Movies & TV / Columns

Jack Shulruff On Starring In Roommate Wanted, Moviemaking Heroes

October 15, 2020 | Posted by Bryan Kristopowitz

The 411 Interview: Jack Shulruff

Jack Shulruff is an actor, writer, producer, and director who has been appearing in short films and movies, television, and video games (voice overs) since at least 2012. Shulruff has appeared in such short films as Capsules and Uninvited and such TV shows as Blood Relatives, Unusual Suspects, and Murder in the Heartland. Shulruff’s latest movie is the horror comedy thriller Roommate Wanted, written and directed by Michael McCartney and which just had its world premiere at the 2020 Salem Horror Film Festival. In this interview, Shulruff talks with this writer about making Roommate Wanted, working with the director and cast, and more.

Bryan Kristopowitz: How did you get involved with Roommate Wanted?

Jack Shulruff: I was submitted to the project via my manager and the casting director Paul reached out because he thought I may be a great fit for the role after seeing my reel. Ultimately this was all sent on to Michael, and then I had a really great audition and ultimately ended up meeting with Michael and we really saw the character in the same way, and I was happy to be asked to join the production.

BK: How did you approach your character Dean? Was it difficult to keep track of all of Dean’s “alternate personalities”? What was your favorite “alternate personality”?

JS: I really just tried to do my best to find the truth in each individual scene. I treated each of Dean’s personalities as different characters with different points of view, and when you just approach it scene by scene like that I think it makes it easier to separate the personalities and find honesty in each of them.

BK: What was it like working with director Michael McCartney?

JS: Working with Michael was such a joy! Truly one of the kindest, most gracious directors I’ve ever worked with. He’s a stand-up guy and really works hard to make sure everyone is having a good time on set and feeling good about the work they’re doing. I’m so grateful to have gotten to work with him and now consider him a good friend!

BK: What was it like working with Angelique Sabrina White, who plays Maria, and Ricky Cruz, who plays Ricky?

JS: Angelique and Ricky are ROCK STARS! We had such a blast working together and I have so much love for these two. Angelique was always such a giving scene partner and Ricky was literally cracking everyone up left and right! Genuinely such fun, talented people that I feel lucky to have gotten to work so closely with.

BK: What was the hardest part of making Roommate Wanted for you, as an actor? What was the easiest?

JS: I would say the hardest part was some of the more violent scenes. I’m definitely way goofier in real life, so tapping into “crazy killer mode” was a fun challenge for me. The easiest part was showing my butt in the pool during the party scene. That just comes naturally to me.

BK: Do you have a real life background in IT and computers?

JS: I do not! Computers are scary and they’re taking over the world! There are some good horror movies about that, too…

BK: Is it right to call Roommate Wanted a horror comedy or is it more of a comedy thriller?

JS: Good question. It’s definitely a unique genre film which makes that tricky. For some viewers it’ll make you laugh more than it’ll scare you, and for others vice versa, so I think it’s really up to the viewer whether to classify it more as horror or comedy or thriller. I hadn’t heard it described as a “comedy thriller” yet but I think that’s a great assessment.

BK: According to imdb you’ve directed a short film, The Wine. How will audiences be able to see that short film and is directing something that you hope to pursue in the future?

JS: So glad you stumbled upon The Wine! We’re actually in the final weeks of post-production and are so excited to share it once it’s finished. We’re hoping to hit some comedy festivals and then will eventually release it online. Feel free to follow me on Instagram at @jackshulruff for updates. I’ve directed for theater before but this was my first stab at directing for film and it was way too much fun! I’d definitely love to do it again in the future.

BK: Any moviemaking heroes?

JS: Oh wow! Spielberg for sure. And definitely Tarantino. And then on a whole other level, anything Will Ferrell or Jim Carrey or Robin Williams have done I would also consider heroic.

BK: Any upcoming projects you can tell us about?

JS: I’ve got a couple of projects up my sleeve that I’ve been writing and working on with some friends, so hopefully we’ll get to producing some new work soon. Things are tricky right now with the pandemic, but it has been a great time to dive into the development process on a lot of ideas that were in the back of my mind and hopefully we can get them shooting soon.

BK: What do you hope audiences get out of Roommate Wanted?

JS: All I hope is that they find it entertaining and have some fun watching it. It’s a wild, wacky, unique film and my hope is that audiences have a good time along the way.

BK: Would you want to appear in a Roommate Wanted 2?

JS: YES! Where do I sign?

BK: Just how much luggage did Dean have?

JS: 8 suitcases, 6 duffel bags, and don’t even get me started on his knife collection…

BK: What do you look for in a roommate?

JS: Preferably someone who’s not a sociopathic multi-personality killer. But more importantly, someone who is clean, is inspiring to be around, and who likes to have fun!