the days before CGI when everything was practical and you could really see the heart and soul of the FX creators on screen.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Are you looking forward to the fan feedback you’ll be receiving to the movie?

 

A) I always look forward to feedback. Sometimes the public reception can be a little scary because you never know what people will like or dislike about your performance, but that’s just part of being an actor!

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and the work you do?

 

A) First of all…Thank you! And if you’d like to keep up with me, follow me on Instagram: @BakerChasePowell and Twitter: @BakerCPowell