VANCOUVER, Canada - Ever seen those spoof films with Leslie Nielson? Or perhaps you had a great time watching Tom Cruise and Ben Stiller in 'Tropic Thunder'? Meet 27 years old Brent Cooper, an actor and writer from Canada who is bringing comedy to the small screen with big ambitions along with longtime friend, director Graeme Morgan.

Lake Cop 2, an over the top spoof trailer of a local sheriff turned crazed action hero brings the kind of slapstick comedy rare in such low budget situations. Brent, like many writers, is aiming high, actively looking for funding for his first feature film, which will feature the Lake Cop on a whole new level, but he doesn't need $100 million to do it.

With his project now available on Indie Gogo, Brent is sticking to crowd-sourcing as an alternative way to get financing from outside his circle and actions fans will get some much needed popcorn and cheesy one liners that make cult movies that much more enjoyable. Who can forget the unnecessary one-liners in 'Commando' starring Arnold Schwarzenegger or the over-the top stunts of Rambo as he takes on an entire army with one gun in 'Rambo III'?

Find out how Brent has journeyed into filmmaking, with a look at the 'Lake Cop 2' trailer and his viewpoint in making his vision come to reality.

Interview with Brent Cooper

Iain: What made you decide to become a filmmaker?

Brent: A key factor was the opportunity that presented itself. Its always something I've wanted to do, but film is hard to jump into (at the level I wanted to be doing it at). So, I was taking acting classes and writing, and when the opportunity for Lake Cop presented itself I dove at it (pun intended) and am taking it to its logical conclusion: a massive high-concept trilogy.

Iain: What influenced you to make the Lake Cop 2 spoof trailer?

Brent: It was originally to be a parody set within the world of a web series called "The Backshop Show". The characters on the show would talk about this awesome new movie coming out, then we see the "trailer". The concept was the director Graeme Morgan's idea, and coming from the small town lake where it is based, he noticed that small town people tend to think they are the center of the universe sometimes. So here is this rural aqua cop, who is the baddest dude in a 50 mile radius, who uses some extreme techniques to enforce lake serenity. Sounds like the biggest blockbuster of the summer.

Iain: How did you film the water-ski stunts?

Brent: I'm afraid I'm going to have to give the stock answer of "movie magic". If we make the film, all will be revealed on the DVD special features. I only hope this intrigues people a bit, because everyone does ask...

Iain: Do you have any role models in the film industry?

Brent: Certainly. Mostly the great writer-directors like Edward Zwick, James Cameron, David O. Russell, Frank Darabont, etc... It's an entirely different feel when the writer carries out the vision. Moreover, it takes an enormous amount of hard work to master both and I have deep respect for that. I do not simply aspire to imitate them, but rather I ask what is it that makes these filmmakers so great/successful...? As I understand them better, it makes me better I think. As far as actors go, there is too many to list, but I also take note not only of great actors but of those who give great attention to how they manage their careers as well. There are lessons to be learned on screen as well as off. I have many other inspirations, but again, too many to list.

Iain: What is the indie filmmaking community like near you?

Brent: In Vancouver it is alright, but not as active or large as Toronto. I think Vancouver is mainly used for LA productions who shoot here for cheap. There are lots of amateurs, and not enough money to go around, so its quite frustrating. But there are some very talented people working professionally that I'd like to meet.

Iain: If you could work with anyone who would it be?

Brent: I think anyone would be lucky to work with any A-list talent really. You have to be careful what you wish for though, because I'm probably not nearly ready to work with the greats I aspire to. Ideally, I'd work my way up and a medium pace, and perhaps one day be lucky enough to work with the King (Cameron).

Iain: What would be the ideal location to shoot and would you consider making a pilot version of your film on a smaller scale?

Brent: Ideal would be in and around Vancouver, where we shot the "trailer". There we can have some great and diverse scenery and still keep the cost down. I think at this point, with the "trailer", script, and pitch package, going out and shooting scenes or a pilot would be superfluous.   I'd like the proper support before going ahead so we can see it through to a certain production standard. Since I'm seeking a low budget of $200,000, I think going ahead for any less the quality might suffer a little too much. I feel many bad movies get sold before there is even a script, simply because an industry insider likes it and pushes it. Hopefully I can make my mark with this film.

Iain: The next phase for your project is funding. What are the avenues you are pursuing to raise money, and do you envisage an internet premiere?

Brent: I'm open to new media distribution options such as iTunes or Netflix, but its difficult to see that far ahead. With funding, I'm trying to pursue all avenues, including "crowdsourcing" through IndieGoGo, and soliciting private investors, as well as government. Investors and funding are a massive chicken-egg problem though because sometimes they want A-listers attached, or distribution secured, etc.. or a producer will expect all these things in place before they come on board. It's a complicated process without an agent to lean on.

Iain: Do you have any other movies in the pipeline?

Brent: I've got some great ideas, but its very hard to even think about developing them right now. When I started Lake Cop I already had a lot to go off of the trailer. Starting from scratch is not something I have time or money for at the moment, but the ideas ARE percolating and maturing in my head as we speak. If I can make Lake Cop, I will devote a year to writing new projects.

Iain: What would be your advice to young filmmakers looking to make spoof movies? Is youtube a good platform for promotion?

Brent: I don't think I can give advice until I've achieved some success in my own right. Although I've not had major success with YouTube, I'd still say its potentially is a good platform. If you do get lucky and develop and enormous viewership, that can be a potential bargaining chip with producers, but not necessarily. (Double rainbow guy was on Jimmy Kimmel (but it was JK who first made him famous)). I think writing is the hardest part though, so its good to spend a lot of time on that.