Andrew E interviews Adam Weppler (Long Lost)

Gruemonkey’s Andrew E was lucky enough to sit down with one of the most talented (and let’s be honest beautiful) actors in the entertainment business Adam Weppler.

Andrew E: Can you tell me about “Long Lost” and your character within it?

Adam Weppler: Long Lost is a story about perception. I play Seth, a young man struggling to define himself, who is invited to spend the weekend getting to know his estranged half-brother, Richard.

Andrew E: It looked like a fun shoot, what was the hardest bit about filming?

Adam Weppler: We had a tight production schedule, so it was important for the cast and crew to be both flexible and well-prepared. Our team was able to unify and communicate under that pressure, with a shared vision of the project.

Andrew E: Horror/thriller films can often have some intense things to film, unlike other genres – were there any elements that you struggled with emotionally?

Adam Weppler: In a project of this size, I’ll often be filming the most intense scenes back-to-back with the least intense. It is a lot of fun to go into your character at different moments of the story non-chronologically, but you need to be mindful of your emotional arc at every point within the story.

Andrew E: Can you tell us any behind the scenes moments from Long Lost that were fun?

Adam Weppler: On the very last day of production, as the sun was rising, we filmed the “Chubby Bunny” scene. In Long Lost, this is a very pivotal scene for establishing humor and competition for the rest of the film. Nick Tucci (Richard) and I played the game through four or five times, using two bags of marshmallows.

Andrew E: I thought you were the strongest actor in the movie, you really shined – How do you prepare for a role?

Adam Weppler: I try to bring empathy and understanding to every character. The questions that the audience may have about Seth, are questions that Seth has about himself. I don’t know that I would personally hang out with Seth, but I understand what it feels like to be floating through life, trying to define your value through other people’s perception. I understand his intense desire to be part of something, some relationship, some connection- to the point that he is blinded to some major red flags. Working with Erik Bloomquist in the past, we have developed an effective vocabulary and a level of trust that is very grounding as a performer.

Andrew E: This is (according to IMDB) your first horror/thriller – would you pursue more work in a horror film?

Adam Weppler: Absolutely. I love working in this genre, and the Horror/Thriller fanbase is the best, most rabid fanbase in the world. Working on another one right now!

Andrew E: Did you feel a responsibility being one of the lead roles?

Adam Weppler: Certainly; Seth is the audience in this world, and we want his discomfort to translate to whoever is watching. He is also the “straight man” to the antics of the weekend, which means the audience needs to follow his logic, even if they don’t agree with it. I am incredibly thankful for Nick Tucci and Catherine Corcoran, who were able to bring these characters to life in a compelling and uncomfortable way.

Andrew E: If your long lost brother was playing piano naked, and in some cases being awkwardly sexual towards you – would you stay?

Adam Weppler: Nope.

Andrew E: Tell us something random about you, that others won’t know?

Adam Weppler: I’m a dog person. My dog Scotty makes an appearance in Long Lost.

Andrew E: What is next for you, where can we see you next?

Adam Weppler: I am currently working on a new Horror/Thriller, which should be making its festival run next year.

Andrew E: There were some erotic scenes (had me a little hot under the collar), were they difficult to film? you also had to be semi-naked is that a challenge in front of the crew?

Adam Weppler: Anytime you deal with sexual content in a scene, it’s important to be communicating with your director, scene partner, and crew. In Long Lost, sexual tension and confusion are present throughout- so making sure the set is comfortable and professional is the key to acting truthfully at the moment. I had a lot of fun filming those scenes although Seth is put in an incredibly uncomfortable situation.