Lou Ferrigno Jr. – DREAMCATCHER

By starrymag | April 28, 2021

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) What was your audition process like for the film DREAMCATCHER?

 

A) DREAMCATCHER was already in mid-production when I jumped on board. The role of Colton was not yet filled, and I was just finishing shooting a recurring guest-star role on the FOX hit, “9-1-1.” The producers had seen my work beforehand, so they reached out and checked my availability. Colton was a far cry from a heroic firefighter, so I was excited to jump into a whole new, darker character.

 

Q) How was Colton originally described to you?

 

A) Colton was described as “DJ Dreamcatcher’s manager with an ulterior motive, dedicated to his work, but will go to any means to get the job done.” From that simple description I was granted the artistic freedom to create the character how I saw fit, which doesn’t happen often for an actor in Hollywood.

 

Q) This movie has a few epic twists. What was your initial reaction when you read the script?

 

A) I really enjoyed the script as it reminded me of slasher films that I had seen during the late 90’s (e.g., Scream, I Know What You Did Last Summer” and Jeepers Creepers). I’m a huge fan of Electric Dance Music (EDM), so being familiar with the chaotic nature of the EDM concert experience I thought it would make for a great slasher film environment.

 

Q) Are you typically a horror movie fan?

A) I do like a lot of horror movies. I really enjoy eerie story lines and being surprised at unexpected turns. When horror movies become gory with excess blood and viscera, I typically avert my eyes or change the channel.

 

Q) Do you have a favorite horror movie?

 

A) My all-time favorite horror film is The Shining and I thought that the recent It reboot and sequel were fantastic as well. Also, to this day, I haven’t seen a movie that has kept me as tense and anxious as Paranormal Activity.

 

Q) Horror movies would be nothing without jump scares and gore, and Dreamcatcher has plenty of both. What was your most memorable and fun scene to film?

 

A) I’d have to say Colton’s final scene in the home theatre. Although there was a steadicam operator in the room capturing my performance and about thirty more people in separate room close by on set, shooting the scene really felt like I was alone, locked in a room with a serial killer. I performed my own stunts in that scene. Thick, plush carpet lined the walls and floors, which made tumbling around on the ground really fun. When I really got into the physicality of the scene, I felt like I was five years old again, happy doing what I love and bouncing off the walls, literally!

  

Q) How did you shake off filming such intense scenes for the film?

 

A) Meditation, exercise and breath work have been very helpful tools to clear my head when scenes can get too real. Also, simply talking about the scary filming experience with my friends and family helps me to relinquish myself from the power a scary event has had over me. But eventually those scary thoughts and fears wane and I yearn for another fulfilling acting role.

 

Q) What do you think it is about DREAMCATCHER that’s going to make a fast fan favorite epic horror film?

 

A) To be totally honest, it took a couple weeks for me to get back to emotional homeostasis after shooting one particular scene from DREAMCATCHER. Colton’s final scene in the theatre provided me a glimpse of what falling victim to suffocation would actually feel like. I really wanted to sell the terror of the encounter, so I chose to “milk the moment” as much as I could. I believe it worked out fairly well; however, the experience left me with a vivid idea about the horrifying scenario of being suffocated.

  

Q) We love your work as Rocker on “S.W.A.T.” What continues to challenge you about this role?

 

A) Playing Rocker on “S.W.A.T.” has been such a blessing because it allows me to showcase my physical capabilities beyond my acting skills. As the series has progressed, Rocker has become a more rounded character with a really sarcastic sense of humor. Not too different than myself, Rocker’s personality has been so much fun to embody, poking fun at other S.W.A.T. members while getting the job done, saving lives and kicking butt.

 

Q) Do you have any advice for young people starting out in the business?

 

A) At this point, I would tell anyone wanting to be an actor in Hollywood to focus on becoming a well-rounded performer. Focus on the genres you’d like to see yourself working on and do what you can to become a more effective communicator through your acting work, whether that means lots of classes, reading plays, watching programs or even practicing different accents on strangers at the supermarket. Life experience is crucial for an actor’s depth and emotional capacity, so take some risks and make some mistakes in order to gain some valuable wisdom.

 

Q) What is next for you? Are you working on any future projects?

 

A) I’ve been recurring on the action-procedural, “S.W.A.T.,” which is mid-way through Season 4, airing Wednesdays at 10pm on CBS. Also, I’ve been working on the CW/DC’s superhero series “STARGIRL.” The 2^nd season of “STARGIRL” is slated to air sometime in the summer of 2021, as I was able to reprise my role of Rex Tyler/Hourman, which is one of the most iconic DC superheroes from the Justice Society of America (JSA). Talk about a dream come true!

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of you and the work you do?

 

A) I’d first like to say thank you to all the people who have supported me thus far in my career. I view the work of an actor as my life’s purpose, so I promise that more great work is coming down the pipeline for watchers to experience and enjoy. Some projects I work on may not be for everyone, but I promise to deliver a committed and interesting performance every time, so tune in and get ready for some fun!

 

 

 

Follow Lou Ferrigno Jr. on Social Media: Website I Instagram I Twitter

Art Links:

Website – Ferrignoart.com
Instagram – @ferrigno_art