Its Debbie Gibson vs Tiffany (Oops) I Mean Mega Python Vs Gatoroid On SyFy

Source: NBC / Universal

In what promises to be the television movie event of 2011, 1980s singing sensations Debbie Gibson and Tiffany get down and dirty in their long-awaited pop princess smackdown when they co-star in the ripped-from-the-headlines Syfy Saturday Original Movie, Mega Python Vs Gatoroid, which will premiere Saturday, January 29, at 9PM (ET/PT).

A production of The Asylum, Mega Python Vs Gatoroid takes an up-close-and-personal look at the crisis in the Florida Everglades where invasive Burmese pythons are threatening the indigenous alligator population. Gibson portrays a fanatical animal rights advocate who spends her evenings “liberating” illegally imported exotic snakes from pet stores and setting them free in the Everglades, where the pythons grow and thrive.

Tiffany plays an over-zealous park ranger worried about the growing ecological damage. To save her beloved alligators, she’s willing to employ dubious methods, overdosing them with steroids so they grow mega, setting off a war between the species – and putting her on a collision course with Gibson.

Mary Lambert (Pet Sematary) is director of Mega Python Vs Gatoroid – the first time a woman has directed a Syfy Saturday Original Movie. The writer is Naomi Selfman (Evil Eyes).

In their most recent Syfy roles, Tiffany starred in Mega Piranha, while Gibson starred in Mega Shark Vs Giant Octopus.

Tiffany at age 15 was the youngest female artist to have a #1 debut album. Her global smash hits include I Think We’re Alone Now, Could’ve Been, I Saw Him Standing There, and All this Time…selling more than 15 million records worldwide. To this day, her groundbreaking “mall tour” sets the precedent to launch young musical careers. Venturing into acting, Tiffany starred as the voice of “Judy Jetson” in Jetsons: The Movie and has appeared in many award winning indie festival films. In 2002 Tiffany graced the cover of Playboy; her pictorial became one of the best selling issues of all time. Her album The Color of Silence was named “one of the finest pop albums of 2000” by Billboard. 2007 marked her return to the Billboard charts with three Dance Hits. Tiffany makes her home in Nashville with her husband and son, and is currently writing and recording her country music debut.

Debbie Gibson began her career at 16 with the hit Only in My Dreams. She has sold 16 million albums and still holds the world's record for being the youngest writer/producer/performer of a #1 hit. She went on to star in critically acclaimed Broadway shows such as Les Miserables, Beauty and the Beast, and Cabaret, among others. She originated Sandy in the West End revival of Grease, breaking box office records. Gibson received rave reviews for her sold-out, one-woman show, Pop Goes Broadway, with critics calling it "the best show of the year at Harrah's." She also guest starred in Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy at MGM/Foxwoods. Currently, Gibson runs her "Electric Youth" summer camp and music programs throughout the year to mentor young aspiring songwriters and performers, as well as awards scholarships through her “Gibson Girl Foundation.” She’s also a spokesperson for Murad, Inc. As the new spokesperson for Children International, she recently spent time in impoverished villages in Manila. Her new album for Sony Japan, Ms. Vocalist, is presently Top 10 in the Billboard Charts with the first single I Love You at #1. She will be doing a concert tour overseas in February 2011.

See Also: THE CHEETAH WHORES Score A Hit For SHARKTOPUS And SyFy / MEGA SHARK vs GIGANOTOSAURUS! Okay, Enough Is Enough! / The Trailer For The Asylum's 'Mega Piranha' - Get Ready To Laugh Your Butt Off! / Tiffany To Star In The Asylum's 'Very Brady' Megapiranha Movie / Traci Lords To Play The Princess Of Mars / The Dinosaurs That Time Forgot - New Photos And Trailer / Exclusive Pics From Transmorphers: Fall Of Man / Not To Be Confused With Transformers - The First Trailer For Transmorphers Fall Of Man / Transmorphers Fall Of Man: Transforming Cell Phone Effects Shot / An Early Effects Shot From Transmorphers The Fall Of Man / Mega Shark vs Giant Octopus: How Big Is Too Big? / Its An Aquatic Monster Free For All In Mega Shark Vs Giant Octopus.....Oh And Debbie Gibson / DVD Art For The Land That Time Forgot / The Trailer For The Asylum's Terminators / The First Photos From The Land That Time Forgot / The Land That Time Forgot Remake Begins Filming / The Trailer For Asylum's Dragonquest / Exclusive Images From Asylum's The Terminators / The Top Ten Hottest Monsters Of 2008 / New Photos From Next Weeks Big Monster Movie Release / Monster (2008)

Mega Shark vs Giant Octopus - The Deborah Gibson Interview

Written By: Ken Hulsey & Deborah Gibson
Photo Credit: Olivier Henry

When you are a writer you sometimes discover, through research, that there is a story inside a story, something that is as interesting as the item that you set out to write about in the first place. Such is the case with singer, composer and now actress, Deborah Gibson. Originally I set out to write about her upcoming appearance in the movie "Mega Shark vs Giant Octopus" as kind of a lark. In doing research for my interview, I discovered that there was something else, something that plays a big part in the entertainment industry, perception.

Perception, as I stated above, plays a huge part in determining which film will strike gold at the box office and which celebrities will have long lasting careers. These perceptions are formulated in many ways. Movie trailers give potential audiences there first glimpses of upcoming films. Tabloids and news articles shape our views about celebrities. What I came to find out is, sometimes these formulated perceptions are false.

When you mention the name Deborah Gibson, most people think of an 80s pop star, who had a string of top-40 hits, who faded away, only to re-emerge in the pages of Playboy magazine a decade later and who is now trying to break into acting in some B movie. To be honest, that's the spin I put on her in an earlier article.

That was before I researched her career, and actually got to communicate with her. After that, my perception of Deborah Gibson was changed. I gained a brand-new respect for her. Unlike so many young vocalists and actors before her, when the records stopped selling, she turned her talents to Broadway and establishing a camp for nurturing budding young talent, instead of wallowing in pity, turning to drugs, or in some cases, starring in raunchy adult films. Indeed, it is unwise to try and stamp the "washed-up" label on Deborah Gibson.

In her first attempt at playing the lead role in a film, Deborah gambled on a film, which she thought wouldn't draw much attention, however, like many of her prior career moves, the gamble has paid off in a major way.

KH - First off, I think that the first question anyone would ask would be, "Why Mega Shark vs. Giant Octopus?" You would think that someone with a re-surging singing career and numerous Broadway credits under her belt would aim for a higher end film. Are you a fan of these kinds of films?

DG - I am a fan of having fun! I have a warped sense of humor and love kitch and camp so, I thought? Why not? Get my feet wet (no pun intended) in film by doing a little under the radar film.....little did I know!

KH - This isn't your first movie role. Many fans may be surprised to learn about your other films. In fact they may be very surprised to learn that you were in "Ghostbusters". Tell us something about those other roles.

DG - I was an extra in Ghostbusters at age 12! I was always a believer in getting as much experience as possible and I still believe that. I played a wacky wedding photographer in one film, a Jewish bride in another. I am always the character actress and this was a chance to be bad ass leading lady. Do I wish I could re shoot a lot of it? Um - yeah! But, I learned a lot....for the sequel!

KH - How hard is it to make the transition from signing to acting? Does doing music videos help somewhat?

DG - Music videos are so different. I am in my comfort zone. I am very animated so I am working on trying to be more understated in film. It is hard for me as a theater gal! But, you can afford to be a bit larger than life when acting opposite a shark!

KH - How hard is the transition from stage to film?

DG - Have I transitioned? (lol)



KH - Tell us about your Emma MacNeil character in Mega Shark vs Giant Octopus?

DG - Emma is a scientist who thinks outside the box and will stop at nothing to save the planet!

KH - Over the past couple of weeks the publicity for the film has just really taken off, it's kinda becoming another "Snakes on a Plane", what do you think the film is getting so much buzz?

DG - It is just so ridiculously funny! I think people wanna laugh. They wanna make fun and have fun. I totally get it

KH - This really couldn't be a complete interview without touching on your past (present) singing career. Now, I'm old enough to remember when you first came on the scene back in the late 80s. I remember an TV interview you did, where you essentially sat at a keyboard and wrote a song right there on the spot. Has composing music always been as easy as that looked for you?

DG - I believe that writers channel. I wrote many of my hits in real time. I sat at the piano and they basically wrote themselves

KH - Many celebrities and vocalists, who begin their career at an early age, as you did, often struggle to make it in the industry as an adult. You have managed to transition from pop star, to Broadway, to kinda a second coming. How were you able to succeed where so many have failed?

DG - I stay versatile and open. I don't strategize to the point that I miss opportunities. Is this film my best acting showcase? No. But, my website has gotten a gazillion hits and people can see that last month I was in Quebec performing for 12,000 people or they can youtube my Broadway stuff......I stay out there and working and enjoying myself. I believe if you are in the game long enough, the wheel comes back around! The trick is not to second guess when and how that will happen. Just do the projects you believe in or you think you will have fun with and the rest falls into place!



KH - I have to admit when I hear the name Debbie Gibson (or Deborah Gibson) I still get a mental picture=2 0of you from one of your videos, in your PJs running through the hanging laundry on the beach. Is there always struggle to get past that kind of way people see you?

DG - That is your issue, not mine! Ask your therapist but I am pretty sure it has something to do with not being able to get past your own adolescence! I am kidding! Well, half kidding! If I spent my time trying to make people form some other image of me I would never get any classic shark movies made! I leave how people perceive me up to them.

KH - That leads me to my next point, and you knew it was coming, I regards to your photos in Playboy magazine, a lot of fans were really surprised by that. Many would assume that the decision to pose naked was the ultimate attempt to erase the "teen-pop-star" stigma forever. What really was the motivation?

DG - It wasn't. People definitely have stock perceptions. They think that is every one's motivation. It is easier to put everyone in the same box. Why do people skydive? Why do people change careers in their adult life? So many people do crazier things than to pose for a men's magazine. Again - I am very simple. It sounded fun and exciting and creative and also, I knew I would have fun with people like Howard Stern....I like things that make me slightly nervous and make other people slightly uncomfortable! And, with that said - I am never bored which is the coolest thing about being me.

KH - Tell us about "Camp Electric Youth". Will you be doing another one?

DG - Yes! I am doing a summer camp in July. www.DeborahGibsonsElectricYouth.com has all the info. It is so amazing to see a kid walk in who is insecure in school, at home..... They will say "I have an idea for a song but it is not very good" Cut to, months later, they have finished it, recorded it, and performed it in Hollywood onstage in front of their family, friends, peers, and celebs. That has been what I have witnessed this year in so many kids. I am just the facilitator.... I just sit back and watch and chime in when need be to encourage, support, and shape. It is magical.

KH - Now that Mega Shark vs Giant Octopus has created some buzz do you think that it will lead to more roles? Are you looking to do more films?

DG - I would love to do more for sure! And, have more than a week's notice and 3 weeks to shoot! I think I need to do a movie musical in this lifetime for sure.... I am mainly focused on my music right now though, which reflects where I am in my life. I am so happy, comfortable in my own skin, in tune with what is relevant, but with no desire to be 23 years old. I look at women like Tina and Cher and love that they have always owned their uniqueness and age and stand for empowerment

KH - What's up next? Is there another album on the horizon? An upcoming tour?

DG - Definitely an album and I would love to tour and eventually land in a Vegas showroom where I can connect the dots of my career and perform my old hits, hits that are forthcoming, and Broadway material.

KH - I always give the people an opportunity to leave with a personal message to their fans. What do you want to tell them?

DG - I have super loyal fans who have defended me to the death when need be and have embraced my sense of humor and my artistic path and for that I am humbled and thankful!

See Also: Mega Shark vs Giant Octopus: How Big Is Too Big? / Its An Aquatic Monster Free For All In Mega Shark Vs Giant Octopus.....Oh And Debbie Gibson

Mega Shark vs Giant Octopus: How Big Is Too Big?

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Sources: Paul Bales (The Asylum) / Avery Guerra

For centuries man has pondered the question, "How big is too big?" Now generally the question has referred to things like houses, cars, boats.....um....women's chests and other material things. Now, however, the question may asked of movie monsters.

Sure, there have been tons of gigantic critters in movies throughout the decades, such as King Kong, Godzilla, Gamera, The giant ants from Them!, Gappa, and Reptilicous. The list goes on and on.

Leave it to the folks over at The Asylum to create two monsters that make all of those monsters look like midgets. Monsters so large that they even eclipse the fame of their cinema co-star, 80s pop sensation, Debbie Gibson. Yes, we are talking huge!

Oh, did I forget to mention that these monsters are a giant octopus and a giant shark, the two nastiest predators in the ocean?

My bad.

Oh, sure the shark in "Jaws" was big.....and scary, but we are talking about a shark so big that it could rise out of the bay and bite the span of the Golden Gate Bridge.

That sure sounds big!


We are talking about an octopus so large that it could munch down a nuclear submarine like it was a Good & Plenty.

Well how big is that you may ask? Well lets do a size comparison. Look at the photo of the shark attacking the sub. Okay, now look at the photo below of Godzilla attacking a submarine. Sorry, the only photo I could find is of a figurine, but it proves my point.

That's one heck of a giant octopus!

Now, here's the question, are these monsters too big? Is there such a thing?

If you like em big, and a lot of people do, then "Mega Shark vs Giant Octopus" should be right up your alley.



For me, just a hand-full is enough........what.......oh, yeh, I mean that I prefer the 100-meter-tall and under monster crowd.

See Also: Its An Aquatic Monster Free For All In Mega Shark Vs Giant Octopus.....Oh And Debbie Gibson / DVD Art For The Land That Time Forgot / An Early Effects Shot From Transmorphers The Fall Of Man / The Trailer For The Asylum's Terminators / The First Photos From The Land That Time Forgot / The Land That Time Forgot Remake Begins Filming / The Trailer For Asylum's Dragonquest / Exclusive Images From Asylum's The Terminators / The Top Ten Hottest Monsters Of 2008 / New Photos From Next Weeks Big Monster Movie Release / Monster (2008)

Its An Aquatic Monster Free For All In Mega Shark Vs Giant Octopus.....Oh And Debbie Gibson

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Sources: The Asylum / Avery Guerra

If you are a fan of "Monster Quest" or some sort of cryptozoology nut, like I am, then you have probably been following stories of giant octopus and and squid for some time. Recent film footage obtained by the program have proven that indeed giant eight tentacled beasties do inhabit our oceans.

That being true, how cool would it be if we really got a chance to see one of these giant oceanic predators in action? Well the folks over at The Asylum were thinking along those lines when they began production on their latest monster film, "Mega Shark vs Giant Octopus."

With this one you get exactly what is advertised, a giant shark going toe-to-toe with a giant octopus.

Well the fine people over at The Asylum were good enough to send us a very early effects shot of the battle between two of the oceans greatest predators. Pretty cool, huh?

The film, which is slated for a direct to video release on May 26th, was written and directed by Ace Hannah, stars Deborah Gibson and Lorenzo Lamas.

Deborah Gibson.....? Wait a minute! Debbie Gibson? Wow! That is name that I hadn't heard in a long time.

For those of you not old enough to remember Debbie Gibson.....oh, sorry, Deborah Gibson, she was a perky little pop singer from the 80s. She had a string of top 40 hits like, "Shake Your Love" and "Only In My dreams." In fact she was pretty big back in the day before everyone got sick of the 'bubble gum' and she faded into obscurity.

You have to hand to good old Debbie.....sorry...Deborah...though. She fought hard to shake the cutesy image by posing nude in Playboy. She even performs live now in a G-string. Even though she went from Debbie to Deborah, and tries to act like a 'naughty girl', the 'teen pop star' mantle sticks to this day.

If you were lucky enough to be born after Debbie Gibson's music, then get down on your knees a thank God for sparing you from her "Electric Youth."

I doubt that starring in "Mega Shark vs Giant Octopus'" is going to lead to a lasting film career for Deborah.

See Also: The Land That Time Forgot Remake Begins Filming / The Trailer For Asylum's Dragonquest / Exclusive Images From Asylum's The Terminators / The Top Ten Hottest Monsters Of 2008 / New Photos From Next Weeks Big Monster Movie Release / Monster (2008)