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A Zone’s Eye View with Paul Salamoff |
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By Laura Alber and Albert L. Ortega Paul J. Salamoff is quite the eclectic in Hollywood. He has been a successful Special F/X Make-Up Artist, Producer, Writer and most recently a Director. Salamoff has been obsessed with the sci-fi and horror genre since the age of 5, and now has over 50 films, ten television series', and numerous commercials under his belt. His work can be seen in such films as "Scary Movie 2", "Me, Myself & Irene", "There's Something About Mary", "Batman & Robin", "Ed Wood" and "The Addams Family". His Television credits include "Bonechillers", "Space: Above and Beyond", "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers", and Sid & Marty Krofft's "Land of the Lost". Paul has also produced the 22nd and 23rd Annual Saturn Awards as well as being Editor in Chief of the Souvenir Program Books. Screenwriting credits include "The Dead Hate the Living" (co-written with Dave Parker) and "The St. Francisville Experiment". He is also the author of the non-fiction book "Setiquette: A Movie Set Survivor's Guide". "Unbakeable" marks Paul J. Salamoff's directorial debut. The Zone caught up with this Rising Star of Hollywood to ask him a few questions.
Z: I just viewed "Unbakeable", and I must say that was the funniest 10 minutes of film I've seen in a long time! What inspired you to do a parody of "Unbreakable"?
Z: You had quite a cast working with you, what did they think of the parody when you brought it to them?
Z: There has been some great response from "Unbakeable", do you want to plug where people can get their hands on a copy? PS: I’ll be showing it at the San Diego ComicCon film festival on Saturday, Aug. 3rd at 6:15pm and I’ll be giving out free DVD’s at the Convention. Otherwise you can check it out on ifilm.com or if you track me down, I’ll give you a free copy J Z: How did you get started in Hollywood?
Z: Is producing and directing something you want to stick with after working in other various aspects of film? PS: Absolutely. I’m semi-retired from effects as it is. I just enjoy the writing/directing and especially the producing more. Z: You also produced "The St. Francisville Experiment". It was described as "The Blair Witch". How was that experience?
Z: I read as well that you produced (w/Seth Margolin) the "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" Season 5 DVD. Any tidbits you can throw at the Buffy Fans? PS: Seth and I were working for The Naylor Group on Buffy and unfortunately we had to sign non-disclosure agreements so I can’t discuss the specifics. But I will guarantee that if you’re a Buffy fan, you’ll want to buy it the day it hits the shelves. The extras are awesome and Season 5 is one of the best of the series. Z: What was it like working with the Farrelly Brothers? PS: Great. I’ve worked on 4 of their films and they believe in a family environment while on set. They pretty much use the same crew every time and they really trust their people. They’re both really funny and really nice. Really!!! Z: Did you keep the dog from "Something About Mary?" PS: No. The producer’s got Puffy. And to add insult to injury after the show wrapped I had to make five more of them to give out as gifts. Did I mention that I also got shafted on a credit on the film. Z: What advice can you give a first time filmmaker from your experiences?
Z: How hard it is to make it in Hollywood? PS: If a shmoe like me from Natick, MA can make it, anybody can. Z: Do you think it's harder to get a film made now with the way studios are run? PS: I’ll let you know when I get to that point. I’m in the middle of it right now. Z: What projects do you prefer, comedy or drama? PS: Sci-Fi and Horror actually. I’m a genre guy. I’m amazed that I’ve written four comedy scripts as it is. Z: What are some of your favorite films? PS: Blade Runner, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, The Fisher King, Se7en, The Bridge on the River Kwai, Re-Animator, The Usual Suspects. Very Eclectic. Z: If you had the opportunity to work with any star/director who would it be and why? PS: I would kill for either Alex Proyas or David Fincher to direct one of my scripts. I just love their visual styles. As far as actors go, I like more obscure A-list and B-list actors who are in movies I like. People like Guy Pearce, Colin Farrell, Ian Holm, Jeffrey Combs, Sean Pertwee, David Staithern, etc.. Z: Can you name any childhood and current heroes you may have? PS: My Idols growing up were Tom Savini (Make-Up Effects Artist) and Clive Barker. They’re work inspired me. Z: What is up next for you? PS: My manager is going out with a Thriller I wrote. also I’m up to direct a horror movie called Abomination that I co-wrote with Garrick Dion and soon I’ll be heading up the DVD Authoring Department for Film Threat DVD. Z: What is something about you that we would never guess? Ex. (accomplished musician or collect worms, etc.) PS: I’m an accomplished Gourmet Chef. Z: Can you name a "guilty pleasure"? PS: I’m a mega Doctor Who Geek! Z: If you had one wish what would it be? PS: I’m living it. Z: What is the last good movie you saw and why. PS: Minority Report. Because even though it was slightly flawed, it at least attempted to present a new vision. As long as a filmmaker gives it the “old college try”, I’ll go along for the ride. Z: Favorite midnite snack. PS: Tommy’s Chili Cheeseburger Z: With or without butter.... PS: Extra butter!!!
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Read EZ's Review of "Unbakeable"
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PS: I had to go to a meeting with my manager (Scott Karp) in which I was going to pitch him a new romantic comedy that I wanted to write. That morning I was taking a shower and the word “UNBAKEABLE” literally just popped into my head. And the possibilities of that title just came rushing in. After I pitched my romantic comedy, for a laugh, I told my manager about the parody idea. He loved it and convinced me to go home and write it. The next day I sent him a rough draft of the script and from there the ball was rolling. From that shower to the finished DVD was three months almost
to the day.
PS: I actually had a great Casting Director. Her name is Blythe Cappello and she worked on the Austin Powers films and Zoolander to name a few. She was the first person brought on board and she totally dug it even though she had never seen Unbreakable. She was the one who found Eric and Elaine and because she, my manager and myself all knew Orlando (and his manager) we decided to take a shot with seeing if he would do it. I was the most surprised when he said “Yes”. 
PS: Honestly, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail”. I know that sounds cheesy, but it’s true. It was so great being able to walk on set having everything prepared for. There were of course problems, but because everything else was taken care of, they could be easily solved. Unbakeable could not have gone any smoother. Just watch the behind the scenes featurette on the DVD and you’ll see.
