MUFFProfile: Tamra Davis is Super Awesome
But you already knew that, obviously.
The first thing we thought of when we decided to screen Half Baked was: “How can we get Tamra Davis involved?!” And while we have neither the funds or teleporting abilities to get Ms Davis to the screening itself, we figured maybe if we asked super nice and got super lucky she could answer some questions for us.
Guess what: she did! Not only that: she also recorded a special intro for us to play before the film! But we’re saving that for the peeps who come to the screening so sorry-not-sorry, the rest of you suckers. (Ahem, you still have time to drop all your evening plans and come, ahem.)
But enough rambling, here is director extraordinaire Tamra Davis:
Did you have any idea when you were filming that Half Baked would become the cult classic that it is today?
Tamra Davis: No. You never know… but we all thought it was hilarious while we were making it. That’s all you can do—make sure it works for you at the moment.
You’ve now worked in music videos, film, and television. Do you have a favourite? If so, why?
TD: No, I enjoy them all. Any opportunity I get to direct is the same thing. I approach them all with the same immersion and first love excitement. There really is no difference and I find that it all crosses over. I just did the finale for Star and I was shooting music videos and performance and drama—it’s all kind of the same thing. I was grateful that I have a huge music video background for when I had to approach a concert scene. I am also so excited to connect and get the best performance from a talented actor/actress. It’s all about trust and respect!
Crossroads was the last feature film you did and since you’ve worked primarily in television. Was that a conscious choice?
TD: Yes, because I was mid-thirties when I finished Crossroads and I really wanted to have a baby. I miscarried in post and again when I was making Keep Your Eyes Open. I decided if I wanted to have a baby I had to focus on that with all my heart the same way I willed myself to be a director… and it happened. I had a baby and then right when I thought I was ready to go back to work I found out I was pregnant again. But I made my cooking shows and then the Basquiat film, so I think it was a good time for me creatively as well.
[Editor’s note: if you haven’t experienced these cooking shows, you must drop everything immediately. Here, we’ll start you off below.]
You mentioned at a Q&A in London (MUFF founder Siân was in attendance!) that you were hoping to get back into feature films and had a project in the works. Can you give us a little hint about it?
TD: I am ready to make a feature. My boys are teenagers now and they don’t need mommy around 24–7. It’s better for them, ’cause honestly I would still tie their shoes if they let me. I have loved doing television and will continue to love it. It’s exciting and there are so many talented people to work with. But, I still have movies in me. I also feel like I can get a movie made and if I can push Hollywood to make a movie with a woman, I am down for that title. I honestly feel like I have something to prove still and at this era in my life and I have few distractions.
Do you have a favourite scene from Half Baked?
TD: I have a few for sure. I loved Killer the Dog. I also loved when Dave works at the lab and sees the weed the first time. It was so fun.
Do you have any amazingly hilarious stories from when you filmed Half Baked?
TD: We honestly were working so hard and just putting all the funny on the screen. After work we would hang out and laugh and Dave would tell funny stories but I don’t remember anything specifically. You have to stay really keen while you are shooting so you catch the lightening in the bottle. I do believe the energy of Dave and Neal at that time—I think they were 23?—was incredible and they were fire.
What was filming in Toronto like, other than the greatest experience of your life?
TD: I love working and living in Canada. I rented a cool house and we would hang out there. I had a bike and was really into all the food. I had filmed Billy Madison there a few years earlier so I had a lot of happy memories.
