Concluding my OUTPOST interviews, it brings me great pleasure to give you Ray Stevenson, who plays the lead in the film, DC.

JOHNNY: You play D.C. in the film OUTPOST. Who is he and what are his motives throughout the film?

RAY: DC is basically a career warrior. Previously in the service of his country and now living out his days as a soldier of fortune. He is an extremely capable leader and is a man of strong moral fiber. His motivation is to maintain a professionalism in the work he does whilst keeping his men alive. Primarily, to be the best soldier he can be. This I feel is to cover some great lack or tragedy in his personal life which he was powerless to prevent.

JOHNNY: How did you first come to find out about the part; were you approached or did you have to audition?

RAY: I was approached about the part whilst filming the ending of ROME for HBO. Although it is not my genre, I couldn't put the script down. I met with the director (Steve) in London and was instantly struck by his knowledge and enthusiasm for the project. The bottom line is that I left the meeting wanting to work with him and his team.

JOHNNY: When you read the script for the first time what did you think of it initially? Were there any doubts about taking on a role in a horror film when your previous work has seen you take on some dramatic roles?

RAY: Firstly, I was so taken with the depth of play in the movie. It's a damn good story and the 'meat' is all character based. The horror aspect of the script was never for the sake of an over-sensational take on the action. I was very concerned about the fact that these men had witnessed horrors unimaginable to ordinary folk. "They don't scare easily" and the script had to earn that. It was infact the desire not to produce a slash and gore movie that I felt most drawn to.

JOHNNY: What are the main differences between filming for the small screen and the big screen?

RAY: Not sure what you mean ?? Are you talking about TV and FILM ?? Or indeed about large as opposed to small budget movies ?Wi th movies you generally work on a 30 to 1 ratio which roughly translates to about a page of scripto each days filming. (principle photography, not including post production) This equates to around a minute of finished end product per day.
 
With TV the ratio is much higher. (Soap being 12 to 20 mins of finished product per day. High class drama being 5 to 7 mins per day)
 
Enough technical stuff !! The primary difference I found filming OUTPOST as opposed to other much larger productions is that the preparation required goes through the roof. You don't have the luxury to 'discover' or make mistakes or re-shoot the ending !. You have the resources to shoot only what you have time, money and the film to shoot. What it does bring is a much more enhanced sense of family and collaboration in the project itself. The creative process accounts for so much then it is down to the execution and getting it in the can !!

JOHNNY: How was shooting for you? Did it go as planned and were you given the chance to do any stunts?

RAY: I have a particular affinity with Scotland and during this film we were certainly blessed. We didn't have the resources to overcome some freak weather system. Everyone involved was giving the extra and it created an atmosphere that we felt was reflected in our time there. As for stunts !!! Everyone did what they could and beyond. It is a much more character based movie than you first would think. (Mental, not physical stunts.)

JOHNNY: How long were you required to be on set and how was working with all the other actors? Did they look up to you as a leader as their characters do in the film?

RAY: This is a difficult question to answer. My schedule was intense, as was everyone elses. We were on set whenever required for as long as it took. As for if they looked to me as a leader or not , you'll have to ask them !

JOHNNY: When was the first time you saw the completed film and are you happy with your role in it?

RAY: I saw the completed film about six weeks ago and I have to say I am very proud of what we all achieved. I think it's great and brings a fresh perspective to the genre.

JOHNNY: Not to give anything away, but do you think that there is a part for you in any sequel to OUTPOST?

RAY: People way beyond my pay scale will decide that. Personally I believe that it has the potential to have a tremendous sequel and beyond. Who knows ?

JOHNNY: What do you have planned for the future? Any other horror films in the pipeline?

RAY: I have just finished filming CIRQUE DU FREAK for Universal. Based on a series of childrens books by Darren Shan and I get to play a 250yr old Vampire called MURLAUGH. I had a blast. We filmed in New Orleans which added to the whole atmosphere of the project. That and the great cast. One of the producers called me "bite happy", which I take as a compliment.

JOHNNY: Thanks for agreeing to do this, muchly appreciated!

RAY: My absolute pleasure. Great questions!