Imagine playing the clone of Jesus Christ. Okay, now imagine playing the clone of Jesus Christ in a horror film with Debbie Rochon. That has to be a fun experience, right? Jesse Kozel recently did just that for the new horror film, For Christ’s Sake. I recently interviewed Jesse.

Mike: Thanks for agreeing to the interview, Jesse. What can you tell us about your new film For Christ’s Sake?

Jesse: Thank you for asking me to do this. For Christ’s Sake is unlike anything anyone has seen. It’s not just a horror film. I believe that it contains elements of Sci-Fi, Thriller & Drama all wrapped into it. The film is so far outside the lines that people are undoubtedly going to have something to talk about when they see it.

Mike: What were your initial thoughts when reading the script to For Christ’s Sake?

Jesse: My initial thoughts were of Shock and Amazement. I had never read or seen anything like this before. The storyline is complex, the characters were well written & the progression of the film was in depth. I was taken back a bit by some of what I read, but in talking with Dustin I came to understand everything more from his perspective. I was so honored to be a part of something that was original.

Mike: What’s it like playing the Clone of Jesus Christ?

Jesse: Playing the Clone was interesting. I only had a few days to get into the character where as most of the cast had been with the project for months. I can say it was intimidating to take on such a multi-layered character and Dustin gave me the freedom to test things and develop him in a way that was slightly different then what was originally written. I so thankful to him to let me mold the character and give him layers.

Mike: I’m sure you’re more bad ass than Jim Caviezel in The Passion of the Christ?

Jesse: I would have to say “yes”. Though these are films at completely opposite ends of the spectrum. I would not want anyone to compare the two. All they share is a common name.

Mike: What was it like working with Debbie Rochon?

Jesse: Debbie Rochon is amazing. She is everything an Actor should be, compassionate, responsible, diligent, respectful and very understanding. Every actor out there should aspire to be like her. She was not someone that I was very familiar with prior to going into the film because at the time I had not seen any of her films. Though a month before I was ever approached about For Christ’s Sake, I was working at Universal Orlando for Halloween Horror Nights. Debbie and Dee Snyder were there hosting the Fangoria Radio Show. That was the first time I had seen and met her. Who knew a month later I’d be in a film, covered in blood, standing half naked in front of her. Interesting how the world works. Working with Debbie was a highlight of this entire experience. I became a better actor by working with her and for that I am eternally in her debt. She is amazing.

Mike: On the For Christ’s Sake’s MySpace Page there’s a lot of pictures from the set. Was it as fun as it looked?

Jesse: It was as much fun as it looks. During any moment of down time we were laughing. I think above all things as a group we laughed more then anything and for most people they can’t say that about any job. It was just like hanging out with a bunch of friends, even though I had only just met them.

Mike: Performance-wise, do you approach horror films differently than other films?

Jesse: No. Every character needs development and it doesn’t matter what genre the film or play may be, I will still take the time to figure out who the person is. I am especially more connected to the character after I have the wardrobe and everything that goes along with that. Once the scene is set, then I’m ready to go.

Mike: Early in your career your credits are already really diverse. Do you plan to do more horror films?

Jesse: I would love to do more horror films. If someone out there is casting, don’t hesitate to contact me. Seriously though, I am pleased with the way things are going thus far and hope that I can build a resume that continues to show range. If there is one thing I want to do before I leave this planet, it’s to make sure that I’ve built a solid career out of work that represents all who I am as a performer.

Mike: Who are some people you’d like to work with in the future?

Jesse: There are so many. But in staying with the horror genre, I really do want to work with some of the actors I did not have the chance to during “For Christ’s Sake”. Peter Stickles and Monique Dupree. Also, if someone asked me to be part of a film with Debbie Rochon again, I would jump at the offer. There is a huge list of actors and directors including, Tiffany Shepis, Robert Englund & Jamie Lee Curtis. I can’t possibly type everyone here, but hopefully I can continue to check off names on the list in my head.

Mike: Are their any upcoming films, projects or appearances you’d like to tell us about.

Jesse: I will begin production on CW Entertainment’s “Once Upon a Christmas Dream”. A very family friendly film for the holidays. I play a Train Captain of the railroad that runs through Toyland. The script is great and I am looking forward to starting that soon. Also, I am cast in Triad Pictures “Into the Basement” based on Norm Applegate’s novel of the same name. He and horror writer Nicholas Grabowsky are penning the script. I will be playing a detective with a questionable side to him. I’m really looking forward to tackling that film! As far as appearances go, you can keep up with that via my MySpace page. My schedule changes last minute all the time and I’m never really sure where I’ll be Tomorrow. That’s the best way to find out about all that stuff.

(Editor’s Note: Be sure to listen to HorrorMovieFans.com Radio tonight at 10pm EST / 7pm PST as Alex and myself will be interviewing For Christ’s Sake’s director Dustin Hubbard and actress Nicola Fiore. You can listen live at www.blogtalkradio.com/HMFradio )