The Rise and Rise of Julian Berlin by Owen Keehnen

Julian Berlin was once a violinist with the St. Cloud Symphony...and is now a hot young actress with a superb horror resume after a mere 2-3 years. She is currently starring as Leila in Phil Creager's 'Death By Engagement' with lotsa of cool people like PJ Soles. Julian has starred as a woman who steals the faces of others (yikes!) in 'Scarred', she was Christa Carvel in lizard sci-fi flick 'Saurian' with Tracy Scoggins, Nick Mancuso, and Michael Pare, had a lead role in 'The Darkroom' with Ellie Cornell, a small one in 'Creature Unknown', as well as a role opposite Antonio Sabato Jr. in the upcoming flick 'Ghost Voyage'. That makes for a very busy two years! And as if that wasn't enough she has also done some solid TV work - guest starring appearances on 'Scrubs', 'My Name is Earl', and 'The Division' as well as a 13 episode appearance as Eve Michaels on 'Days of Our Lives'. And as if that weren't enough she still plays music and was cool enough to chat with me in this exclusive Racks and Razors interview.


 

Hi Julian. How are you doing today? Any New Year's resolutions?

Raise the bar, work harder than last year, take vacations ( because I don't! ) and spend more time with my girlfriends, friends, and family! Life is too short!

So how does a violinist with the St. Cloud Symphony make the transition and start getting into movies and acting?

I not only play Beethoven, I play Hendrix! I have always been involved with the arts. I grew up performing onstage dancing with a professional company until i was 17. I started playing the violin in 5th grade, a bit of a late start, but started playing with the St. Cloud Symphony at 18. I was doing acting work in Minneapolis, Minnesota simultaneously. I moved to LA in 2000 on my manager's request and began my acting career. To keep my foundation I played with a few community orchestras in the LA Valley and then I joined a band! I love playin' rock 'n roll! I'd love to bring that talent to the silver screen.

Let's talk about your role as Loretta in Mark Hurst's horror flick 'The Darkroom' (2006). Can you give me a teaser for the movie that will make it irresistable for all the Racks and Razors readers?

Well, there are racks and razors! It takes you down one path and twists down another.

I also want to hear about your work as Leila in Phil Creager's 'Death By Engagement' (2005). How did that role come about?

Blood, sweat, and tears! I earned that role! Leila is one of my favorite characters. A gorgeous woman who is cunning, sexy, and smart. She knows how to manipulate men to get her way. I had a great co-star, Terrry Rhoads, who is such a comedic talent. Between the clever writing of Phil Creager, and the chemistry with Terry, it created an opportunity to let go and just play as an actor. It was great!

Has it changed your views or marriage or at least engagement at all?

Get married for the right reasons and pick out the ring yourself! (but make him pay for it! )

One of my creepy favorites of your movies is your work as Kim in the very twisted flick 'Scarred' (2005) about the woman who loses her face and searches for new faces to wear. Do you have some most memorable moment from the set of that movie?

Most of the movie was filmed at night in Topanga Canyon and it was FREEEEEZING! I had hand warmer packets stuffed in every pocket of my pants, in my shirt, under my bra, EVERYWHERE to try to stay warm. The most disgusting 'face removal' I have ever seen was of Charity Shea's character. The mask was made of real pig skin, and when they peeled it off her face it made this noise that still makes my skin crawl when I see it! And the death scene of Maxine Bahns is pretty disgusting. I have never seen so much blood on one person to date!!!!

So let's hear it Julian, if you lost your face whose would you like to cut off and wear as your own?

Wow! Well, if their life and knowledge went along with the face, Hillary Clinton would be interesting! She must know some dirt! I find politics fascinating and scary. Scarier than any film I've ever made!!!

You die in 'Scarred' and you also died in 'Days of Our Lives' back in August as Officer Eve Michaels. Is there some sort of professional secret they teach in acting school about dying on screen?

Fight to stay alive.

Oh, I also want to hear about 'Saurian' (2006) the horror/sci fi movie you made with Michael Pare, Tracy Scoggins, and Nick Mancuso. What was that experience like for you?

I worked mostly with Vernon Wells on this project. He played my father. What a blast! Vernon is the biggest goof ball ever! The creatures created for that show were so detailed and creative. I played an archeologist so i spent time examining their bodies, and i was fascinated by the imagination that goes into the creation of these creatures because it is pure art! There are no rules, just playing and creating! I love it because there is no way to do it wrong; a great application for art on all levels.

On horror movies you always hear well...horror stories about the strange sort of make-up and effects and how they can make it tough an actor. So how about it - what stunt or effect or make-up has been the most challenging for you?

Also the most fun! Creating things that aren't there! Effects are often added in post-production, therefore your acting happens in front of a green screen. It means that as an actor you are creating these images, sounds, people, taps on the shoulder, in your imagination. You have to be specific in your imagination, and it is like you are 8 again playing war!

Any new projects you would like to let our readers know about?

I just returned from Sofia, Bulgaria doing a film opposite Antonio Sabato, Jr. called 'Ghost Voyage'. It will be out in about a year on the Sci-Fi channel. I just finished a Guest Star on Scrubs, not really the same genre, but it is hallucinations in the hospital!

I am also curious with your musical background (and you also play guitar and piano) of you have thought about trying your hand at the lucrative market of horror movie music composition?

Composition is another ball game. I have many talents, others I'm sure I could capitalize on, but I don't want to spread myself thin. I diligently work on my craft and career every day. Conjure up the courage to take extraordinary measures to achieve my vision.

And in your expert opinion what instrument is capable of being the most frightening and unsettling as part of the mood music?

A pipe organ has a mysterious and dominating quality. For me, it has an association with a big, cold, creepy church and the pale-skinned, sunked eyed priest walking around with a worn bible under his arm.

What scares you in real life?

Antique furniture.

Can you give an abbreviated version of your Oscar speech when you eventually win the award?

Well, certainly YOU for your support and faith! Isn't it bad luck to plan the speech? Well, award or not there are many people to thank, personally and professionally, for the life I live and the opportunities I have to create the life I envision from the passion alive in my soul. The teachers, guides, and protectors in my life are powerful, and I am grateful to be where i am today and look forward to where I will be tomorrow because it will be somewhere greater than I could create on my own.