Exclusive Interview: LUKAS VERRI-SINGER – character Ivan Kostas in The Last Slay Ride
How did you get attached to The Last Slay Ride?
I received an opportunity for an audition through an acting site (backstage) and was given another opportunity for a callback. And one thing led to another and boom I got the call from Jason (the director/writer/genius behind the film) that I got the part.
What was your role in The Last Slay Ride?
I portray Ivan Kostas a very “interesting” character, he has his moments where he can be like any other young and ambitious college student who just wants to succeed in his career as an indie film producer, however he makes questionable decisions which lands him into the messy situations that you’ll see in the film.
What is your favorite scene in the film?
I would love to say the whole film itself because of everybody who worked their ass off to make this film and I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to work alongside them, nevertheless I have to say my favorite scene from The Last Slay Ride would be the gas station scene : where you see just before the crew park the car and get out Steve (Marco) and my character (Ivan) get out and have some words … then from behind you’ll see Jason Reynolds character (Bob) in the background of this scene eating a cucumber. Still cracks me up to this day!
How would you compare this to other Christmas horror flicks?
Similar to Gremlins this film is a film you want to get the little ones all cuddled up on a snowy December day, because who doesn’t like a film with blood and comedy to end the night.
What inspires your creativity?
Growing up I was inspired by a handful actors & actresses such as River Phoenix, Keanu Reeves, Halle Berry, Anne Hathaway, Winona Ryder they gave me alot of eye opening performances that influenced me to follow my passion in the arts of acting. Any opportunity I receive to portray someone or something I’m not is so thrilling and exciting, because being able to make the audience or moviegoer feel some type of emotion while watching a performance I get to put on, is just beautiful and I love my job.
What is the biggest challenge while making this film?
Probably just understand what your costars wants to do in a scene and trying to mix it in with what you’re wanting to do in the same scene then mixing it with the director says you need to do in a scene, in the end it all works out because we all have an understanding with one another and all have the same love for the art and even more love for the genre.
What was your most rewarding moment?
Getting that call from Jason saying I booked the role, from there on it was … a wonderful and awesome opportunity and I can’t even put into words how grateful I am.
What is your favorite horror decade?
Ooooooh damn that’s a good question thank you for asking, have to say 90’s. The main reason was I had huge crush on Neve Campbell … what am I talking about I still do! Nonetheless another reason why I favor the decade is because when watching films like : The Faculty, I Know What You Did Last Summer, and of course one of the best Scream, you got this little form of and a in-depth look of life as a teen in that time , understandably you can get that from the other decades respectfully, however the 90’s horror decade did it for me, and it was amazing.
What is the best piece of advice that you ever received?
“As long as you can savor the humorous aspect of misery and misfortune, you can overcome anything” I really admire John Candy so much that reading that quote from him stood out to me the most when continuing to achieve and accomplish my goals in life.
What is next in your career?
To grow and receive more opportunities in my career, to make new connections because I’m always open to work with people and gain more information of what others learned, I haven’t booked roles YET, so be on the lookout for more films and tv shows with other actors & myself putting on a performances to entertain and or uplift you. Also I’m looking to direct films and tv shows I have written and have ready to go whenever I have the opportunity to talk with any one who has the time to listen and possibly move forward with the ideas and get it out to audience ready for more tv shows and films. Oh and I’m really into pro wrestling …. Anyway we’ll see what Lukas Verri-Singer will do next in this upcoming year (big things). Thank you again for asking me these questions and hope you have a great rest of your year and Godspeed Mate!