Episode 103: Lee Wilkof on his film “No Pay, Nudity.”

Director Lee Wilkof talks about the production of his film, “No Pay, Nudity” (starring Gabriel Byrne and Nathan Lane), as well as his work as an actor on the musicals “Little Shop of Horrors” and “Assassins.”

LINKS

A Free Film Book for You:  https://dl.bookfunnel.com/cq23xyyt12

Another Free Film Book:  https://dl.bookfunnel.com/x3jn3emga6

Fast, Cheap Film Website: https://www.fastcheapfilm.com/

Eli Marks Website:  https://www.elimarksmysteries.com/

Albert’s Bridge Books Website:  https://www.albertsbridgebooks.com/

YouTube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/c/BehindthePageTheEliMarksPodcast

“No Pay, Nudity” trailer:  https://youtu.be/toO8g8fgtP4

Lee Wilkof revisits “Suddenly Seymour”:  https://youtu.be/x7DNEts0yQQ

“Suddenly Seymour” from MDA Telethon:  https://youtu.be/b4tddRw6JVU

“Little Shop” TV spot:  https://youtu.be/itYxORbajSc

TRANSCRIPT

The Occasional Film Podcast - Episode 103

NATHAN LANE 0:00

I had one of the best times I’ve ever had making a movie doing this, this little teeny-tiny film. One could say it’s a niche film. And yet I think everyone can relate to the notion dreams lost or shattered and you think it’s going to turn out one way and it doesn’t. And how do you come to terms with that?

 

JOHN GASPARD

That was the one and only Nathan Lane talking about his experiences making Lee Wilkof’s lovely film, “No Pay, Nudity.” 

Hello, and welcome to episode 103 of the Occasional Film Podcast, the occasional companion podcast to the Fast Cheap Movie Thoughts blog. I'm the blog's editor, John Gaspard. 

Today we're talking with long time actor and first-time director Lee Wilkof about his film “No Pay, Nudity.” It's the story of Lester Rose, a mid-career actor in crisis about show business in particular, and life in general. It stars Gabriel Byrne, Frances Conroy, Boyd Gaines, Donna Murphy, and Nathan Lane. 

[AUDIO EXCERPT FROM THE FILM’S TRAILER]

When I saw the name Lee Wilkof listed as director during the film's credits, I thought where do I know that name from? I racked my brain and then it came to me. Suddenly.

[LEE WILKOF SINGING “SUDDENLY, SEYMOUR”]

Lee originated the role of Seymour Krellborn in the Off Broadway production of a little musical called “Little Shop of Horrors,” and went on to originate the role of Samuel Bick in Stephen Sondheim's “Assassins.” 

He talked about those two memorable roles at the end of our conversation. But first we talked about “No Pay, Nudity”, which was his first time as a film director. 

Tell me what it was that made you decide, hey, at this point after stage and TV and movies, I want to direct.

LEE WILKOF 3:20  

It was something that was gnawing at me for the last 10 years, just something that I always wished I had done. I never said I wish I wasn't an actor, and I wish I had been a director. But it was something that I just felt that I thou