A Mondo Convo

by Hesh Rephun

On a cool winter evening in LA (read: long-sleeve tee weather), GSA sat down with blogger MondoMouth, and - over lunch and a few premium beers -  got some insight into what makes this smooth-talker tick.

 
GSA: Mondo, first of all, we know you're a busy blogger, so thanks for doing this interview.

 
MondoMouth: Well, you are springing for lunch at Sizzler so I'll try to give you your $11.95 worth.

GSA

: Since you traveled into the Skins Footwear and SLAM orbit this summer, you've written and directed specs spots, inspired a short film contest that's about to launch worldwide, and invaded Latin America. What are you up to now? And what's up with your blog charting so well overseas?

MM: Right now, I'm having conversations about directing a commercial in Chile, shooting a recruiting video for the City of Los Angeles, and developing a music-based idea I had into a reality television show. 

To answer part 2 of your question, I'm very grateful to be acknowledged by the international community. One of the reasons I think MondoMouth succeeds is that his humanity, his plight, overcomes all language barriers. 

GSA: Speaking of being in touch with humanity, one of the reasons we root for the Skins Footwear crew is that they tell it like it is and they're willing to take chances. Do you consider yourself a risk-taker?

 
MM: Absolutely.  I have the bumps and bruises to prove it.  I don't buy into that nonsense about the meek inheriting the earth.  You've gotta take risks or else be prepared to be a doormat.  Personally, the prospect of somebody wiping their muddy boots all over me is not appealing at all.  Anything worth doing requires risk, which is why I respect the hell out of Skins for challenging the shoe industry with a revolutionary footwear design - and taking their bumps and bruises with grace.

GSA:

In your postings, you talk a lot about subjects ranging from everyday life (see Mondo's postings on plumbing...) to the not-always-so-glam world of major motion picture production...but can you tell us a little about yourself? 

 
MM: I didn't go to film school.  I went to work.  It just so happens I went to work in the film business.  I've been fortunate in that I've crewed on multi-million dollar productions, some great feature films: Bad Boys, Apollo 13, Jade, Armageddon, Crimson Tide, World Trade Center, Lions for Lambs... and television shows like "90210, Melrose Place, 7th Heaven and Everybody Hates Chris.  It's impossible not to learn, especially when its Ron Howard, Oliver Stone, Michael Bay, Tony Scott, William Friedken or Robert Redford directing.

GSA:

Now that you're a Skins insider, have you had a chance to preview the Spring/Summer 08 line?

 
MM: Yes!  I was blown away by the fashion. It radiates colors, comfort and style. I don't want to sound like Larry King when he reviews movies - "Spectacular!" - I mean, he knows squat about movies, I know roughly the same about shoes... but I think people are gonna dig it. Between the styles and what seem like great strides with the design, I'm feeling safe saying "It's a must have for fashionistas and folks everywhere!" And note that this was an unpaid endorsement. And that it doesn't have to be that way...

 

GSA: You're getting free food and beer! Hey, can we get a sneak peek at your latest opus, or at least get a hint as to what it's about?

 

MM: I'm actually co-writing an indie movie, Band on the Run, to be shot next year in the United Kingdom.  No, it's not an English costume drama, but there are plenty of British babes in it.  Band is the compelling story, inspired by actual events of the late fifties, of a fugitive rock-n-roll singer on the lam from the law and the monarchy.  Let's just say the Queen will not be amused when this comes out.