What initially attracted you to Kill ‘em Now?
I’ve always enjoyed westerns and after a first look at the description of the role of “No Name” and the plot, I was very interested right off the bat.
Talented director Ryan J Serrano wrote a script with a style of its own along with elements and themes of the classic western genre and we were instantly on the same page regarding the character and how to go about it once he cast me in the film.
What drew you to the character of No Name?
It’s a cool character; he is a man that goes his own way, a tormented antihero and self sufficient loner with his own personal code of ethics; it is essentially the type of character I naturally gravitate towards.
It appears that nothing concerns No Name except his own self interest, however there is a change during the progression of the story, which makes his arc very interesting.
How do you think the western genre continues to resonate with audiences today?
Well, the western is perhaps one of the most cinematic genres and its ambience is very moviesque. While for obvious reasons things changed over the years; the themes and universal stories that have been told through the western genre are timeless and there is always an audience that enjoys the sense of nostalgia and a throwback to simpler and perhaps more honest times that are characteristic of westerns.
Joan James Muixi and Director Ryan J Serrano-Kill ’em Now
How was your collaboration with the director?
Terrific collaboration, Ryan J Serrano is very creative and talented filmmaker, he had a clear vision for the film as well as the ability and confidence to not need to micromanage which is not easy, besides, he was wearing many hats as the director/writer/producer and as an actor as well, playing Skrill, the lead antagonist in the movie.
Joan James, in what type of projects and with what kind of filmmakers you’d like to work with? And what upcoming projects are you working on?
I like to work with original and dedicated filmmakers that have a very clear vision while also willing to find things on the day; I appreciate the risk taking approach to filmmaking which often comes with doing something different and avoiding a more formulaic approach.
As far as upcoming projects, I currently have a few on the pipeline, a couple of them are TV series that we can’t disclose much of and an action feature, they look promising so far as there are great teams behind them, we shall see.
Can you tell us what your favorite movies are?
I’ll tell you some of my personal favorites: Braveheart, Hard Times, Heat, Collateral, Unforgiven, Gladiator, Cool Hand Luke and Black Rain.