Eric Callero – (Breaking Wind – 2011).

I recently got the chance to talk to Eric Callero about his role in ‘Twilight’ spoof, ‘Breaking Wind’. Here, Eric talks about what it was like working with the cast and crew on-set and how he got into acting in the first place…

(Credit: John Kaemmerling)

Hey Eric. Thanks for taking the time out to talk to me about your new film, ‘Breaking Wind’.

What’s the general plot line surrounding the film? I understand it’s a comic spoof on the ‘Twilight’ series?

Yes, it borrows heavily from ‘Eclipse’, but there are some elements from ‘Breaking Dawn’ and ‘New Moon’. The basic plot line is that of ‘Eclipse’; Bella must choose between Edward or Jacob. 

Tell us a bit about the character you play in the movie…

I play Edward, which, as you know is based on the Edward character in the ‘Twilight’ series. He’s the straight man in many of the scenes, which gave me plenty of opportunity to play up his clueless nature. I also had a lot of fun exaggerating his more whiny and series qualities. 

How did you get involved in the project in the first place?

I auditioned for the role. However, I did play the same character for director Craig Moss, in his previous spoof feature, ‘The 41-Year-Old Virgin Who Knocked Up Sarah Marshall And Felt Superbad About It’, so I think that may have helped. 

How would you say this film is different and unique to both the ‘Twilight’ series and general comedy films?

Well I gotta say, our film does not take itself as serious as the ‘Twilight’ series. We had a lot of fun making the movie and I think it shows on-screen. It was great vehicle for the talented cast, many of whom are comedians in their own right. There’s a huge audience out there who have been dragged to see the ‘Twilight’ films and our film speaks to them. Unlike some spoof comedies, the film doesn’t stray too far from the source material. In fact, many of our lines are lifted directly from the ‘Twilight’ series scripts. While you can find the film funny without seeing any of the ‘Twilight’ movies, you will enjoy it that much more after seeing even just one ‘Twilight’ movie. 

The film stars Heather Ann Davis, your good self, Frank Pacheco, Michael Adam Hamilton, Alice Rietveld and John Stevenson – with Craig Moss onboard as director – what was it like working with the cast and crew on-set? Any good anecdotes?

The cast and crew were wonderful. It was like summer camp and we all became fast friends, especially with everyone in the Colon family. Everyone gave their all over the two weeks of filming. The first time I met Frank was also our first day working together and it just so happened that our first scene was when we lock lips. This would have to be first the first film where I kissed both of my co-stars. 

Do you know if any of the ‘Twilight’ cast have seen the film? What’s the reception to the film been like overall?

I have no idea if any of the ‘Twilight’ cast have seen the film but the film has yet to be released in the US, so there is still a chance they could see the film. So far, people either love or hate it.

Let’s talk a bit about you Eric. What made you want to get into the industry in the first place?

I would have to say when I saw Danny Kaye’s scene ‘Make ‘Em Laugh’ from ‘Singing In The Rain’. As a little kid, I thought it was an amazing number and it had a huge influence in my life growing up. I knew I wanted to make people laugh, I just never imagined then I’d be where I am today; it’s been quite a journey!

You’ve been in a number of different film and TV projects – which actors/actresses have been your favourites to work with so far? Any good stories?

Oh sure, Conan O’Brien would have to be one of my favourites. Working with him on his show was a great experience. He is professional and he even took the time to learn my name. I would say the most surreal moment on his show was shooting an episode with Jerry Springer. Being on set for ‘The Runaways’ was my first taste of the Hollywood paparazzi and it was crazy. They would put themselves in harm’s way just to get a shot of Kristen Stewart. On ‘Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles’, we were shooting inside one of the buildings on the WB backlot. The scene was supposed to end in fire. I remember waiting between takes, looking towards one of the windows and thinking to myself: “Wow, that fire looks really real”. Well as it turned out, it was real and myself plus the crew and 30 or so dancers and extras were evacuated. No one was injured thanks to the quick response by the WB fire department. 

If you could have dinner with three guests – (living or dead), who would you choose and why?

• Erich von Stroheim – He’s the original “Man You Love To Hate”. Silent film director turned actor. It would be a treat to listen to his stories of old Hollywood. 
• Gene Kelly – when I think of a triple treat, I think of this man. He could sing, dance and act with the best of them and he even directed on occasion. I would love to learn a few moves from him. Maybe get some singing tips. 
• Elvis – He was the first rock star and still a major influence today. I would have so many questions for him and I would love to ask him about the state of music today. Plus I’d love to make him my peanut butter & banana panini for his approval. 

If you were stranded on a desert island, which three ‘personal’ things could you not live without?

Guitar, note pad and pen.

What is your favourite word?

Peanut butter (I guess that’s two).

What’s coming up for you in 2012?

I am currently working on the second season for my record review show, ‘Vinyl Rewind’. We are expanding it quite a bit and added a lot of new elements, so I am very excited to debut it soon. 

Thanks for the interview!

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