IN CONVERSATION WITH GEORGE BARON
interview by JANA LETONJA
Multi-talented actor George Baron wrote, directed and stars in his directorial debut ‘The Blue Rose’, that premiered on 12th July. George is best known from his roles in ‘Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp’, and guest roles on hit shows such as ‘Two Broke Girls’, ‘PoliKidz’ and ‘Teachers’.
George, we’ve just been able to watch you in ‘The Blue Rose’, which you wrote, directed and star in. How exciting was it to release your directorial debut?
It was really exciting to be able to finally put it out in the world. It’s like it’s been the longest pregnancy of all time.
What was the most challenging aspect of juggling this multi-role, of directing and starring in the film?
It wasn’t as challenging as I thought it would be to be fair, though I was running on so much adrenaline so I don’t think my body was even able to really know what was going on or know how challenging what I was doing was.
This mind-bending horror film sure keeps the viewers on the edge of their seats. What inspired you to write it?
I’ve always been fascinated by old Hollywood and movies from the 30s - 60s, and I wanted to make my own film that felt reminiscent of that time.
Tell us more about the themes that excite you as a creator and that you would love to explore in your future work.
I think I’m ever-evolving when it comes to the things I’m inspired by and interested in. I’m very much inspired by duality and juxtaposition. I like exploring the relationship between sex and violence as well as religion and familial trauma. I’ve been very interested in body horror and analog horror lately. The concept of motherhood and the matronly-motherly archetype is something I think about a lot too when it comes to what I’m working on. My art gets darker the older I get, and I feel like I’m slowly finding my unique voice post ‘The Blue Rose’ that I’m not sure I really had at the time of making the film.
How did you develop interest in acting, and then later in writing and directing?
Being a child actor, I think I became exhausted by being pigeonholed into roles I didn’t identify with and I wanted freedom to make things I wanted to make. I’d always been interested in directing, since I even knew that was a thing a person could do, and I’ve always been a storyteller. It was just the perfect fit at the right time. And it’s not necessarily something I think I’m going to do for the rest of my life, but it’s certainly an exciting chapter.
What excites and fulfills you the most about both acting and directing?
There is something very rewarding about finishing an art piece. And I view this film as a painting that’s taken me 5 years to complete. I also really enjoy being on set every day. That was the most fun I’ve had in this entire process.
Besides TV and film, you’ve also directed and performed in theater productions like ‘Spring Awakening’, ‘Little Women’, and ‘Legally Blonde’. How does theater work differ from TV and film in your eyes?
It’s so different. I feel like in the case of ‘The Blue Rose’, it feels very much like a theatre piece or a musical. I’m endlessly inspired by theatre and it was always my first love. I think that’s honestly my true calling.
Tell us more about your hobbies and other passions.
I love watching movies. I just love sitting on my couch and watching movies I’ve never seen before. Same with plays and musicals, I love going to see local live theatre. I’m also super into collecting antiques and vintage toys. My apartment right now is like a time capsule wonderland and I’m so proud of how I’ve curated it.
You’re also very passionate about environmental issues, advocating for Queer youth and supporting underprivileged young filmmakers. Why are these causes so dear to you and how do you advocate on them?
Because I know how privileged I am, it’s only right that I give back. I want to be in the position one day to finance films by kids who were the same age as me when I started ‘The Blue Rose’, or go out of my way to hire prodigal kids on my own sets. I think there’s something very special and optimistic about a young filmmaker who hasn’t experienced film-school death yet because film-school death is very real and can kind of ruin your love for cinema if the environment is toxic.
What can you share with us about your upcoming projects, both as an actor and director?
I’m in a cute little indie film by Jacquie Phillips and Ted Welch, called ‘Hey, I Made This For You’, and that should be playing festivals later this year. But other than that, I’m just taking it easy and living a simple life.
TEAM CREDITS:
talent GEORGE BARON
photography BEN COPE
interview JANA LETONJA