Clifton Collins Jr. is the latest actor to take part in our Q&A series and he should be no stranger to genre fans with recent roles in Pacific Rim, Hellbenders 3D, and Transcendence. In this feature, Clifton Collins Jr. talks to us about working with Johnny Depp, researching the technical singularity, his role in Stung, and his upcoming book, 101 Ways to Cook Ramen (PRISON STYLE):

Thank you for taking the time to talk with us today. We're big fans of your work over here and always look forward to talking with you about your latest project. What was it that initially drew you to Transcendence and the character of Martin?

Really appreciate that, nothing better than good folks who appreciate ones work! I think that’s what keeps me working as hard as I do, so thank you for that!

Johnny Depp for starters. I've been trying to work with JD since way back when I auditioned for that gang episode on 21 Jump Street. He's really created an amazing library of fantastic characters throughout his career. His range is pretty amazing, and I think any actor would jump at an opportunity to work with him. Now, simply add living legend Morgan Freeman, and the rest of the tre-talented cast, top it off with Oscar winning Wally Pfister & Mr. Nolan, and voilà ! My draw to Transcendence. ;)

Regarding the role of Martin, for me this was a very different role. I read a few versions of the script and in each one his expertise in electrical engineering, nanotechnology and singularity consistently intrigued me. I also thought the relationship between Dr. Castor and his wife was so tragically romantic, I love that kind of drama. I’m aware that I am NOT Dr. Castor, but a situation arises in which Martin has to sort of be Dr. Castor’s "mouth piece" so to speak, almost embodying him. That really drew me in. Not to mention that all the technology in this feature can all be researched and studied, always a plus as its really enjoyable to have access to these kinds of tools in prepping this kind of role. So much so that it allowed me to get wonderfully lost surfing the web, discovering lectures by Ray Kurtzwell and Neuroscientist Randal Koene.

Transcendence follows Dr. Will Caster and his transformation from artificial intelligence researcher to someone who becomes both man and machine. What role does your character have in the events that transpire?

I both design and build the info structure necessary to power a facility on the scope of which can enable Dr. Castor to continue developing this life saving nanotechnology. And it’s imperative that all this be done in complete secrecy, and off the grid, keeping the Castor family safe from those that might attempt to kill them in order to steal and/or destroy his research.

Wally Pfister is well known for his work as a cinematographer and is making his feature directorial debut with this film. Having worked on many film sets, what would you say was Wally Pfister's strongest trait as a director? What was it like working with him on set?

That’s an understatement! He's known for his badassery in cinematography, I think 19 noms? It’s absurd, watching him hold the camera, its seriously like Tech Porn hahahaa…. Wally's a team player, I think that’s a strong trait, very personable, approachable, fun to be around, and you actually really like the guy. His knowledge of camera work and angles etc. goes without saying, so there’s something very comforting in experiencing that as well. The responsibilities of taking on a film of this scope can spread one really thin, and the fact that he could still find the time both on or off set to collaborate really says a lot about him. I really enjoyed the process.

After joining this project, did you do any research on artificial intelligence building? Was there anything specific that fascinated you about the science behind this movie?

I got so excited about doing the research on this picture that I think I even mentioned a lot of this in the answer to #1, but believe me, I can go on! Much like singularity, it is infinite…

Do you have a favorite on-set memory or experience that you can share with our readers?

There were so many as we all got along pretty famously, both on and off set. As you know some of our cast are English, and that said, me and Rebecca Hall had this scene in the desert, we picked up the shot that started with me laying in the warm hot sand, which I’m very comfortable with btw, and I just wanted to see how attentive Reb was, so when Wally called action and Rebecca walked up to me she just burst out laughing. Everything in the sand just blends in, but she was still able to read my finger writing in the sand that spelled out "wanker" hahaha, she's awesome and attentive!

I understand that you've been working on a new book that's titled "100 Ways to Cook Ramen 'Prison Style'". Can you tell our readers a bit about what they can expect?

For starters if you’re a college student or in that what we call "Ramen Phase" of your life, or simply just dig it, there are a slew of great recipes. On a bigger note, every recipe is matched with a real cautionary tale of whom the dish was learned from and what they learned by going to jail and or prison. The hopes being that people will both be entertained and also take account and be grateful for all that they do have, for we don't really miss or appreciate much until it’s too late. Some of the proceeds will be going to Father Gregory Boyles Homeboy Industries which helps at risk gang youths, and that feels really good!

How long have you been working on this book and who are some of the people who contributed stories/recipes?

I started working on this project after visiting my old homeboy Gustavo Alvarez aka "Goose". Chino State Prison was on a lockdown after the vicious riot of 09, I went to visit after it was lifted. Ironically I had just returned from shooting The Experiment with Adrian Brody and Forest Whitaker, and doing my Hollywood riot scene while my dude was fighting for his life in his own riot. At the end of the riot, Goose and a few other Ese's made a big giant Ramen spread to feed all the Brothers, that the C.O.'s left out in the cold, that compassion that was demonstrated by the same people who were initially fighting against each other is what this book is about, these spreads erased color lines, brought these people together.

Some of the people that have contributed are pretty spectacular, Roger Avery (Writer/director, Oscar for PULP FICTION, Taryn Manning (ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK), Danny Trejo (MACHETTE), Jacob Vargas (Oscar winning TRAFFIC, CHAVEZ), Father G, some amazing art work from legend Mister Cartoon and Estevan Oriole (LA WOMAN, LA PORTRAITS), and the word eventually got out, so now we may be stacking up stories for Cook book #2 hahaha! Hey, as long as the message keeps getting out I'm happy! My friends that own El Compadres in Down town LA all already planning the release party, its seriously that kind of love!

Can you tell our readers where they can learn more about the book? When will it be released?

We’re collecting a few last stories, and are going out to publishers next week, so there’s still a lot of work to be done, but it’s a special project as the love for this type of healing continues to grow. It’s one of the blessings of being a public figure, being able to give back, "Spreading" the love so to speak. ;)

Last year, we covered your roles in Pacific Rim and Hellbenders. Another movie we've been covering is Stung, which looks like a lot of fun. Can you tell us about your role in that film?

Stung was a fun crazy film we shot in Berlin with renowned Hacker brothers behind the effects, I play sort of Anthony Perkins/Norman Bates kinda guy who's been looked after by his mother most of his life, so I’ll let you run with that from there, that one is gonna be a crazy ride ! Notice that I took out anything to do with things that "sting". :) Some really awesome practical effects, there were days that I felt like I was working on a contemporary version of THEM. Got to work with some talented young actors, Matt O’Leary, Jessica Cook and legend Lance Henriksen, that’s right, I said it, Lance Henriksen! Badass!

Do you have any other horror/sci-fi projects coming up? Is there anything else you'd like to share with our readers?

Just keep ya'lls eyes peeled, there’s some good work coming up ahead! And I'm insanely grateful for you all, for without my fans to appreciate what I do, I am nothing, love you guys!

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