Dave has been in the business for a short while, but he is quickly making a name for himself by working with talented people on projects like “RISEN.” This was the zombie movie filmed here in Bellmead, Texas, back in 2004, of which I and others were extras, appearing as zombies, survivors, and dead bodies. Now he’s ready for his directorial debut.

Daniel Perez: What film projects have you done in the past?

Dave Winfrey, Jr.: Man you name it I've done it. I've worked on feature length films, short films, concept trailers; just about anything involved in the industry. I've worked a lot throughout Los Angeles and decided to move my career back here to Texas. I recently finished a film called "The Battle" (which I believe will be renamed "Cinco De Mayo" for its release) that dealt with underground cage fighting and Lucha Libre-style wrestling. My true love, though, has always been and will always be horror.

DP: What are you working on currently?

DW: My directorial debut is a really cool horror anthology film with different great short horror stories all tied together to make one feature.

DP: What did you do, exactly, on the set of "RISEN"?

W: On "RISEN," I was the head of the Art Department. My official title is Production Designer but I also handled the duties of Art Director. I really went above and beyond for "RISEN" but it was all for the love of film-making and for the love of the horror genre!

DP: What's the latest news on "RISEN"?

DW: Fully edited, ready to roll, got the shotgun in hand, cocked and loaded, ready to do some damage! Talking with potential distribution companies to get the best deal where the most zombie fans can see "RISEN!"

DP: What's the hardest thing you've done in the industry so far?

DW: I would say that maintaining and not giving up and having the heart to just keep at it has been the hardest thing, but I'm still doing it and ain't nothing gonna stop me! I've always said it takes equal amounts of courage and stupidity to be a film-maker!

DP: What's the easiest thing you've done so far? What's been the most rewarding?

DW: Honestly, acting was by far the easiest. I have a pretty killer acting resume these days. I've played a lot of roles. I usually get rednecks, bikers, Vikings; I played the lead role of Beowulf in “Blade of the King,” directed by William Blesch. This was WAY before that CGI Beowulf came out. Anyway, I am used to working behind the scenes and I feel that is WAY harder than acting. The most rewarding has been the awesome young film-makers I've met and made contacts with here in Texas and out in Los Angeles. It never ceases to amaze me how hard-working these young artists are.

DP: Whom have you met in the industry, and what can you tell us about them?

DW: Honestly man, I've met a ton of celebrities. It was weird living in L.A., you would just see them at the grocery store and at burger joints. I would meet like, Helen Hunt or Lindsey Lohan or some other big shot and I could care less, ya know? Then I would meet Ken Foree or William Stout (who handled the Art Direction on "Return of the Living Dead" and is an AMAZING artist), and I would freak out!

DP: What's the best thing about working in film? What are the drawbacks?

DW: The best thing about working on films is, well, that you are making movies! It’s really the coolest job in the world! I can be as weird or scary or funny as I want, and there’s always someone out there that relates to what I'm doing and appreciates it. That’s who I make films for.

Of course, the drawback is the success ratio. It is just about impossible to make a successful living if you don’t have someone fully supporting you and paying your bills. In one film alone, I saw one good friend lose his ENTIRE business; another person lost their husband, and another go almost homeless. I've seen people stop doing it and move back home. I've seen them have to stop and take up a different job because they have a wife and kids that need to eat. It really gets tough, but if it’s what you want, then giving up shouldn’t be an option!

DP: Where can the readers see your work?

DW: Well, don't forget about the zombie film "RISEN" which I mentioned was showing at Texas Frightmare Weekend, (which you can see at) www.texasfrightmareweekend.com, or hit up my myspace which is www.evilartdirector.com and that’s the best way. I have a couple out at Blockbuster like "Changing Spots." Keep your eyes open! I have some cool stuff coming to horror festivals near you!

DP: You're also a musician. How do you juggle your two careers; do you do anything else when you are not working in the movie industry?

DW: I will always and forever be a musician and shred my guitar. My film career didn’t "kill" my music career in any way. A few things came up, so I followed my heart and jumped in the film-making game. I still jam with people and record and whatever else. I still practice and jam non-stop and I am probably a better guitar player now than I was when our band was rolling strong. I will admit I DO miss being up on stage. It’s been a while.

DP: What convinced you to be a film-maker, how long did it take you to do this for a living, and what has kept you going?

DW: I can honestly say that the "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" is what put me over the edge and made me pursue it. I have had an insanely weird fascination with that film since I was little. I've been lucky enough to meet pretty much all of the surviving cast and crew and thank them for what they did for us fans and the genre in general. When times get tough on a set and people are freaking out and everyone's puking and passing out from the heat or whatever, I think of the "TXCM" and the dinner scene. Look up what they went through for that one scene alone. THAT gets me through the tougher times.

DP: What's the most important thing you have learned in the business?

DW: I would say there are a few things. Don't let anyone tell you what to like or what not to like. If you really wanna make a particular film, make the best zombie film since "Shaun of the Dead." Or uh, "RISEN!" (Heh heh) Be positive. You will be surrounded at times by directors or whoever that are being unnecessarily mean and rude and ruining it for everyone. Not everyone is like that, so just deal with those guys in the best way. Let it roll past you and stay positive!

DP: What advice do you give to the people who want to work in this field?

DW: Well, I guess I've pretty much answered that one mixed in with all the other answers up there. Just don't give it up if it’s what you want! Stay positive! Always learn and listen from anyone who is willing to help. Keep it going strong!!!

DP: Anything else you want to add?

DW: Be on the lookout for "RISEN" and support horror; support Indy films and live it up!

If you want to read this interview raw, real, and uncut, check out my myspace, www.myspace.com/rdprulez/. I will have on my blog really soon.