Exclusive Interview: Paugh Shadow (The Omicron Killer)
When did you first decide you wanted to venture into the filmmaking industry and is it all you dreamt it would be?
After 9/11 and I was walking the streets of Manhattan because I lost my job at the World Trade Center, I saw people filming a movie. I asked what they were doing and asked if I could be apart. The rest is history. I just kept finding projects and progressed from there. Absolutely not what I dreamt it would be. It is definitely harder than one imagines.
You have worked as an actor and a voice actor which one do you have more of a passion for and what is the vocal challenges between the roles?
I have an equal passion for both. I have just had more opportunities with just acting as oppose to voice acting. The vocal challenges with acting though is that you have to also be on cue and your mark and it has to match your facial expressions. As with voice it seemed much easier and less stressful to me.
THE OMICRON KILLER (2024) is the latest movie you star in and it has been a hit on the film festival circuit. What can you tell us about the film without giving anything away?
It’s like seeing Falling Down meets Halloween meets Mel Brooks. It’s more humanize than most films, especially horror films. Most horror films there is no realism. When watching this, one can believe this might actually occur. In real life you have conversations and behavior like you see in this film. For those who loved the film it resonated with them.
A slew of horror film legends star in THE OMICRON KILLER (2024), was you aware they were attached to the project when you signed on to be in the film. Or was it after you found out they were in it you was for sure wanting to be in it?
I am the one who brought these people on to the film. Except for Rob Emmer. And I wanted strong women in the business to be in this film. I have known some of them for years and when Lynn Lowry and I talked one day she also loved the other two I wanted to bring on board so it seemed like it was meant to be. I loved working with the cast I picked and Rob Emmer. I plan on bringing them back for other projects as well.
Do you have any personal behind the scenes stories or favourite moments you can tell us from your time working on THE OMICRON KILLER (2024)?
Everyday was hectic but rewarding but the best day was when we were wondering how we were going to do the scene where it is supposed to be raining and by luck it started to rain. Not too hard or soft. And it was long enough for multiple takes. That was my favorite moment. Well there were a few others but I don’t want to spoil the movie.
You worked on quite possibly the best action movie franchise in recent times, JOHN WICK. What was your experience of working on JOHN WICK and did you get to work with Keanu Reeves?
We had long hour shoot days but it was worth it. In my main scene with Keanu he stares me down. Personally I loved that interaction. Made it feel more real. I sat and talked with his stunt double most of the shoot. I only interacted with Keanu when it was time to work.
You have also worked on several TV shows such as BLUE BLOODS and GOTHAM. What is the difference between an actors day on a film set and a TV show set?
You know I never thought about that. I guess it’s about the same. Depending on the production crew really. If you have a production crew like for TV that has been working a long time together, TV show sets run faster than a movie set. TV show sets are usually one set as well while movie sets we do many locations in a day.
Are there any particular genres of filmmaking you prefer to star in and on the flipside of that question, are there any genres you wouldn’t want to be in?
I enjoy horror and action films. I am not opposed to other types though. I would love to do a comedy. I think I get typecast and people don’t know I am rather funny and love to laugh.
What are your top 5 films of all time from any genre? And do you have any possible hidden movie gems people should check out?
1) True Romance – Christian Slater is one of my all time favorite actors.
2) The Dark Crystal – Such a cool vision by Jim Henson.
3) Labyrinth – I always loved David Bowie and again Jim Henson.
4) The Shining – I know people complain that it steered away from the book but I am ok with that.
5) Aliens – Sigourney Weaver as a strong woman is always epic. Plus Michael Biehn and that whole cast made that one of the best films ever.
Damn only 5? I love good movies so I have a lot. Let’s say Simone with Al Pacino (highly underrated) and, Pump Up The Volume with again Christian Slater for the “gems”.
Finally, what projects do you have coming up?
I have a few coming up. Some action and some horror. The one I can mention now is Krazy Klowny.
Interview by Peter ‘Witchfinder‘ Hopkins
You can stay up to date with Paugh Shadow via the social media link below:
Instagram: TherealPaughShadow
THE OMICRON KILLER is available now to rent/buy on Amazon Prime Video courtesy of BayView Entertainment
