You're Going to What? ...a What?

February, 15 2006 by Evelyn Lausterson

St Petersburg, FL - Being a sci-fi film fan, I was intrigued to find out more when I heard the sci-fi feature "Waste of Space" was being shot in the Tampa area. After several phone calls I was able to arrange an interview on the set of the movie with the film's director, Thomas D. Thompson. Luckily for me there was a rehearsal and camera tests taking place so I was able to talk to many of the cast and crew as well. I knew going in that this film wasn't intended to be your traditional blast 'em up space action flick, but if the people involved are any indication, this is going to be one weird and funny movie. This is the first in a three part series of interviews with the cast and crew of the movie. Below is a sampling of some questions and answers I gave and got during my time on set. See if you agree with me.

Evelyn - So how long has this project been in the works?

Thompson - What project?

Evelyn - Your movie project.

Thompson - Oh, that. Well now that you called it a "project" I'm not sure I really want to do it. Calling it a project reminds me of the crap my mom would make me do before I was allowed to go out and play.

Evelyn - I know your background is in doing television commercials and things like that, so is making a feature film something you've always dreamed of doing?

Thompson - Actually I've always dreamed of hanging out with supermodels, but since I look like a toad, I knew I would have to find some other way to get beautiful women to talk to me. Being a director seems to work. I still look like a toad, but at least they talk to me.

Evelyn - What was your inspiration for the film?

Thompson - Actually, you'd have to ask the original writer about that. He lives in Edmonton and his name is Brandon Williford. He's an American/Canadian, or is it Canadian/American? I can't remember. Either way, on the ethnicity flavor chart I think it probably equates to sugar free vanilla.

Evelyn - Sugar free vanilla? That's a good flavor for science fiction and comedy?

Thompson - It is when you pack it in snow for months at a time. Ever had a brain cramp from eating ice cream too fast? I think that's what happened here.

Evelyn - You say Brandon is the original writer. Are there others?

Thompson - Yeah. I had a writer friend of mine, Sabine Buchanan, help Brandon harness his imagination into a more manageable structure and then the three of us proceeded to butcher up Brandon's original vision into a bite size nugget of stupidity.

About this time Mr. Thompson was called away so I decided to lurk around and see if I could get some straighter answers to my questions. At a craft service table I ran into what I first thought was a rather handsome homeless man. Turns out it was the film's star, Tim Goewey. Tim plays the the hapless and alcoholic captain of the Cosmic Cruiser, Steve O'Rourke. He said he had a few minutes so we sat and talked.

Evelyn - From what I've learned about the part you're playing, I would definitely say you seem to be "in character". Are you a method actor?

Goewey - No, I'm a hungover actor.

Evelyn - And ironicallythat's what your character is most of the time.

Goewey - Really? He seemed normal to me. I wonder if that's why I always get cast as the washed up drunk.

Evelyn - I understand this is your first leading role. Are you excited?

Goewey - I've had plenty of leading roles. All of them in the thirty second to one minute range. Some people call them commercials.

Evelyn - Doesn't it make you nervous to know you have to carry a feature length movie?

Goewey - Not really. I've worked with Tom before and we have an understanding. He doesn't yell at me for screwing up and I don't burp in his face or stick my fingers in his food. Personally, I think it's a recipe for success.

Tim no sooner finished answering that question when he was whisked away by some costume people. It didn't take long for me to find someone else to talk to though. I will continue this series of interviews in the coming weeks. Stay tuned.