Actor Interview:

BENJI IS A DIFFERENT BREED: TALKING WITH MOTOR HOME MASSACRE STAR JUSTIN GEER

Recently Justin Geer played Mama's boy Benji in 'Motor Home Massacre' for Stream LLC. Run for cover y'all he's got a machete! Some of his other film credits include 'Hell's End', 'Final Sunset', lead roles in 'Song for Robbie Miller', 'Art of Suicide', 'Sales Day', and 'Night Blossoms', extended extra work in 'Pirates of the Carribbean III', and several others. His TV work includes 'Driftwood', 'Dawson's Creek', 'Movie Makeover', etc. For career updates and info of this actor on the rise check out his official website at www.justingeer.com. And for an introduction to the man and his work just keep reading.

So did you grow up with stars in your eyes in Forest City, North Carolina? Did the people there always know you would grow up to be an entertainer?

As a third grader I wrote down "actor" as the answer to the question, "what do you want to be when you grow up?" but as it turned out the piano is what came naturally to me since the age of five. I did, however, know that i wanted to entertain, with whatever means necessary, for the rest of my life. I didn't know it was going to be this difficult. but what more could you expect from a third grader? The folks back home in Forest City, NC are very supportive of me. I have a long list of names of the people I've promised to walk down the red carpet with. (and some of these girls are married now, so I dont know how I'm gonna handle that whole situation.) what building do they hold the Academy Awards in? Maybe I can rent that out for everybody in Forest City.

Now you have moved from there to Atlanta -- so is LA part of the plan in the near future?

I came to Atlanta to make a living as an actor and I plan to make that happen. I'd like to start what I call an 'empire' in the heart of Atlanta, and just let things prosper from there. I think it's time for me to bring my own ideas to the entertainment industry. It's not fair for me to keep them all to myself any longer. It's 2007! We need to wake up people! Ya'll do! But to answer your question, I do not plan to move to LA. but you know how persuasion goes.

One of your big successes in Atlanta has been starring in the "meaty role" of Benji in 'Motor Home Massacre'. How did that part come about?

I showed up to a bar one night to participate in an audition Allen Wilbanks, director of MHM, was holding. I was approached later to play the part of Benji, an uptight, overdressed momma's boy to be specific. it was easy to get into character because those are the characteristics that make up exactly who I am. and I'm also clean.

What was your favorite thing about creating the character of Benji?

I enjoyed helping pick out the wardrobe for Benji, which luckily for me, I was dressed in layers. It came in handy for those long nights filming in temperatures as low as 17 degrees. As Benji I found myself obsessively cleaning the motorhome, and with dozens of people trampling in and out of there all day, it became a bit of a chore.

Can you give us a synopsis/teaser for the movie that will make MHM irresistable to the Racks and Razors readers?

MHM is a throw back to the 80's horror genre filled with skin and blood. It's one of those movies that the more people you watch it with, the more entertaining it is. I would say that after viewing it, if you walk away and you weren't entertained, then you probably didn't watch it right.

So what is the experience like going from the lead in a movie like 'Motor Home Massacre' to an extra role like your work in 'Pirates of the Carribbean' III. What strikes you when you go to work on a HUGE budget movie like that?

MHM took 10 consecutive days to shoot. we worked long hours to ensure that we made out deadline of completing the filming. Unlike Pirates of the Carribbean III, I had a character that I was able to concentrate on who had lines and an arc. But being a part of 'Pirates' was altogether a different experience. I was able to live in Freeport, in the Grand Bahama Islands for seven weeks while sharing a room with another actor and good friend of mine, MHM's very own West Cummings. We had an amazing time with the cast and crew and despite our busy schedules, we managed to find time to relax on the beach, snorkel and hunt lobster, and create back stories for our background characters (which I like to refer to as moving props). West became Harvey Scars, while I took on the persona of Captain Red Lobster. I think there was a Seymour Clamstrips too.

Do you have any other pending projects you would like to let the Racks and Razors readers know about?

I'm currently involved with a group called The Lillie B. Ross Society. We are still in the beginning processes but to find out more about this secret society, visit www.lilliebross.com . ...I think that's all I'm gonna say about that. On another note, no pun intended, I've recently been putting some of my original compositions online. I've been playing the piano since age five and with the loss of my hearing in my left ear since about five months ago, I've really tried to increase my productivity in the music side of my life. A few songs can be heard at www.myspace.com/grabonya . and if you ever get bored and just wanna surf online for some comedy, try Bucky Higgins. He's just a local actor I'm sponsoring.

Do you recall the first movie you saw that scared the shit out of you?

I don't remember one specific film, but the collection of Freddy Krueger, Poltergeist and Tremors always had me hiding under the bed. and a couple episodes of Unsolved Mysteries.

What horror role do you think you would be born to play in a remake - and why?

I dont feel the horror movie I am born to remake has been made yet. if I'm lucky, maybe I'll be cast as the original, and then someone will get to play me in the remake.

Okay, we're pulling the car into the Justin Geer Drive In. What three horror flicks are on the triple bill for tonight and what goodies are they going to be serving up at the concession stand?

My marquee would read Nightmare on Elm Street, Scream, and Evil Dead. as far as snacks go, I'll let you in on a secret that my friend showed me once. All you need are two ingredients. Cinnamon graham crackers and whip cream. Put some whip cream in the middle of two crackers, freeze until frozen, and then you have a homemade icecream sandwich so good it will make you masticate for more. And on a side note, keeping cereal in the freezer is an amazing discovery as well!

What scares you in real life?

Falling and loud unexpected noises. But I think I was born with those.

What makes you go psycho in real life?

Being surrounded by people who show no patience or compassion for others. Actually, just being surrounded by people. Crowds kinda freak me out...a lot.