ReVamp: The Inner Screen’s Lead Writer Shane Ramdhany, interviews James Paxton, son of famed actor and star of the original Twister film, Bill Paxton.  James shares his experience on the set of the upcoming sequel, “Twisters,” and balances poignant insight into his ongoing connection to his Dad with his goal of conceiving his own legacy as a distinguished performer.

What was your experience like working on Twisters?

The experience working on Twisters is hard to put into words because of how surreal it was.  I was on the set with Dad 30 years ago and being on the set was a “Twister” of emotions, not to use a cheesy pun (laughs).  I was so honored to be there to represent my Dad’s spirit.  The set had these insane wind machines and a crane light to simulate lightning.  My heart was beating really fast before each take!

How did it feel to walk in your dad’s footsteps? 

I try to channel my Dad every time I walk onto a film set.  It is such bittersweet feeling with Twisters because you really want to honor his presence.  I felt very connected to Dad on this set.  I know he would be cheering them on (Twisters cast and crew).

What do you love most about acting?

I like all the research that goes into preparing for the role.  I feel like 80% of the role is that.  I had a great acting coach that said you always want to explore different aspects of the character that may not ever be represented in the film.  It helps inform your performance.  One of the best pieces of advice my Dad also gave me is that it’s not you on the screen, it’s the character.  This enables me to focus on what matters most which is finding the truth of that character. 

What do you find most challenging about acting? 

Sometimes you’re presented with intense emotional scenes that can sometimes be hard to access.  Sometimes the flood gates open and you can easily produce that emotion and other times you have to draw on technique you have learned.  Dad always said you really have to treat this as a craft.  There are times I call on Dad’s spirit to help pull this emotion out for me on set.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? 

I started making music when I was 13 with a friend.  It’s a great creative outlet because you can just start making music on your own rather than having to wait for some opportunity.  I am releasing my first solo song on July 12th, I am really excited about that.  I have also been collecting furniture that people leave on the street like a coffee table and then I sand it down and use paint pens to create abstract designs all over it.  I also enjoy basketball and love to travel. The top two places I’d love to go to are Italy and Japan.

What can you share about your upcoming project Last Train to Fortune?

Last Train to Fortune was one of the most incredible filming experiences of my life. I got to act in a lead opposite Malcolm McDowell and soak up his wisdom every day on set. It’s a fantastic little Western all about the importance of reading and education, and it’s really a love letter to great teachers and mentors. I can’t wait for people to see it. I genuinely believe it’s destined to become a classic of the genre.

You're shooting a movie called Grind. What can you tell us about that?

It’s a fun horror satire all about gig workers such as Uber drivers.  It’s an allegory for corporations working people harder and harder to the bone and expecting more for less and less.  It’s presented in a fun, fantastical horror way.

Anything else you would like to share with our readers?

I always want to celebrate my Dad, I never shy away from an opportunity to talk about him, but at the same time I want people to know that I have been working hard for ten years and have been coming into my own (acting career).  I want people to know I am a trained actor and I continue to study and I continue to get better.  I hope to have a legacy of my own that my Dad would be proud of.

I would love for people to look out for my first solo single called “Count on Me.”  I am releasing it under the music moniker Love, Pax.  The video is cut in with some old family footage that Dad made with his friends.  It has never before seen footage of him when he was 19.  It comes out July 12th!

Twisters is now showing in Cinemas.