Andrew E interviews Charles Chudabala (UGLY SWEATER PARTY)

Hello, GRUEMONKEY lovers, Andrew E sat down with Charles Chudabala to talk about his latest movie UGLY SWEATER PARTY and what he has coming up soon!

Andrew: Tell us about Ugly Sweater Party and your character in the movie?

Charles: I play Cliff, the friendly, uptight, and anxious hero. He’s the polar opposite of his counterpart Jody. On the inside, he fantasizes about being a suave, confident chick magnet; But on the outside, he is reserved and constantly anticipates rejection.

Andrew: What drew you into the project?

Charles: When Aaron Mento first proposed the concept to me, the first thing I thought was, “The Title ROCKS!” I just wanted to be a part of a movie about an ugly sweater that possesses whoever wears it. I quickly realized that this had cult classic appeal with a high re-watchability factor. I was sold! I grew up with films that I replayed constantly like: Pee Wee’s Big Adventure, The Adams Family and The Brady Bunch; so it was a dream come true to be a part of something like this.

Andrew: What was like working with one of the biggest scream queens? (Felissa Rose)

Charles: FUN FUN FUN!!! Felissa and I have worked together in the past, and she always brought her A game, which shows in her performance and high energy in every single take. This was the first time we actually became scene partners, so I would be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous. She makes all of her scene partners feel comfortable and understands that having fun is the most important thing! I learn a lot by watching her performance and her prep work, it has made me a better actor.

Andrew: What’s your favorite memory from the production of this movie?

Charles: I have so many. If I had to pick one, it would be the very first scene we shot, where Cliff is dreaming about dancing in his underwear to seduce Susan. It was a small crew and we laughed so hard, it set the tone for the rest of the film and the journey we would embark upon. We knew it was going to special.

Andrew: Now you are a star of a yuletide horror movie – what is your favorite Christmas horror (aside from Ugly Sweater Party).

Charles: Hands down, “Black Christmas” (1974). This is a horror masterpiece- period. The howling wind throughout the film is just haunting. Everyone should see this film.

Andrew: What projects do you have in the pipeline and are any of the film’s horror related?

Charles: Yes! Next, you can see me in 2 horror films “The Crossing” (directed by Thomas Haley) and “Lilith” (directed by Alex T. Hwang) which will both be playing at the Culver City Film Festival on December 8th, 2018. Lilith, a horror anthology which also stars Felissa Rose, will be released on Christmas Day direct to Amazon Prime and other VOD platforms. I’m also directing my first horror short called “Nightshade” which stars Jennifer Nangle (Lilith, Malvolia: The Queen of Screams, Ugly Sweater Party) 2019, will also see the release of a few other horror features I star in: “Serena Waits”, “Irrational Fear” and “BEARRY” Aaron Mento has cast me in his next project. Its gonna blow people’s minds. That’s pretty much all I can say for now!

Andrew: Wow, so much happening, you are an up and coming “Scream King”. Would you consider returning for Ugly Sweater Party Part 2?

Charles: 500% Yes! I always told Aaron Mento, whenever the time comes to start production on Ugly Sweater Party 2, I will drop everything I’m doing, to go full sweater mode! We are an Ugly Sweater Party family for life, and I’m sure I’m speaking for most who worked on this film.

Andrew: What was the funniest part of making Ugly Sweater Party?

Charles: Hunter Johnson’s (Jody) sweater party outfit. I almost peed my pants when he first tried it on; It’s something you have to see in real life. We laughed throughout the production and in post! It’s iconic!

Andrew: What was the most challenging part of shooting Ugly Sweater Party?

Charles: Filming in the mountains (Idylwild, CA) at high altitudes where the roads are rocky and there’s exposure to extreme temperatures, was a challenge that none of us could completely prepare for. It was extremely cold and also difficult to get vehicles to the location. Cell phone service was spotty. I will never forget the final day of filming. The temperature warmed up so fast that the mosquitoes and bees hatched and came after us. Lots of stories, but the most fun ever.

Andrew: Favorite death sequence in Ugly Sweater Party? (SPOILER ALERT)

Charles: The penis pull, completed with a blood facial. It’s great.

Andrew: What was it like attempting to make love to Felissa Rose? (SPOILER ALERT)

Charles: I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with Felissa before “Ugly Sweater Party.” This helped to take my nerves away for sure. She has become a good friend of mine throughout the years, and we always laugh uncontrollably at everything! I knew that our “scene” was going to be a fun day shooting. I was honored to have a love scene the one and only Felissa Rose. She is an icon.

Andrew: She is an incredible horror icon, you had a memorable dance scene, what was that like to film? I can imagine Lots of outtakes!! (SPOILER ALERT)

Charles: hahaha (chuckle) that scene was so memorable for me because it was the first scene we ever shot! It was also the first time I had ever worked with Tiffani Brooke Fest. We laughed so hard that day, in part because of the music track that was playing throughout the scene. It’s that same sexy, dancy, slimy, beat that also plays in the film. I’m sure there are plenty of outtakes and I wanna see them so bad! I remember clear as day, standing on the bed thrusting in unison with Arron Mento’s directing- he was the conductor to all my gyrating. I wish I could take credit. (chuckles)

Andrew: Speaking of things iconic, we can’t leave out unleashing the biggest penis I have ever seen on screen – talk us through That? (SPOILER ALERT)

Charles: The “unleashing” was written into the script since the early drafts of “Ugly Sweater Party” so we all knew what was coming by the end of the second act. I honestly just stood there, while my “fluffers” wrangled for the camera. Felissa did all the acting.

What a beautiful homage to “Sleepaway Camp” I am honored to take part in this historic moment.

Andrew: Well it’s eye-watering! Thank you so much for chatting with us! The movie was a true festive pick-me-up that I cannot recommend enough!

Charles: No, thank you – glad you liked the movie and I hope people watch it this Christmas!