****ACTORS AND ACTRESSES
Paris Benjamin (France)- ANNABELLE SEIN, ANDROID
“Justin Calen Chenn has a strong vision, a wicked sense of humor, and a trust in his actors that’s hard to find. This film, ‘Folklore,’ has laughs, craziness, strong writing and directing, and a surprisingly touching emotional heart behind it, which makes a great combination for a comedy. You don't want to miss it!”
Ruth Connell (Scotland)- MARYLANE HETH, VAMPIRE
"Working with Justin on ‘Folklore’ made me want to spank myself. It blew my mind. I hope it blows the viewer’s mind. I'm thrilled senseless to be a part of it".
“I am so impressed by Justin Calen Chenn. He has incredible energy, tenacity and vision. Having come to Los Angeles from Scotland only a short awhile ago, I was really grateful to have met him and been involved in his feature "Folklore". His attention to detail was terrific as well as his openness and respect for the actors and crew. It was great to work with a director so encouraging of others creative input. I had no doubt with Justin that I was in very capable hands having seen some of his previous work. I also have no doubts about his future success.”
Laura Waddell (England)- MERLE EPPIS, INTERVIEWER
“Working on ‘Folklore’ was an absolute blast. It's a fun, quirky film that crosses the comedy/sci-fi genre, so there's never a dull moment! It was such a fun experience working with a fantastic ensemble cast and a fab director that gave us freedom and allowed us to improv too. When I read the script for Folklore, I knew I couldn't turn down the role of Merle. The script is quirky, original and my role had some of the most hilarious lines! I loved it and I love ‘Folklore!’
Rachel Rath (Ireland)- COLLEES G. IPSITT, ALIEN #2
“I was sure I knew everything about these creatures; alien, mythical and weird until I read the script 'Folklore'. I am almost certain Justin [Calen Chenn] has a direct line communication with these guys. He may even have cast a few because this film is the best insight I've ever had into their wonderfully messed up lives.”
Napoleon Ryan (England)- TARYN KAMUS, TIME TRAVELER
“Justin Calen Chenn squeezed me into the tightest pink hotpant shorts imaginable. That they were mine and I wore them voluntarily is irrelevant. He is entirely responsible for discomfiting the audience and disappointing my future wife. My favorite part of the shoot was making actor Brad Roller (Collins Jahn) cry helplessly and repeatedly all night long.........with laughter.”
Paulie Rojas (Mexico)- NAIRIE SLEEN, WATER NYMPH
"A water nymph who guzzles water and wears a purple dress. I'm just mad about it! A keen gal who speaks narwhal and recites Shakespeare. How dreamy! A chance to work along with aliens, unicorns and icelandic trolls? Talk about moonstruck! To be directed by Justin Calen Chenn? Now I'm just plain smitten."
“Justin [Calen Chenn] is a filmmaker gifted with humor, depth, imagination, ingenuity, charm and relevance. My favorite thing about Justin is his own personal story and how he's made his life a work of art. I'm inspired by his background and how being an artist became the revelation that brought his stories and imagination to be shared with the world. Nothing about his artistry is fluff or vapid. He's a beautiful human being filled with consideration for his fellow artists. He directed me but it felt more like a dance. He's light on his feet and filled with brilliance in his heart. Justin, I would be happy to have you twirl me around in delight any time you ask.”
Brad Roller (USA)- COLLINS JAHN, INTERVIEWER
“Justin [Calen Chenn] has assembled a smorgasbord of talent. From the crew, to the cast, to the creative team, Folklore features a veritable "who will be who" of Hollywood. The cast itself is a united nations of talent, showcasing actors from England, Ireland, USA, Mexico, France, and more. Justin works from an organic, swift, and succinct perspective. He's passionate and hungry which makes for quite a dynamic director.”
Larry Purtell (USA)- TYLER WÜFF, WEREWOLF
"I had fun being Tyler Wuff the Werewolf. Tyler is a scary and funny guy at the same time. Justin Calen Chenn’s unique style proves that sci-fi can be made to have a sense of humor. Great work Justin!
Sherill Turner (England)- RISA E. IPSITT, ALIEN #1
“Having previously worked with Justin Calen Chenn in Song for Swan (Embers of the Sky) and Faith in Monsters, I was thrilled when he asked me to be in Folklore. I knew the shoot would be focused, yet fun and that he would generously and respectfully allow his actors the chance to play and explore, while ensuring he got the performance that would best serve the film.
It's wonderful to see Justin hone his storytelling skills as the budget increases on each production, while always staying true to his vision. Justin is incredibly innovative and creative, and is a director who fully embraces the collaborative nature of filmmaking. In short, I'd happily work with him again!”
Sarah Lynn Dawson (England)- ANGELA HAY, ANGEL
“Justin is a very talented individual. He has a broad skill-set ranging from writing through producing and directing. He has the ability to inspire people and quickly put together a project, building and sustaining energy and momentum. As an actress I loved working with Justin. He respected my suggestions and thoughts on the character whilst maintaining his own creative vision in a way that I respected tremendously. I would love to work with Justin again.”
Maria Olsen (South Africa)- EATHA HAEMM, UNICORN
"As Eatha Haemm the Unicorn in ‘Folklore,’ I got to eat artificial plants, gallop across an office, neigh, whinny, make horse jokes and speak with a Texas accent. As loony as it all was, one thing's for sure. I'll never say "neigh" to working with Justin Calen Chenn because I trust him and his unique vision."
“The second time I worked with Justin, I was attached to the project - Folklore - not only as actor but also as producer. I think the moment that most impressed me was when I asked him what would happen if we didn't make our fundraising budget and he completely ignored me and never answered my question. As I see it, he ignored me because he had complete confidence that making the film was possible and just never once entertained the thought of failure. It's this attitude that makes Justin the kind of person I will always want to work with.”
Garrett Liggett (USA)- YOFINO GUNLAUGSON, TROLL
“If you don’t laugh, chuckle, giggle, guffaw, roar, whoop, howl, snort, chortle, or crack up while watching this film ‘Folklore,’ then something’s wrong with you!”
****CREW
Collier Landry (USA) – Director of Photography/Editor/Co-Producer
"Working with Justin Calen Chenn and on ‘Folklore’ was a real pleasure. He has a way of making both the cast and crew feel like they are a part of something special albeit magical. He is unabashed in sharing his creative vision with those around him, thus creating a sort of creative alchemy. It is that approach that allows his actors to cross the proscenium and touch the audience. "
Miho Suzuki (Japan)- Hair/Make-Up Designer
“It was fun to work with Justin [Calen Chenn] on ‘Folklore.’ There were so many creatures to design and so many ways to go with it, but Justin had his own set vision in mind, and that’s what I like very much about him!”
Sunna Wehrmeijer (Holland)- Composer
"Who wouldn't want to create the music to underscore British aliens, men in tight pink pants, a cranky Scottish vampire and a fake zombie. Justin Calen Chenn allowed me to write corny saxophones, romantic lushy string music, southern banjos and Chinese Gongs all in 1 movie. You bet that calls for lots of laughter!"
“Scoring Justin's film was a fantastic experience. He has a great feel for music, where it works or not, and what a scene needs. He is one of those directors that allows music to be thematic and acknowledges the big impact it has on the film and telling the story, which is fantastic for a composer. He has the ability to translate his needs as a filmmaker in clear language, that's easily to be interpreted in musical terms, which makes communication between composer and director smooth and quick. Would definitely work with him again!”
