Exclusive Interview With Stuntman/Director Mike Mayhall

Jake’s Road, now on DVD and VOD, is the brainchild of Hollywood stuntman Mike Mayhall. Though better known for his stunt work on such films as Looper, Green Lantern, Olympus Has Fallen and Jonah Hex, Louisiana-based Mayhall tells us he’s “always been a director”.

Mike, how are you still standing? Look at that filmography!?
Slowly, I stand very slowly. Not all the stunts are hard hitting. When they are … hopefully you can throw a few pads on. That helps.

And where, in between all this stunt work, did you find time to direct?
When you want something bad enough you make time for it. If you have to choose, you have to decide which one you want more. When it came to Jake’s Road. I chose Jake’s Road.

What was the motivation there – just something you’ve always wanted to do? Direct?
Actually, I’ve always been a director. It took some pushing from my good friends and them yelling ‘do it already!’ for me to actually jump in and roll the dice. When I think back, I directed my first play back in highschool. I studied directed and playwriting all through college. When I was in Florida I started my company Mayhem Production. Where I was writing and directed shows for theater and the theme parks … that carried over to Los Angeles. Jake’s Road was my second film. The first was a mini feature called ‘A Good Knight’

So, I guess a long answer to a short question … yes, I’ve always wanted to do it, but in many ways I’ve always been doing it.

This is something you wrote, correct?
That’s correct. I wrote, directed and even had a small acting part. I love to write. I’m working on several scripts right now. I think it helps keep me sane.

It differs from other thrillers – it’s unique, I’d guess you’d say. Was that intentional? To do something against the grain?
It is a bit different. It’s a thriller/horror/action hybrid. And, yes it was intentional. In many ways I tried to give a nod to the genres I really like. I think it has something for everyone. If you like horror you’ll enjoy Jake’s Road. Same goes with thrillers/action. For example, in horror films all the bad things tend to happen at night. In Jake’s Road we go against that. It’s all day time. The time when it’s supposed to be safe. When you can see things coming at you. You take that away and it becomes frightening on a whole other level.

How was Eric Roberts?
He was great. Totally brought his ‘A’ game for Jake’s Road. One of our producers had worked with him and got my script into his hands. He loved it and the next thing you know I am working with him. It was awesome! He told me what attracted him to the project was the script and story. What set’s it a part (other than a twist you won’t see coming) is the characters and the their story. It raises it to a higher level and I think Eric saw that.

How did you get distribution for the film?
Yep! You can buy the DVD. Or, I think check us out on iTunes or Amazon. Or, check out www.jakesroadthemovie.com to get all the latest information.

Anything you’d do differently next time around?
Everything and nothing. Does that count? It’s always easier looking back. Give a little more time here to really make this moment. Not spend so much time on a different one. For example, we filmed the introduction of the George character twice. The first time I went against my gut when filming. I got some good advice, based on time of the day and location and a dozen other factors … but it just didn’t sit well, something was off. We filmed it. And I just new we had to do it again. I was right. What’s in the film is a much better introduction to his character.

And we can’t let you go without asking : Who is the funnest action hero you’ve worked with?
The funniest … Ken Jeong was a blast to work with. While on Vampires Suck. Granted, it wasn’t action but, it was a blast to improv with him. I recently worked a day with Lucy Lawless. She was cracking me up. Truth be told Eric Roberts was keeping us all entertained with various stories, which I can’t repeat, while in-between takes.