MICHAEL LAWRENCE POTTER TALKS SLUMBER PARTY MASSACRE

Interviewed by Culture Coast Talks editor Daniel John. Interview transcripts might have been edited for length and clarity.

You came into this whole acting thing somewhat late?

Movies and art have been the greatest source of inspiration and joy in my life. However out of fear I decided to become an attorney and keep all things artistic as a what if. I remember being twenty-seven and staring into space at my cubicle and thinking, “Man, forty more years of this huh?”. I had learned that regret hurts a lot more than failure so I thought I’d start dipping my toe into the world of acting. I started doing stand-up after hours, which turned into acting classes on the weekend and before I knew it I was covered in fake blood running around the woods on the set of 'Triggered'. Being “late in life” is no issue if you end up being exactly where you want to be.

Did you grow up in a creative environment?

I was definitely raised in a creative household. My parents had a love and reverence of all things artistic. My father raised me on Black Sabbath, Steely Dan and British comedies while my mother assured that I was signed up to every extra-mural imaginable. Jules and Clive have always been the kindest and most supportive people on the planet and when I made the transition to acting as a profession they simply asked that I, “Be financially stable, stay true to myself and give it a hundred percent”. One of my greatest creative influences was my maternal grandmother. A feisty Brazillian woman who introduced me to Shakespeare, and the movies of James Dean, a man who I would idolise.

What was it like finding yourself in front of the camera?

There was definitely some awkwardness and things I had to learn on the job. Standing on your mark, understanding eye-line, doing multiple takes and of course all of the waiting around. Although the disciplines are fundamentally different I find that the experience is the same process of getting away from your ego, and just being present and engaged in whatever story you’re telling.

What do you instinctually feel when you hear a director yell "Cut!" in the midst of playing out a scene?

Part of being an actor is to “serve the story” and to leave your ego at the door. Although your emotional experience may be profound to you, it is your obligation to give the director, crew and audience what is required of you to make the story authentic. As jarring as it is to snap out of an emotional state mid-scene, that’s kind-of your job. Part of this craft is harnessing intense emotions and engaging them in different ways. Stopping, pausing and altering those intense emotions is just part of the gig. That being said some of the roles that I’ve gone quite “method” for have been difficult to snap out of on a whim. With that, you’re not just shifting emotions, you’re changing your entire personality!

There was a John in the original 1982 'Slumber Party Massacre' movie as well, I’m not sure if it is meant to be the same character. What’s certain is that he’s one of the guys, probably the most grounded, but that doesn't say much. How do you find empathy in a character like him?

Yeah John definitely got was coming to him! Whether or not the name-sake is intentional is something only the masterminds Danishka Esterhazy and Suzanne Keilly have the answers to. In regards to having empathy with John I think it’s simply a process of drawing parallels to your own emotions and experiences and looking for commonality instead of judging differences. There are times when I have acted stupidly and without forethought, just like the character. I, however, never did so with such a spectacular mullet as John wear in this film.

A big reason the guys in this remake behaves as they do, is that they’re treated much like women in most slasher films. Motivations don’t matter, they’re just on the sidelines, looking pretty and making bad decisions. It’s rare to see female gender-tropes and arcs so directly gender-flipped. Was that part of what drew you to this remake?

Definitely! I found Suzanne Keilly’s script so self-effacing and so satirical, I couldn’t put it down the first time I read it. I think whenever you find an authentic and fresh approach to a subject matter it’s always incredibly compelling. Moreover I was super happy with the feminist and LGBTQI plus themes and undertones, the film is wonderfully progressive and I was happy to be a part of it.

Is there a "recipe" for how you get into a role?

Definitely! Albeit some characters are intricate French delicacies requiring precise and measured ingredients and preparation while others are more akin to making a stew where you just keep stirring and adding stuff in “undiagnosed bi-polar and a limp on his left leg? Sure! Into the stew it goes”. I have found however that in every role I’ve landed certain ingredients are utterly essential. A base of as many hours of preparation as you can schedule, a hearty serving of research, a willing and patient scene partner, a pinch of chaos and fun.

Do you find taking chances with roles to be a vital part for any actor?

Absolutely. Frankly its the reason I act. If you put in the work and let yourself be taken by the character your personal development will sky rocket. Playing challenging characters allows you to challenge your mindset and grow past your limitations. Michael Lawrence Potter can’t handle a gun or be a component MMA fighter but then I was cast as character earlier where that was an expectation so I learned how to. These days my favourite reaction to a character brief are, “No way, I can’t do that, okay let’s do it”.

It is play pretend, but immersing yourself in an emotional sense a performance can still ring true at heart. Does a character stay with you. How do you dip your toe in that pool without ending up in the deepend. Can it sit with you?

First of all, brilliant question and well phrased. Every character I’ve ever played has been an expression of a lesson in personal growth, when I played Bobby in 'Triggered' I was expected to be confident, slick and self assured in a time where I absolutely did not feel that way. Learning to play Bobby allowed me to develop my own conviction, one that stays with me to this day. Playing John in 'Slumber Party Massacre' I was expected to get into good physical shape at a time where I was spending way too much time at the sushi buffet. The body transformation and life-style change I made in anticipation to 'Slumber Party Massacre' is basically my gym and eating regiment that I’m on now. Every character is just an expression of me in different contexts.

Does character work imbue your own self?

Absolutely. Your body, mind and soul are the instruments of the acting craft. As such it behoves every actor to analyse and care for your mind. Psychological study is fundamental to assure any sort of success as your mental health and functioning is the bedrock of any character you hope to play. I myself invest a lot of time in Carl Jung’s 'Shadow Work', especially since I more often than not play villains or dark characters, as well as a lot of western philosophy. Self discovery is a requirement of acting. In order to know what your character’s thoughts, feelings, wants, needs, political views, philosophical views, and sexual orientation are. You have to figure all of that out for yourself.

Do you think we'll ever have ourselves truly figured out?

Nope, and honestly that’s the best part. Human beings are fascinating creatures that are capable of incredible change, at a moment’s notice. I know I’ll never have myself fully figured out but instead I’m happy to accept myself.