HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Brad Armstrong dropped his directing/producing persona to put on his acting attire to play the male lead in Will Ryder's paranormal thriller “The Cursed XXX.”
"I have to confess I was a bit nervous that first morning on set because Brad has been the top dog for feature movies for a couple of decades and I knew he'd be able to spot every one of my mistakes," Ryder said.
"He was my first choice to play opposite of Riley Reid in this action packed thriller but no matter how accomplished I've been or how many awards I've won, I almost felt like a little kid when he walked onto my set because this guy is not only an iconic director and producer, he's also an intense skilled actor."
Ryder and Armstrong were not close friends leading up to the shoot.
"I've seen Brad around conventions, parties and award shows for nearly 20 years but up to that point, I don't think we've had a real conversation more than three sentences," recalled Ryder. "It's not like we all hang out or frequent the same social circles, so I really don't know the other producers and directors that well past normal social greetings. We are competitors fighting for the same accolades and trophies but somehow we all remain very civil and don't gouge each other's eyes out," Ryder joked.
Regarding directing Armstrong, Ryder offered praise.
"First of all, Brad is a fantastic actor and really understood the character and brought 'Bossman' to life. It's really wonderful when you work with someone that understand how to act and how to become the character you first dreamt of in your mind while writing the script. Nobody is better at that process than Brad plus he understands production and that is a big help to me because he is always on his mark and in the best possible position."
Ryder said that had Armstrong in mind when he wrote the screenplay but wasn't sure he'd be interested working for another director.
"I called him on the phone and asked if he would be in my movie and I would not have been surprised if he said no,” he said. “That would have sucked for me because I had written the role for him but I was prepared for him to turn me down."
“The Cursed XXX” tells the story of a Los Angeles cam house filled with female porn stars that gets possessed when a shy, innocent newcomer named Abigail, (Riley Reid) moves in. Murder and paranormal intrusion rush to the forefront putting the inhabitants on edge and leaving the LAPD completely baffled at finding the killer.
“The Cursed XXX” stars Riley Reid, Kat Dior, Sarah Vandella, Misty Stone, Holly Hendrix, Nia Nacci, Chloe Scott, Victoria June, Maya Bijou, Ziggy Star, Lucky Starr and Veronica Valentine, Brad Armstrong, Seth Gamble, Chad White, Mike Mancini, Frank Bukkwyd, Connor Kennedy, Eric John and James Bartholet.
To view the trailer, click here.
"I was happy when Will called me to be in his movie and I'm really excited at how the movie turned out," offered Armstrong during a conference call. "Acting is hard but when it's for another director you can just focus on the character and I don't have to worry about a million other production things going on that Will had to concern himself with every single minute."
One of the first things Brad said to Ryder when shooting commenced was to just treat him like every other actor on the set. "I thought that was a pretty cool thing to say to me, as that eased my mind a little bit but I was still filled with some butterflies," Ryder said. "I've worked with hundreds of beautiful naked porn stars yet I get nervous with Brad Armstrong on my set.”
According to Ryder, the cool thing was that Armstrong was on the set as an “actor only” not a director.
"He didn't offer camera angle suggestions or provide technical advice which I think is really hard to do as a fellow director because once a director, always a director,” Ryder said. “I've been guilty of that very offense when on the set playing a non-sex part for say Axel Braun so it was great that Brad kept his mouth shut. He might have wanted to tell me I was really fucking things up but he's such a pro he probably just bit his tongue."
Armstrong said, “Will is a great writer and director he doesn't need my help but I was happy to finally play a role in his movie."
Ryder offered more about the experience.
"Not to sound gushy, but I now know why Brad has Jessica Drake as a girlfriend because he's cool as hell. I mean I know that might sound funny, but I'm a very big Brad Armstrong fan and even more so after we shot this movie so I hope he gets a best actor nomination because he deserves it for ‘The Cursed XXX.’ I think his remarkable performance was a catalyst for the entire cast most notably Riley Reid, Kat Dior, Misty Stone, Sarah Vandella, Chloe Scott Seth Gamble, who all delivered award-worthy performances. I could go on and on but let's just say I think this might be my best movie ever and it's due to Brad and my actors".
Ryder said he would jump at the chance to work with a fellow award-winning director again.
"Let's just say it was such a good experience, there's a new movie just coming out that combines three hall of famers Armstrong, Ryder and Axel Braun. I'll let Axel talk about that one," Ryder said.
“The Cursed XXX” is released by Adam & Eve Pictures. Contact Peter Reynolds at (818) 332-2275, ext. 701 or peter@plaidbagmedia.com for broadcast/VOD licensing and DVD sales.
