By day, Chris Ryan is the morning radio host of 97.1 KEGL in Dallas, but by night he is Caligari, host of pirate radio's American Nightmare. Chris took some time out to discuss his first venture into acting as he assumed the role of Caligari in American Nightmare.

What would you say the movie, American Nightmare, is about?

It's an in depth look at human nature and the strugle there in. No, it's about someone who goes around killing people for god knows why. I'm sure Jon Keeyes - the director - will be pleased with that answer. It's a classic horror/psycological thriller type thing. It's about time someone made a good one. I'm just glad I was a part of it.

Tell me about your character, Caligari?

He has a pirate radio show in Dallas/Ft Worth, Texas. He's a very disturbed individual. I haven't seen the final cut, but if half the stuff we filmed makes it, we could be in some trouble. Caligari serves as a narrator of sorts for the film. All these people's lives, in the movie, are intertwined
on his radio show. It was a great idea to have a character such as Caligari in the film because you learn so much about the other characters from what is said on his show. I only hope I got across what Jon had in mind for the character.

What is the radio show, American Nightmare?

Again, this is Caligari's priate radio show. The movie takes place on Halloween night, so throughout the film Caligari is taking calls and discussing macabre things. Since it is a "pirate" radio show, anything goes (and does). It's really like nothing I've heard heard on the airwaves.

How did you get the role of Caligari?

I do a radio show in Dallas. Jon listened to the show some and I sparked something in him that reminded him of this character, Calagari. He emailed me, we talked, and here I am. I'd never acted before, but I'd always wanted to try. Jon gave me that opportunity. Since Calagari was a "radio guy" everything came pretty natural. In fact, some of the lines are ad libbed in the movie. For me, those where the most comfortable parts of the filming process.

What did you do to prepare for playing Caligari?

I watched some movies that featured people on the radio. I took a lot from characters like Christian Slater's character in "Pump Up The Volume." Also, I'm a big fan of "The Shining," so there might be a little Jack in there. I talked with Jon about the character, his background and motivation. And, I did a radio show.

What was the experience like for you?

It was great. That cast was outstanding. Jon and the crew where phenomenal. I don't think it could have went better. I was so surprised at the professionalism of everyone on the sets. It was really inspiring. Everyone did a fantastic job. If Jon ever does anything else (and I'm sure he will), I would be a part of it at the drop of a hat.

How much leeway did you have to play with the Caligari character or the dialogue?

Quite a bit. Since I'm on the air everyday without any sort of script, it just came kind of natural. There are some tirades that Calagari goes on that are very close to the script, but there are also parts where Jon would just say action and I would just go off on whatever came to mind. I've heard that some of those scenes came out the best. Is that a testament to my ad-libbing ability? No, it probably shows my in-ability to memorize a script.

You are a radio dj by trade. Can you tell me about that?

I work at The Eagle in Dallas. I've been doing radio for 10 years.

How does it differ being a dj and playing one in a movie?

Once I got used to the camera and all the lights it was fine. I got very comfortable towards the end of the shooting. Almost as comfortable as being on the air. So, I'd say there wasn't much difference once we got rolling on it. I hope that comes across in the movie.