Exclusive Interview: Jack Berner (Alien Horde)
What got you interested in acting and wanting to be involved in these films?
I’ve always been interested in acting, having been in a number of theatrical productions in grade school and in college (drama minor). However, as a first generation immigrant to this county, (immigrated with my parents from the former Transylvania/Southwest Ukraine area of the Soviet Union at an early age to escape religious persecution and communist oppression) I was urged to settle on a “safe” and “stable” profession—like the law—to make my parents proud and establish a foundation for myself in this country. I have now been a trial attorney for almost the last quarter of a century, “performing” for smaller audiences (courtrooms), but also, in effect, serving as a writer, director, and producer in those same cases. Being an advocate all these years—particularly for victims and “the little guy”—has been a personally rewarding endeavor, but I’d felt like there was something missing.
Ironically, my parents likened themselves to celebrities from as early as I can remember (probably how I came to catch the acting bug in the first place)—my father to Al Pacino and my mother to Sophia Loren. In fact, my mother wanted to be an actress herself. However, she battled insidious cancer for half her life and ultimately lost her battle in December 2022, not having been able to pursue—much less, attain—her lifelong “dream”. I told my mom on her deathbed that I’d achieve her dream—for both our sakes—and, in an attempt to try to make up for lost time, in the last year and a half have been in 14 feature films—many in a lead role, and 3 as far as the UK. I credit being tenacious, having a laser-like focus, and treating every acting role like the important job that it is and not taking anything for granted including preparation (immigrant’s work ethic), working well with my co-stars, directors, and producers (to the point of being invited back repeatedly for additional projects from those same directors and producers), having a unique style/uncommon look (so I am told), my personal story and life experience (my Russian/Ukrainian came in handy for the role of a Ukrainian mafia kingpin, and my Transylvanian roots helped get me cast as the lead vampire in Vampire Penance: the Atonement of John Wolf as it brought more authenticity to the role, including in marketing the film) and, last but certainly not least, having a supportive family. This made it clear to me that I should have pursued this calling decades ago. Life is short! Follow your dreams.
What is your experience working with the Mahal brothers?
I have been collaborating with them for over a year now—both as an actor in their films and Executive Producer. I last played the role of Woodes in Cursed Waters, their pirate film last year which movie I expect will garner rave reviews due to its originality. Next up, I’ll be playing Torrin, a lead in their outer space movie, Alien Horde, which has been touted as being their biggest and best movie to date. Can’t wait! They’re also very nice guys who seek to mentor the indie film community. I also half joke that Michael should become a spiritual leader due to his near daily words of wisdom and inspiration—words I’ve taken to heart including as I believe life is truly short and precious.
Tell us about some of the favorite characters that you’ve played?
Well, obviously I enjoyed playing Woodes the pirate. Who in their right mind wouldn’t relish the opportunity to play pirate as an adult—in a film, no less. A couple decades ago, I got a taste by doing a stint as a Seattle Seafair Pirate, a local fraternal,, not-for-profit organization, whose mission is to entertain audiences of all ages at fairs, parades, hospitals, while raising money for worthy causes. I’ve also found that I enjoy playing the “bad guy”—excuse me….complicated,
flawed individual. There’s just so much more freedom there. Some that come to mind include a coked-out record executive with the key to saving the world (INfernal) and a Ukrainian mafia kingpin who values loyalty above all else (Clean Right Hook).
Is acting the end game for you, or do you have other passions in the film industry?
I definitely want to be the best actor I can possibly be. While my father likens himself to looking like Al Pacino, I actually want to act at the level of an Al Pacino, my favorite actor (probably not a coincidence). I also enjoy producing movies and have served as Executive Producer on a number of films I’ve been involved in. I haven’t caught the Director bug yet, but love the editing process.
How do you choose which films you want to act in and/or produce?
Having now done 14 films with ever increasing responsibility (the last several were lead roles), I am now gravitating to projects which will meaningfully improve my acting game—roles that will challenge my comfort zone and broaden my horizons as an actor. Entertaining, thought-provoking, wow factor…those are some qualities that come to mind as I consider a project to act in and/or produce. If there’s a good/redemptive message with the film, even better. Obviously, acting alongside/opposite a renowned actor will also up my game. Acting is an ongoing learning process and I want to learn from the best. I also value the connections I’ve made along the way and, of course, wish to continue to build upon the work I’ve done with filmmakers and producers in the past, particularly if they’re looking to grow themselves.
What was your favorite day on set? Why?
That’s a tie—both from Cursed Waters. My first day shooting Cursed Waters. From driving down the windy, hilly, ocean-front road in San Pedro from the resort I was staying at to the set in my rented, black supercharged HEMI V8 Challenger, to sitting in a make-up chair for the first time, to running lines and then executing scenes on the beach at or near where other big movies had been filmed including Chinatown with Jack Nicholson, including my death scene (getting stabbed and falling down on the rocky beach over and over…and over…stabbed once for real by my co-star, “accidentally”!). I even use my image from that day as my Facebook photo, if that says anything about how transformative an experience that was for me. The other day was later in the shooting of Cursed Waters, when I got to work with their tough-as-nails fight coordinator. I recall being in the “woods” on a movie ranch in Santa Clarita (Woodes in the woods) along with some of my fellow pirate actors, taking sword-fighting lessons from the fight coordinator, who was barking instructions and threatening the actors with being booted off the production unless they performed exactly to specifications, both because of safety issues and otherwise. As I took to it quickly, I was “promoted” to serve as his fighting partner to model for the others, including in front of the director who happened to be looking on. In that moment, I felt like I was getting the quintessential Hollywood experience—one of many I experienced on that set. No wonder I’m back for more.
In your opinion, how can an indie film break through noise of all these other competing films?
Originality. The pirate angle was original enough to get me to sign on—both as an actor and producer. Likewise with the outer space concept of Alien Horde. I hear the Mahals will be doing
something with the Roman Empire next year. Ingenious. STARZ’ Spartacus is my favorite t.v. series ever. Count me in. Originality was also the reason I pursued my lead role in Vampire Penance: the Atonement of John Wolf which has already begun shooting and is set to be a trilogy. Also, have the best, most marketable stars possible, including fresher faces from mainstream/popular shows (e.g., Stranger Things). Nothing like character recognition and association.
Name your top 3 horror films of all time?
1. The Omen tied with The Descent
2. Hellraiser tied with An American Werewolf in London
3. The Lost Boys tied with Bram Stoker’s Dracula
Yes, I cheated. Also, I’ll probably be thinking about this later and kick myself for leaving this/that movie off this list.
Who inspires your creativity?
My mother and her dreams. My children and theirs. Otherwise, the Hollywood legends that came before me…Pacino, Jackman, Downey, Jr. Yes, I fully realize I’m not much younger than the latter two. J I strive to contribute to this art form even a fraction of what they have.
What project are you currently working on?
Other than Alien Horde and a deeply dark movie I’m not at liberty to discuss yet, I’ll be playing the role of the lead vampire, Niles, in another dark (but redemptive) movie called Vampire Penance: The Atonement of John Wolf which has already started filming