Oto Brezina
He played in Nick Wauters‘ Dollar Baby Rainy Season as Henry Eden.
SKSM: Could you start with telling me a bit about yourself? Who are you and what do you do?
Oto Brezina: I came to the scene of film industry about ten years ago (1997). My original dream to be somebody, like a film director or actor, was born in my native Czechoslovakia many years back (December 11, 1940). Very unfavorable atmosphere was not allowing me pursue my dreams there and I decided to leave and come to States. From the onset I needed to generate some income . Real estate and lending was very attractive at that time. But after almost twenty years of chasing properties, loans and drowning in paperwork I quit and turn away from all that. I was at my crossroad and the beginning of a new life. In the beginning I was working as extra in major motion pictures, that gradually grew in getting small speaking roles for independent film companies. I knew I am on the right track; the roles became more frequent and challenging. Here I am ten years later as a character actor and my time is fully taken by this glamorous enterprise.
SKSM: How did you become involved in Rainy Season?
Oto Brezina: I passed through regular routine to find an acting role. Responding to a casting call published in a industry periodicals for a role of Henry Eden and submitting my headshot and resume to the production company. It was for a short film based on Stephen Kings story. And I thought it would be cool to play Henry in suspense movie at this point of my career.
SKSM: Did you have to audition for the part or was it written directly for you?
Oto Brezina: When I received a call to read for this character my heart beat jumped northbound. This was a supporting role I really wanted in my early stage of career. Henry is a prolific old timer and a proprietor of mercantile store owner in the hamlet of Willow. He carries the profound mystery of rainy days in this part of the world. From hundreds of applicants a handful of actors were selected for the role. After the audition I had a good feeling ; I my heart I felt I nailed it – as we say. Truly, few days later a call came , that I got the part. Independent movie makers very seldom -if at all- write and tailor suit the part for a particular actor. This is almost exclusivity of Hollywood studios.
SKSM: You worked with Nick Wauters on this film, how was that?
Oto Brezina: Working with Nick Wauters was as a breeze in the park. I have to bring up his easy going side in directing , detailed executing of the storyline with players. Following the scrip to the point we can call a precise scheduling of the scene. The actor does not feel restrained; he is allowed to express himself. I never experienced heightened tension among the cast or crew members during the shooting. They worked well in their respected functions.
SKSM: Was there any funny or special moment when they made the movie that you would like to tell me about?
Oto Brezina: I think the funniest part during my shoot was my costar. The four legged canine – my friendly pet in the scene suppose to be at my feet, while I was relaxing in the reclining chair at the store door. He is taking his routine nap in the sun drenched afternoon. Only few seconds later his attention was diverted to his master and trainer and he took off and left the set. Camera still rolling. Each time he just stood up and left the scene aiming to his bowl of water. No commands, or sweet talk would make him to stay put and this was very funny. From many takes the editor spliced few feet of having his presence noticeable in the scene.
SKSM: Do you still have any contact with the crew/cast from that time? If so with who?
Oto Brezina: After the initial show to cast and crew members and being in contact with Nick during the film festivals period, when Rainy Season was screened, our contact has faded away also because I was more involved in all phases of new projects.
SKSM: What did you do after Rainy Season?
Oto Brezina: Very simple answer: I worked! Frankly, with the completion of Rainy Season I got more immersed in acting as ever before. I was getting more auditions and have captured more interesting roles of different genre and character from which I can conclude, that I became a character actor. The last five years after Rainy Season are my most productive and I filed to my credit more than 120 completed projects in features, shorts, commercials , music videos and in a small way theatrical productions.
SKSM: If you lived in a town like Willow, and you knew about the toads, would you stay?
Oto Brezina: Rainy Season was filmed on location in the Paramount Ranch, situated in the hills outside Los Angeles. This was the best place for the small hamlet of Willow in the middle of nowhere. Would have I lived there myself and knowing the secrecy surrounding this place, where the viciou , killing toads, instead of rain are dropping, I would have had run away by any means possible. I do not want to be shredded to pieces by these monsters !
SKSM: Are you (or were you) a fan of Stephen King’s work?
Oto Brezina: Yes, I am his fan. Why, he is the most productive and unpredictable in his novels writer of all times. Many times the following idea flashes my mind : if I could have similar brain, I could easily memorize lines, monologues, dialogues, improv of extreme volumes on any subject with only one reading! I have not read any of his major works for lack of time.
SKSM: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Is there anything else you want to say to the fans that read this interview?
Oto Brezina: Without love and true dedication to this muse, I would not be at the spot, I am right now. I am anxiously waiting for the moment, I can show – off in a major, big budget motion picture hit of a Hollywood studio!
