Jim Cummings has never forgotten the first time he spoke to us. It was nearly two years ago, the director/actor/writer was talking about his Sundance hit and first feature, Thunder Road, and the interview ended with him being asked to sing some of the Springsteen song. Gent that he is, he obliged.
Despite that – or maybe because of it – he took time out of virtually attending this week’s Berlin Film Festival to chat to us again, this time about the film he’s been promoting, one which is shrouded in mystery. Which means there’s been no press screenings for The Beta Test and, indeed, very few people have seen it. In the interview below, he gives us idea of what to expect from the plot and the reasons why he’s so protective of the project, which is set against the backdrop of the current dispute Hollywood dispute between writers’ agents and the WGA.
He also looks back on his most recent film, horror pastiche The Wolf Of Snow Hollow – or, to use his description, “Dumb Zodiac” – and why he believes he’s become something of an inspiration to aspiring film makers through social media. Inevitably, comedy comes into the conversation as well, particularly the British variety, and his favourites, Steve Coogan and Ricky Gervais.
The Beta Test plays as part of the Encounters strand at this year’s Berlinale.
