Call Him Bruce
Cult Classic Film Hero Bruce Campbell on Everything from Filmmaking to Old Spice

By Jeff Freeman

Leading man, set builder, western lawman, security guard, Navy SEAL, cab driver, King of Thieves, Jack of all Trades, Elvis impersonator, usher, maître d’, writer, director, Old Spice pitchman, star of arguably some of the greatest cult classic films of all time, “The Evil Dead,” “Army of Darkness” and “Bubba Ho-Tep” among them.

One would be hard-pressed to think of a role Bruce Campbell hasn’t tackled, whether as an actor or in the working world. After all, Campbell is from the old school where actors paid their dues, and loving ones’ craft sometimes meant not being paid. The self-professed “B-movie” actor with the rugged looks of a ’40s matinee idol is one of the most recognized names in film — independent or otherwise. Fans will line up, hundreds deep, for hours just for an autograph and a chance to shake his hand.

Floating around the Internet is more evidence: dozens of fan clubs, Bruce Campbell action figures, mock Campbell’s Soup label images (“Cream of Darkness” flavor, of course), and a production of “Evil Dead, The Musical.” 

Still, Campbell entertains crowds not only with his films but via public speaking where he demonstrates a good-natured wit, poking fun at his fans, friends and career. Bruce took a moment out from his busy schedule playing “Sam Ash” on the USA Network hit series “Burn Notice” to answer a few questions from The Lead.

Your biography, ‘If Chins Could Kill’ gave an extensive history regarding the first ‘Evil Dead’ film. Involved in so many aspects of the production, how did that experience shape you as an actor and filmmaker?
It changed everything, because being involved in front of and behind the camera became the norm. It made me very sensitive to the needs of the crew around me — the wall between cast and crew dissolved, and it makes for a better filmmaking experience.

Now that you’re also writing, directing and producing films, how difficult is it to be both in front of and behind the camera during a production?
It’s more liberating from a creative standpoint, in that I can do anything I want on any given day, but it’s more homework. I can do without the sleep, so it’s worth it.
The video age has made it possible for pretty much anyone with a camcorder to make a movie. What advice would you give the prospective filmmaker on getting their work noticed?
Just make a good flick and you’ll get noticed. There is no point trying to do the ‘P.T. Barnum thing’ if you don’t have the film to back it up. Spend more time making the film than selling it and you’re way ahead of the game.

Following up on that, what particular challenges do you see for the low budget filmmaker these days?
The internet is a help, but it’s not the answer. You need to focus on making a story that is compelling enough — and original enough — to capture the attention of a distracted audience. Also, filmmakers need to know that it takes a while for their film to seep into the consciousness of America, let alone the world. Patience is a virtue.

I have to ask because I enjoyed them so much, how did you become the spokesman for Old Spice? And how did that whole campaign evolve?
They were circling the block for a while, asking about ‘availability.’ Eventually, we said, ‘hey guys, interested or not?’ They jumped in and I was glad to be a part of what is a very creative ad campaign. I got a little scared about the second commercial, where I had to sing and play the piano — which I told Proctor and Gamble I could not do — but they seemed fine with it, so go figure!

Unlike some actors, who treat their fans as an annoyance, you seem to genuinely enjoy and appreciate your fans. I know sometimes fans can get a little... over-anxious. How do you maintain your positive attitude?
These people are my clients. By acknowledging their existence, it also allows me to take cheap shots back as a result. I’d prefer a 50-50 deal — they support what I do and I try hard to entertain them as a result.

How do you approach a new project, as a writer/director/producer? What steps do you take to organize your time and resources?
It’s not that big of a deal, because by doing multiple jobs, I technically eliminate 3 to 4 layers of the creative process. It’s a ‘cut to the chase’ approach. This allows for a singular source of answers for actors and crew members. It might not always be ideal, but it’s great for the guy in charge.

What’s the single most important thing that the independent filmmaker should know when making a movie?
Learn how to manage time and money. Don’t be blind to it. Don’t be afraid of it. Get familiar with the entire process.

With your longtime friendship with Sam and Ted Raimi and Rob Tapert going all the way back to your school days in Michigan, do you all ever get together and discuss doing another project together?
We have a lot of business together either way, so I always have a chance to chat with the boys. We will do something together again one day for sure — it’s just a matter of time.

Other than ‘Burn Notice,’ what can your fans expect to see from Bruce Campbell in the near future?
I’m hoping to do a sequel to ‘My Name is Bruce’ called ‘Bruce Vs. Frankenstein,’ but we’ll see what shakes out. As always, filmmaking is about funding...

Find out more about Bruce Campbell’s work at usanetwork.com/series/burnnotice, and at his official site at bruce-campbell.com.

comments@theleadmiamibeach.com