Douglas Vermeeren

Can you share your experience playing Lucifer in “Unnatural 2”? What was it like working with director Whit Whitman?

Playing Lucifer on ‘Unnatural 2’ was great. One of the best parts of this film was reuniting with several actors and a director I had worked with before. It’s always so much fun to reconnect with people you haven’t seen for such a long time. Anyone who has had any experience working on a movie knows that reconnecting with people you’ve worked with before almost feels like a family reunion.

Working with Whit is always a blast. He is a very spontaneous director yet knows exactly what he wants. He works very fast, and he’s good at getting actors to give their best work. This was our second time working together, yet I’m sure it won’t be the last.

How did you prepare for your role as gangster Archie Baker in “Clean Right Hook”?

Archie was a fun character to play. When I first started prepping for the role I do what I do with most roles. I ask who I already know who is like this person. Archie is a very violent, narcissistic, party animal type. He doesn’t care much about what others think and, he didn’t spend a lot of time thinking about the future. He’s incredibly impulsive. So you can imagine there aren’t many people like him. And I spent a while to trying to find someone like Archie already in my life. I couldn’t. So I had, I had to find sources from many people I had met or knew.  It was a lot of research. But I love Archie and found him so fascinating.

What challenges did you face while shooting “Deadly Endings” in New Haven, and how did you overcome them?

I have to be careful about this so I don’t give away any significant plot points or spoilers. Let me frame it this way. My character lives in a neighborhood where a vampire moves in just a few doors down the road. There is a scene in the film where the vampire and I meet, and there is some conflict. (Actually, a significant conflict) It gets messy. VERY MESSY. I won’t say how it ends, but let me put it this way: it definitely required me to take the garden hose and wash myself off of the front lawn of the house we were shooting in before going anywhere off set afterwards.  And here I am three months, later still finding fake blood in my hair and under my fingernails.

“Mafia Spies” is based on a fascinating book. How did you approach your role in this documentary series, and what was the most surprising thing you learned during filming?

This was one of the most fun projects I have ever been on. I think it has much to do with the fact that I love this time in U.S. History. There were so many surprising things that I never knew and I think the public wasn’t aware either. Many of the events from this docu-series are based on hidden activities from the C.I.A., F.B.I., the mafia, celebrities and Presidents.  I think anyone watches this series will be very surprised about what happened behind the scenes with some incredibly significant historical events

You attended the Cannes Film Festival this year. How was that experience, and did it influence your perspective on your career?

The Cannes Film Festival is always a great experience. I try to attend every year. Not only are there so many great films that are shown at the festival, but the connections, reconnections, and networking are really an important part of growing in the entertainment industry. I used to live in France so a lot of fun returning to France any time I get the chance. South France is one of the most beautiful places on the planet.

Forbes Celebrity magazine named you one of their top ten celebrities. How does it feel to receive such recognition, and what impact has it had on your career?

I am often surprised as I get recognized for the work I do. I love what I do and have so much fun that I frequently forget this, is a job too. Forbes was very kind to recognize me. It’s been a great year with so many great projects. One of the things about the awards and recognitions that many people forget when it comes to film is that I am just part of a team. Any recognition or are really not just about me. Someone has written the great stories and scripts. Someone else shot t; other costars acted alongside me. Incredible crews have made that all work. Those in the editing room have put it all together. And the list goes on. I couldn’t do what I do without all of that support. And then on top of that are the wonderful people who decide to watch the films we make. I sincerely appreciate everyone who made all of this possible. I feel like I am a very small part of the magic that happens when a film is made. But I am very grateful for it and I am incredibly thankful that people enjoy these projects.

You’ve worked with a variety of filmmakers and production teams. Which collaboration has been the most memorable for you and why?

Every project that I have been involved in has special moments that come with it. Naturally, some are more difficult than others, but it’s not necessarily because of the people. Sometimes, shooting in remote locations and cold or hot weather can be difficult. But these kinds of moments create beautiful memories. They bond all of us in the film together.  This may sound strange, but connections and collaborations often weaken when a shoot is easy. When we have a little adversity, I think it makes everybody connect better as a team.

Your roles in “JackKnife” and “Tenants” have earned you several awards. What do these accolades mean to you personally and professionally?

It always feels great to have your efforts validated. I really enjoyed working on both of these films. I do my best on every project I am invited to participate in. You never know which characters or projects will resonate with audiences or film festivals. I take on projects that I think are fun and interesting. It’s pretty cool when others see the same about my selected projects and characters.

Can you tell us more about your role in “Alien Horde” and what drew you to this project?

This will be my second movie with the Mahal brothers. Michael Mahal reached out to me about this project and he seemed so excited and passionate about it that I couldn’t say no.  Science fiction has also been one of my favorite genres for years. I am really excited about this film and eager to see how the visual effects bring everything to life.

You have an upcoming nomination at the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival. How are you preparing for this event, and what does this nomination signify for you?

I am so honored and delighted to be nominated for this award. This is one of the biggest and most important film festivals in Canada. I am grateful for the nomination. I really think it’s a big deal. Obviously, I can’t predict what will happen with that nomination, and there are often so many talented people considered for these awards. It makes me nervous. But I already feel grateful to have my work considered alongside these other talented actors.