Kevin Interdonato Bad Frank Interview

Kevin Interdonato Bad Frank Interview

Cast: Kevin Interdonato, Tom Sizemore, Brian O'Halloran, Ray 'Boom-Boom' Mancini
Director: Tony Germinario
Genre: Drama, Thriller
Running Time: 103 minutes

Synopsis: Writer/Director Tony Germinario's Award-Winning 'tour-de-force' thriller Bad Frank punches its way to VOD this July from Gravitas Ventures.

Headlined with a true Breakout Performance by Award-Winner Kevin Interdonato, and featuring electric support from Amanda Clayton (Bleed For This), Tom Sizemore (Showtime's Twin Peaks, Saving Private Ryan, HEAT), Brian O'Halloran (Clerks 1 & 2), and boxing icon Ray 'Boom-Boom' Mancini, Bad Frank has become a majorly sought after Film this year, and acquired by heavyweight Foreign Rep, Lotus Entertainment.

Frank Pierce leads a seemingly normal life, but when a disturbing past re-emerges and something precious is taken from him, his mask of sanity loosens and unearths the urge to be violent once again.

Bad Frank

Interview with Kevin Interdonato

Question: How would you describe Bad Frank?

Kevin Interdonato: A hopeless romantic... Kidding! I would describe Frank much differently than a viewer. I needed to find his vulnerabilities, justifications and pain... I saw Frank as a victim of his mental illness from being neglected at a young age. There's a good man in there, but unfortunately his tumultuous past (prior to being properly diagnosed) was defining to not only to those around him, but himself as well. He didn't understand what was wrong with him, and only questioned this later in life.


Question: What inspired you to audition for the role of Frank Pierce?

Kevin Interdonato: I was fortunate enough to be offered the role. Director Tony Germinario and Producer Brandon Heitkamp pitched me the character and story before the script was done; I had a feeling for Frank immediately, an instant connection that really can't be described – that doesn't happen often.


Question: Can you talk about the preparation involved in getting into character of Frank?

Kevin Interdonato: It was tricky getting ready for a guy like Frank; he's a normal guy on the outside. Mentally, his instability is rarely detectable. I had to clearly define his mental illness which wasn't in the script but it needed to be clear to me. The only thing that made behavioral sense to be was Intermittent Explosive Disorder, which is a type of Impulse Control Disorder which also warrants a specific and high dosage of medication, which I spoke to a psychologist and social worker about extensively. Researching the type of withdrawal symptoms, coming off those drugs, when you run out is similar to a heroin withdrawal. I then clearly defined my relationships with everyone in Frank's life so it was personal to me. I definitely layered the character which gave me a lot to chew on, on top of the obvious situations that happens in the movie. It was a fun ride.


Question: What was the best part about being on set for Bad Frank?

Kevin Interdonato: The people we had on cast and crew - what a great bunch! Everyone knew someone prior and had worked together before; it was integral to assemble the right team, especially on such a small budget. Everyone hit a home run and it's truly what made the film what it is.


Question: Can you share with us a challenge you had to overcome when on set for Bad Frank?

Kevin Interdonato: Yes, my wife in real life, Amanda Clayton, played my wife Gina in the film; several of us all had to stay in the same apartment, I crashed in a garage downstairs as it was incredibly difficult to focus. I found ways to separate myself as much as possibly as I wasn't in the best mindset or a pleasure to be around. My wife is wonderful, as was everyone else, respecting my process although I missed most of the good times and laughs which is usually the best part of being on a great production.


Question: What was it like working with Tony Germinario?

Kevin Interdonato: Easy! Tony let me do my thing and stepped in when he needed to. He is a real easy going guy and ran a smooth set which is very respectful of 'those' certain scenes in the film.

Question: Did you learn anything, about yourself, when filming Bad Frank?

Kevin Interdonato: I always do. I learnt to trust my instincts more. I wish I could walk away from my work, proud of what I contributed, but I'm just not that guy. I have so much more to learn and I always feel against the curve.

Validation has come since the film's release; there has been quite the outpouring of fans reaching out with wonderful words which is flattering. I'm happy at the end of the day that viewers were moved by the film. I wasn't sure how people would react.

And, next time I have a head butting scene, to hit the pad on the ground… I got a nice concussion on that one.


Question: What originally inspired you passion for acting?

Kevin Interdonato: Nothing; I wasn't inspired to be an actor; I was inspired to find myself. At that time in my life, prior to studying, I was a lost soul, trying anything and everything to fill a void in my life which I couldn't pinpoint. I boxed. Military. Automotive school. Construction. Philosophy classes. You name it, I tried it.

It ended up being the exploration of myself that truly hit home. My first acting class is an extremely defying moment in my life, as much as other major things that I've experienced. Movies were always my escape and to be able to give people what I've always grasped at to get away from 'life' inspired me to be the best actor I can be.


Question: What's next, for you?

Kevin Interdonato: Dirty Dead Con Men which is the coolest film I've ever done. I wrapped up a psychotic thriller this April in London called False Witness with some brilliant actors and filmmakers. I was recently cast in Asbury Park by director Peter Dobson, which has amazing actors in it and I'm beyond excited for it.


Interview by Brooke Hunter