Monday 25 March 2013
The G-String Horror (2012)
(Online Screener Copy)
Directed by Charles Webb
Written by Charles Webb
Stars: Debra Lamb, Genna Darling, Natasha Talonz, Trevor O'Donell, Mike Gleason, Ed Bowers.
Release: DVD (US) June 18 2013
Many thanks to director Charles Webb for sending me a online screener of his new film The G-String Horror. While the films title literally screams 'gory slasher in a strip joint' you will hopefully be pleasantly surprised by what you will see here. Not that many fans wouldn't enjoy aforementioned slasher flick but I think its always a refreshing change to see something different that challenges expectations.
The film plays out as a kind of cross between found footage and shockumentary as a film crew decide to shoot a movie in a reportedly haunted strip club in San Francisco. After hearing some creepy tales about some of the buildings bizarre happenings (and seeing some of these for ourselves via found footage) we start to follow the film crew in action. Sadly for these people, the spirits of those that have died within the buildings walls are about to come and make their own film...
I really enjoyed The G-String Horror partly because I already love the style of these kind of movies but also because this offering was far more idiosyncratic than your standard found footage horror movie. I kind of felt like I watching a found footage/cinema verite horror film set in a strip joint from Twin Peaks which we never knew existed when we first watched the show. Seriously. Further to this, there is some extremely unsettling imagery in this film and I found myself a bit creeped out several times. I think anyone who finds dolls in the slightest bit scary then well...I think its only fair to warn you that this film shows some of the freakiest little plastic creations you may ever see!
There are a few nasty moments of gore which will please fans who bemoan the lack of a gruesome pay off in the found footage sub genre. Watch out for a very nasty dagger to head scene.....
My only small gripe with the film is that while some of the acting really works, some of it grates just a little bit. This is in some of the scenes where characters are acting hysterical and it just comes across as a little bit over the top. Still, I wouldnt let that put you off, the film is still worth your time.
You can head over to Amazon now to pre-order your copy if you live in the states (or own a multi region DVD player). Hopefully news on a UK release will be with us very soon. To stay up to date, please do visit The G-String Horrors official website.
Thursday 21 March 2013
CINDY MAPLES GETS HACKED IN THE HEAD - AN INTERVIEW
Fast becoming an indie horror favourite, I was very lucky to grab a few words with the lovely Cindy Maples. Cindy's growing popularity is pretty much thanks to her obvious versatility as an actress, playing absolute polar opposites of previous characters in all of her films. If you are familiar with the films of Big Biting Pig Productions (and you should be) then these are a case in point if you consider Cindy's role in Hell is Full and then go on and watch her in The Creepy Doll! Read on for our great interview and be sure to get yourself familiar with Cindy's work - its fair to say there will be MUCH more to come from this lady!
Hacked in the Head: Hey Cindy thank you so much for taking the time to talk to me! You seem to be becoming ever more popular for your work in indie horror which is amazing as I have enjoyed your characters in all of the films I have seen you in. How do you feel about the recognition your work is getting?
Cindy Maples: Greetings from across the pond and THANK YOU so much for asking me! I’m always thrilled when either my performance or a film I’m in is recognized. Indie film is a tough business, because there are so many of us out there doing it, so to be singled out in such a large crowd is always very humbling and inspiring.
Hacked in the Head: To expand on your acting roles I would love to hear more about your experiences with Big Biting Pig Productions. What was your favourite role for BBP and why?
Cindy Maples:I’ve been lucky enough to work on three BBPP movies, WIDOW, HELL IS FULL and THE CREEPY DOLL. Vivian Potts from WIDOW will always be my favorite role from those three movies. Vivian was such a flawed and rich character that forced me to find this darkness inside that I didn’t even know existed. It was a wonderfully wicked role that I think only comes along once in a lifetime. I had done so much research for that role, that by the time it was over I felt that I was starting to exhibit some of her psychosis. Of course that could have just been exhaustion. Anytime I have to challenge myself like that, I find it much more rewarding and my performance is always enhanced because of it. It’s also special because it was my first movie role, until that point I had only done theatre.
One of the more interesting stories from WIDOW happened on the last night of principle photography when I had to drive home at 2:00 in morning covered in blood. I remember being so tired and praying during the entire trip that I wouldn’t get pulled over. I wasn’t sure that a cop would understand that I wasn’t really dying or that I didn’t just kill someone. Needless to say I learned to always bring a change of clothes with me. Also, I really enjoyed playing the role of Olivia in HELL IS FULL, I’m mean who doesn’t love vomiting blood and turning into a flesh eating zombie.
Hacked in the Head: I loved Vivian Potts also, what a complex character, and I have a real soft spot for your role of Emily Carraway in The Creepy Doll.
I am also a HUGE fan of your short but fantastic role in Jakob Bilinski's short film Bloody Hooker Bang Bang. I wish you could have been around for the blood soaked finale. Do you think there could be bigger plans for this character? I among, many others have harassed poor Jacob to make a feature length spin off from the short ;)
Cindy Maples:I would have LOVED to been around for the blood-soaked finale! Unfortunately, my character just starts the chaos and then sits back and waits. I’m really proud of this short film and all the attention it’s getting. Hopefully someday everyone who has asked for more will get a chance to at least see the extended version. I’ve heard some rumors of more coming from the Hook Squad and that Momma Crowe would make a return, but at this time I can neither confirm nor deny those rumors.
I remember the e-mail from Jake about this film. He simply said, “Hey, I’m doing this grindhouse short and have a part that I would like you to do.” My response was something like “you had me at grindhouse.” Then he sends me the script and I discover that I get to play a bat-shit crazy, head of an underworld crime family and I think I smiled for 3 days straight. I adore Jake and his work is amazing. So I think it’s safe to say that anytime he asked me to do something, I would move heaven and earth to be there.
Hacked in the Head: Awesome, I will make sure Jake reads this :) Momma Crowe was a fantastic character and lets face it - she causes all the bad stuff to go down so you certainly make a huge impact in that film!
I also understand you are making your foray into directing? Tell me more!
Cindy Maples: Even though the cast and crew would say that I was doing some directing, I am actually trying my hand at producing. As an actress I sometimes have scripts sent to me with the hopes that someday the movie/short film will be made. One of these scripts caught my eye and I decided to go for it. The short film is called The Telemarketer and it is based on the short story of the same name written by John Cosper. It is currently in post-production and we are looking to send it out to local film festivals within the next month. Then it will go live on-line after that. I have never attempted anything like this before but I have been around enough to know that I needed a director. So I contacted my friend Jon Higgins of Communindie Films and asked if he would be interested. To my delight he said yes and we started the wheels moving on the project. I secured locations, made props and was able to get a great cast assembled. It’s a fun little comedy that looks at a possible scenario of telemarketing in the not too distant future.
Hacked in the Head: This all sounds amazing! I assumed you were 'taking the helm' so to speak, directing wise after sending me a recent short to check out - nonetheless you are certainly branching out from acting and that's brilliant! :)
How do you feel about the horror genre in general? Are you a fan or has your involvement in the genre just kind of 'come about’? If you are...I would love to know some of your favourites?
Cindy Maples: I’m a huge fan of the Horror genre! Lately I have been involved in other types of film and I find myself really missing the blood and gore of horror. Some of my first memories of watching movies are associated with horror. The first film I really remember seeing is Dracula’s Daughter and that I had to sleep with the blankets up over my head so that I wouldn’t get bitten. I enjoy a good drama or comedy, but there is just nothing like a good scary movie to leave an impact on you after you walk out of the theatre. My favorite will always be The Exorcist, but I also feel myself drawn to the psychological thrillers like The Others and The Six Sense. I like a movie that when it ends you have to immediately see it again, because everything you thought you knew was blown out of the water in the last few minutes.
Hacked in the Head: What would your dream acting role be Cindy? And on the directing side what would be your dream movie to make?
Cindy Maples: I've been so lucky to have already played such great characters; it’s hard for me to say what my dream role would be. I know I would love more characters like Vivian and Momma Crowe where I can just go insane and explore the challenges of the dark side. As far as directing, I currently have no desire to it, but if I did I would definitely be looking for a psychological thriller. I would love the opportunity either through acting, producing or directing to totally mess with people’s minds.
Hacked in the Head: What else do you enjoy doing in your spare time when you are not being transformed into a zombiefied housewife or sending your psychotic offspring out to kill hookers?
Cindy Maples: I'm an avid reader and you can find me curled up with my Nook every night before I go to bed, usually with my Doberman Raven lying beside me. My husband and I purchased an old historic house in the town we live in and we spend a lot of time on that, as well as trying to prove or disprove that we have ghosts living with us. I stay as involved as I can in the local film community either by going to meetings, premieres or film festivals. I consider myself to be as much a fan of indie film as I am a participant in it.
Hacked in the Head: Finally Cindy do you have anything else to share with readers. And I mean anything? ;)
Cindy Maples:First, I would like to say a big THANKS to you Mark and to all the amazing bloggers out there that support Indie film! All of you help us spread the word either by writing reviews, interviews or just talking about our projects. That kind of support is invaluable. Second I would tell your readers to support indie film or get involved in it, you will never regret it! Third, if you’re not completely bored with me yet, check out all my other projects on IMDB http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3603974 and while you’re there LIKE me.
Following are links to find some of my projects:
WIDOW, HELL IS FULL and THE CREEPY DOLL http://www.bigbitingpigproductions.com/OurMovies.html
WIREFACE: In the Beginning
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bWo930URxc&feature=share
THE BIRTHDAY MASSACRE
http://www.birthday-massacre.com/
THE TELEMARKETER
http://www.facebook.com/#!/TheTelemarketer?fref=ts
Hacked in the Head: Thank you Cindy so much and best of luck with all of your future and upcoming projects!
Hacked in the Head: Hey Cindy thank you so much for taking the time to talk to me! You seem to be becoming ever more popular for your work in indie horror which is amazing as I have enjoyed your characters in all of the films I have seen you in. How do you feel about the recognition your work is getting?
Cindy Maples: Greetings from across the pond and THANK YOU so much for asking me! I’m always thrilled when either my performance or a film I’m in is recognized. Indie film is a tough business, because there are so many of us out there doing it, so to be singled out in such a large crowd is always very humbling and inspiring.
Hacked in the Head: To expand on your acting roles I would love to hear more about your experiences with Big Biting Pig Productions. What was your favourite role for BBP and why?
Cindy Maples:I’ve been lucky enough to work on three BBPP movies, WIDOW, HELL IS FULL and THE CREEPY DOLL. Vivian Potts from WIDOW will always be my favorite role from those three movies. Vivian was such a flawed and rich character that forced me to find this darkness inside that I didn’t even know existed. It was a wonderfully wicked role that I think only comes along once in a lifetime. I had done so much research for that role, that by the time it was over I felt that I was starting to exhibit some of her psychosis. Of course that could have just been exhaustion. Anytime I have to challenge myself like that, I find it much more rewarding and my performance is always enhanced because of it. It’s also special because it was my first movie role, until that point I had only done theatre.
One of the more interesting stories from WIDOW happened on the last night of principle photography when I had to drive home at 2:00 in morning covered in blood. I remember being so tired and praying during the entire trip that I wouldn’t get pulled over. I wasn’t sure that a cop would understand that I wasn’t really dying or that I didn’t just kill someone. Needless to say I learned to always bring a change of clothes with me. Also, I really enjoyed playing the role of Olivia in HELL IS FULL, I’m mean who doesn’t love vomiting blood and turning into a flesh eating zombie.
Hacked in the Head: I loved Vivian Potts also, what a complex character, and I have a real soft spot for your role of Emily Carraway in The Creepy Doll.
I am also a HUGE fan of your short but fantastic role in Jakob Bilinski's short film Bloody Hooker Bang Bang. I wish you could have been around for the blood soaked finale. Do you think there could be bigger plans for this character? I among, many others have harassed poor Jacob to make a feature length spin off from the short ;)
Cindy Maples:I would have LOVED to been around for the blood-soaked finale! Unfortunately, my character just starts the chaos and then sits back and waits. I’m really proud of this short film and all the attention it’s getting. Hopefully someday everyone who has asked for more will get a chance to at least see the extended version. I’ve heard some rumors of more coming from the Hook Squad and that Momma Crowe would make a return, but at this time I can neither confirm nor deny those rumors.
I remember the e-mail from Jake about this film. He simply said, “Hey, I’m doing this grindhouse short and have a part that I would like you to do.” My response was something like “you had me at grindhouse.” Then he sends me the script and I discover that I get to play a bat-shit crazy, head of an underworld crime family and I think I smiled for 3 days straight. I adore Jake and his work is amazing. So I think it’s safe to say that anytime he asked me to do something, I would move heaven and earth to be there.
Hacked in the Head: Awesome, I will make sure Jake reads this :) Momma Crowe was a fantastic character and lets face it - she causes all the bad stuff to go down so you certainly make a huge impact in that film!
I also understand you are making your foray into directing? Tell me more!
Cindy Maples: Even though the cast and crew would say that I was doing some directing, I am actually trying my hand at producing. As an actress I sometimes have scripts sent to me with the hopes that someday the movie/short film will be made. One of these scripts caught my eye and I decided to go for it. The short film is called The Telemarketer and it is based on the short story of the same name written by John Cosper. It is currently in post-production and we are looking to send it out to local film festivals within the next month. Then it will go live on-line after that. I have never attempted anything like this before but I have been around enough to know that I needed a director. So I contacted my friend Jon Higgins of Communindie Films and asked if he would be interested. To my delight he said yes and we started the wheels moving on the project. I secured locations, made props and was able to get a great cast assembled. It’s a fun little comedy that looks at a possible scenario of telemarketing in the not too distant future.
Hacked in the Head: This all sounds amazing! I assumed you were 'taking the helm' so to speak, directing wise after sending me a recent short to check out - nonetheless you are certainly branching out from acting and that's brilliant! :)
How do you feel about the horror genre in general? Are you a fan or has your involvement in the genre just kind of 'come about’? If you are...I would love to know some of your favourites?
Cindy Maples: I’m a huge fan of the Horror genre! Lately I have been involved in other types of film and I find myself really missing the blood and gore of horror. Some of my first memories of watching movies are associated with horror. The first film I really remember seeing is Dracula’s Daughter and that I had to sleep with the blankets up over my head so that I wouldn’t get bitten. I enjoy a good drama or comedy, but there is just nothing like a good scary movie to leave an impact on you after you walk out of the theatre. My favorite will always be The Exorcist, but I also feel myself drawn to the psychological thrillers like The Others and The Six Sense. I like a movie that when it ends you have to immediately see it again, because everything you thought you knew was blown out of the water in the last few minutes.
Hacked in the Head: What would your dream acting role be Cindy? And on the directing side what would be your dream movie to make?
Cindy Maples: I've been so lucky to have already played such great characters; it’s hard for me to say what my dream role would be. I know I would love more characters like Vivian and Momma Crowe where I can just go insane and explore the challenges of the dark side. As far as directing, I currently have no desire to it, but if I did I would definitely be looking for a psychological thriller. I would love the opportunity either through acting, producing or directing to totally mess with people’s minds.
Hacked in the Head: What else do you enjoy doing in your spare time when you are not being transformed into a zombiefied housewife or sending your psychotic offspring out to kill hookers?
Cindy Maples: I'm an avid reader and you can find me curled up with my Nook every night before I go to bed, usually with my Doberman Raven lying beside me. My husband and I purchased an old historic house in the town we live in and we spend a lot of time on that, as well as trying to prove or disprove that we have ghosts living with us. I stay as involved as I can in the local film community either by going to meetings, premieres or film festivals. I consider myself to be as much a fan of indie film as I am a participant in it.
Hacked in the Head: Finally Cindy do you have anything else to share with readers. And I mean anything? ;)
Cindy Maples:First, I would like to say a big THANKS to you Mark and to all the amazing bloggers out there that support Indie film! All of you help us spread the word either by writing reviews, interviews or just talking about our projects. That kind of support is invaluable. Second I would tell your readers to support indie film or get involved in it, you will never regret it! Third, if you’re not completely bored with me yet, check out all my other projects on IMDB http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3603974 and while you’re there LIKE me.
Following are links to find some of my projects:
WIDOW, HELL IS FULL and THE CREEPY DOLL http://www.bigbitingpigproductions.com/OurMovies.html
WIREFACE: In the Beginning
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bWo930URxc&feature=share
THE BIRTHDAY MASSACRE
http://www.birthday-massacre.com/
THE TELEMARKETER
http://www.facebook.com/#!/TheTelemarketer?fref=ts
Hacked in the Head: Thank you Cindy so much and best of luck with all of your future and upcoming projects!
Monday 18 March 2013
The Taking (2012)
(Online Screener Copy)
Directed by Cezil Reed, Lydelle Jackson
Written by Cezil Reed, Lydelle Jackson
Stars: Alana Jackler, John Halas, Lynette Gaza, Gordon Price, Olivia Szego, Frank Bliss, Linda Kennedy, Lynn Mastio Rice, Nick Hanson.
Thank you to writer and director Lydelle Jackson for sending me an online screener of his surreal horror film The Taking.
The film involves a young man named Carl (John Halas) out for revenge against his fiancé and best friend due to their discovered affair. However Carl is about to find out that sometimes you should just let go of your demons as he lands himself in a far worse predicament. Captured by a crazed family Carl is tied to a tree in the woods alongside a young lady named Jade (Alana Jackler) who has been subjected to the same horrors as he. As the pair are put through several horrifying rituals, we are left to wonder what exactly is happening to these two haunted individuals...and why?
A crazed family capturing and torturing strangers for unknown reasons may just be enough to turn you off if torture films just aren't your thing. Please don't judge this one without giving it a chance as what you will get here is a far different experience - this is a highly artistic, beautiful film filled with gruesome and idiosyncratic images. To say anymore about The Taking's plot would take away from the viewers enjoyment so I will leave it to you all to get hold of this film on its release and experience this charming, odd and often horrifying film for yourself.
On other matters; there are some absolutely stunning visuals in this film. Everything just looks so vibrant and colourful and the beauty I alluded to earlier is front and centre due to this. There are also some fantastic shots and some you won't be able to help drawing comparison with The Evil Dead.
The acting is likewise impressive and our leads, John Halas and Alana Jackler really nail their roles.
Check out The Taking on Facebook and find out more about this little gem and how you may be able to see it. Cezil Reed and Lydelle Jackson have created something otherwordly and beguiling here and The Taking is WELL worth your time.
Friday 15 March 2013
Bludgeon (2013)
Written by Shawn Burkett
Directed by Shawn Burkett
Stars: Erin R. Ryan, Haley Madison, Shawn Burkett
Many thanks to film maker Shawn Burkett for sending me an online screener of his new serial killer horror/thriller Bludgeon. The films amazing art work, suggests a cheesy 80s throwback slasher (which would have been equally as cool with me) however Bludgeon smartly plays it straight and as a result gets right under your skin. Be prepared to check your front door is well and truly locked....
I loved the opening of the film which sets an eerie tone by detailing a small Ohio towns haunting past. It seems that a rash of unexplained murders just started one day and by 1992 when the killings finally stopped without explanation, numbers of young girls were dead. The police were never able to apprehend the killer and their collated evidence was scarce to say the least. Twenty years later and this small town is about to receive a horrible reminder of their awful past as the murders start right back up....
As mentioned previously I think one of Bludgeons successes is that it does take a very dark subject matter and keeps it that way - dark and distressing. I love tongue in cheek horror and always will but I guess if you really think about the situations in this film occurring in real life then well...not fun huh.
The film may well take viewers by surprise as it reaches its peak and I do not wish to delve any further into the plot as it would mean giving some key spoilers away. To this end I will just say that the lead actresses Haley Madison and Erin R. Ryan do an excellent job with the dark material they signed up to work with.
In terms of gore there isn't a lot on offer but I'm not saying that's a bad thing. I think an array of creative and novel death scenes, for example, would have harmed rather than helped this film. There is blood don't get me wrong and one scene involving a bath room sink did make me cringe in horror.
I think the film is also well made and Shawn shows a very good skill at creating a creepy atmosphere with his lighting. I look forward to more from Mr Burkett in the near future.
I recommend this film to horror fans especially if you like those which are a bit darker and maybe closer to home such as The Town That Dreaded Sundown. Head on over to the Concept Media Films official website for more information on this and other films. Hint: you can order the Bludgeon DVD now....
Wednesday 13 March 2013
Benny Loves Killing (2012)
Directed by Ben Woodiwiss
Written by Ben Woodiwiss
Stars: Pauline Cousty, Canelle Hoppé, Kristina Dargelyte, Kelli White
Thanks To Ben Woodiwiss for sharing his dark drama Benny Loves Killing with me. This UK film recently won Best Horror Film award at The Oregon Independent Film Festival but while an award is well deserved don’t be fooled into thinking this is some splattery slasher flick or even an out and out horror film per se.
Ben was kind enough to share some insight into the film prior to my watching it and to back up what he told me, Benny Loves Killing has some elements usually found in horror films and the core plot is a young lady (the titular Benny) attempting to make a horror film while attending film school. The process of actually trying to create an independent horror film, really takes its toll on Benny and she begins to tread a very dark path which actually serves as the main horror element of the film. Its far more about real life horrors such as drug addiction and obsession then about who has been murdered and by whom etc ,and the film, for these reasons, ultimately becomes something far smarter and disturbing than your run of the mill horror film.
Benny Loves Killing is one of those films that should be seen without too much prior knowledge – the title does suggest a bloodbath but if you go in knowing that definitely isn't the case then I would hope that audiences will be taken by surprise by this film. I hesitate to say pleasantly surprised because the film isn't pleasant by any stretch of the imagination – but it’s not supposed to be.
The core actress in the film, Pauline Cousty as Benny turns in an outstanding performance. Coustys Benny is a deeply flawed character, living on the very edge and at any time you may expect her to fully tip right over it. She shines many times throughout the film in her dark role - my favourite scene was a rather awkward/painful audition. In this scene Pauline Cousty really demonstrates some impressive acting skills and I have no doubt she could go from this role to something the polar opposite and still nail it.
The film is very well made,professionally shot and extremely well written. Whether Ben and company decide to go for a full on horror film next or even delve into a separate genre of film, I would be very interested to see it.
The film is very well made,professionally shot and extremely well written. Whether Ben and company decide to go for a full on horror film next or even delve into a separate genre of film, I would be very interested to see it.
Check out the Benny Loves KillingFacebook site HERE and find out more about the film, hopefully you guys will get to check it out soon!
AN INTERVIEW WITH PJ WOODSIDE
Hacked in Head was EXTREMELY excited to chat with PJ Woodside, a force in indie horror that just keeps getting stronger and stronger with each passing year. PJ and her work partner Steve Hudgins (Interview here) make up the formidable Big Biting Pig Productions - a Kentucky based film company who have consistently delivered an exceptional horror/thriller movie (or more) each year for the past several.
Read on for a great interview with the lady herself and if you don't know much about Big Biting Pig at this point - head off and educate yourself...you will NOT regret it.
Pssssst. Big Biting Pigs brand new movie Lucid has also received its official premiere date:
http://www.bigbitingpigproductions.com/LucidWorldPremiere.html
PJ on the left...but you knew that...right?
Hacked in the Head: Hi PJ! Honoured to feature you on the site, truly. So as most readers will know you ARE Big Biting Pig Productions along with Steve Hudgins. What's that like for you? Growing in popularity year by year with one great horror/thriller release after another must be pretty wonderful?
PJ Woodside: It IS wonderful to be growing year by year, and we’re hoping to make another leap in growth with the release of our next movie, Lucid, which features Bill “Leatherface” Johnson of Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 fame. The truth is, we’ve always been a grass-roots kind of production company. We have so many fans because they like the movies and because they feel they own a piece of them. We’re sort of the “hometown band making a name” equivalent of movie-making. With each movie we gain a larger and larger fan base, in addition to winning awards and receiving national recognition. But we never forget our local support -- it keeps us grounded.
Hacked in the Head: Could you tell us a bit more about the upcoming BBP movie Lucid, on which you write and direct? It sounds very very intriguing.
PJ: Lucid is the story of a woman with increasingly disturbing and violent dream who consults a famous sleep therapist, hoping for some answers. As you might guess, the answers she gets turn out to be twisted and dark -- we are, after all, a horror and thriller production company.
I have always had vivid dreams, sometimes lucid ones where I’m aware I’m dreaming, and in the last ten years I’ve become a sleepwalker/talker as well. Some of my quite vivid and violent dreams are the basis of this script. When I talk about the night terrors I have, people try to attribute them to the fact that we make horror movies. However, I started having dark and twisted dreams far before we started making movies, so I would have to say the cause and effect relationship is the other way around: I make dark and twisted movies because I have a dark and twisted mind.
Lucid is our most ambitious movie to date. It moves in and out of the main character’s subconscious landscape at a faster and faster pace. It was fun to make but at the same time challenging. More than once I had to remind myself that the script made sense in totality, even though on the set from day to day it seemed pretty crazy. We had a great time with Bill Johnson (“Leatherface” from Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2) on set. He plays PawPaw, a rather unpleasant relative of the main character. I get chills watching some of his takes.
Hacked in the Head: Wow. Lucid sounds fantastic - cannot wait to see it later on in the year!
Going back in time a couple of years, The Creepy Doll remains one of my very favourite indie horror films. It was so well written and acted and the story just sucks you right in. The climax was also brilliant and without giving anything away there is a shot of the doll towards the end which was in turns scary, unpredictable and jaw dropping. I didn't see it coming as everything that had come prior to that scene was so purposefully ambiguous. What inspired you to make a film about a potentially haunted toy? Considering the final scene of the film do you see a possible continuation of the story in the future?
PJ: Thanks, Mark! It means alot to me when people like my movies because I spend SO much time working on character and thematic elements -- they matter more to me than almost anything else. I actually got the idea for The Creepy Doll because of the doll-maker, Susan Andrews, who had a table next to ours at a convention. I was a little freaked out by her “Paranormal Babies” at first, but over the course of the weekend they kind of grew on me. (You can see her work at http://www.paranormalbabies.com/). We also watched her selling them left and right as other people had the same reaction we did. She seemed interested in providing dolls for us to work with, and that planted the seed. If you watch The Creepy Doll carefully, you will actually see three distinct doll heads. The subtle changes lend a lot to the viewer’s sense that something is not right, either about the doll or the woman, or both.
I haven’t thought about a sequel to The Creepy Doll, but there certainly is room for one. I developed the script for it differently than my others, which usually come from a situation rather than a prop. The backstory of the doll is complex enough. However, we’re not usually interested in sequels of movies, even our own, and have enough original ideas to keep us busy for a while.
Hacked in the Head: That's fair enough PJ - but know if you do ever decide to make a sequel I will be first in line to see it!
Not too long ago you decided to start your own blog 'This Old Bitch Makes Horror Flicks'. Congrats on a great name AND a great blog. For anyone who hasn't yet had a chance to check it out (DO!) it's a funny, well written and insightful look into indie film making. What made you decide to start the site up PJ?
PJ: My first love (and my degree) is in writing. I actually began my career as a fiction writer, poet, and essayist -- though not a very successful one. The movie production schedule keeps me busy, but I found myself wanting to say something more direct about it once in a while, particularly about the role of women in the movie business. I had heard my husband talking recently about the importance of a memorable blog name, and that’s when “this old bitch” was born. It gives me an outlet for my own personal voice, my ideas, my experiences. I’m always looking for topics of interest to other people, so feel free to look me up and make some suggestions!
Hacked in the Head: I loved your blog entry about working with Steve. Its very funny and allowed readers a window into the movie making process. Has there always been a bit of an assumption that whichever of the two of you writes and directs, the other has nowhere near as much to do? I loved that you have pointed out its still a full team effort regardless :)
PJ: I think the worst assumption is that somehow Big Biting Pig is Steve’s work and I’m just secondary. Anyone who knows us knows we are a team, and that the total impact is definitely greater than the sum of the parts. Everyone who participates in our movies is part of the process, to be sure, and there are folks we have come to rely on a lot in their various roles. However, I cannot imagine that either Steve or I would have the kind of success we do if we hadn’t teamed our efforts from the beginning. Over the years we have worked out a system of checks and balances to make sure we use all our strengths and avoid pitfalls, plus keep each other on track. We trust each other’s judgment implicitly. We sometimes disagree, but we have a common goal and that is what we put above all else.
Hacked in the Head: I also understand you are a Teacher as well as a film maker? Tell me more, tell me more! I would have LOVED to have a teacher involved in horror movies when I was a kid...I may have actually enjoyed school if that was the case!!
PJ: In getting my graduate degrees, a Masters in English and an MFA in fiction, I received fellowships that included teaching freshman English classes. That experience has kept me in part-time jobs. I currently teach and tutor part-time at a community college. It’s not really very exciting. I would prefer to teach acting and theater but I don’t have the right degrees for that.
Hacked in the Head: That's great! It must be really rewarding and maybe one day you will get the qualifications you need to really follow your teaching dream!
I understand also that horror was never really your 'chosen path'. I find that really interesting as you do it so well. You may be less inclined on the out and out horror story like Steve but the psychological stuff is just as scary. Could you ever see yourself writing a full on slasher film or something similar?
PJ: I’m not sure I would go for a full-out slasher film. I’m much more interested in the inner creepiness -- I like to say that Steve is the creepy and I’m the crazy. I’ve always been more interested in character-driven stories, and particularly in exploring women’s roles. Any plot that can take the stereotypical female character and make her real and interesting and dangerous is probably up for my consideration.
Hacked in the Head: What would PJ Woodside doing if she wasnt making awesome movies over at Big Biting Pig Productions?
PJ: Acting more and probably trying to get a novel published.
Hacked in the Head: I wondered if maybe you might be keen to delve into some more acting? You gave an amazing performance in last years Spirit Stalkers and its made we want to see more of you on screen!
PJ: Thanks so much! I was quite nervous about the role in Spirit Stalkers, as I knew it would be emotionally demanding, but after the first day on set I realized I was up for the challenge. You’ll get to see me again soon, so you’ll get your wish -- I have a very interesting role in Lucid. (Do you recognize me in the production stills?)
I love acting. I’d done some acting and directing back in grad school, and had just returned to it when I met Steve. We met while doing a play in 2005.
I truly believe writing, acting, directing, and video editing are all closely related -- they all must tell a story and engage the audience. Each of these informs the other for me. I cannot imagine directing actors without having the experience of acting in your own background. I know people who do it, but being actors ourselves gives us so much more insight into what works and what doesn’t.
I would love to have a role in a movie that’s not for Big Biting Pig Productions -- just to work with another director and other actors, and not have so many other hats to wear at the same time. With my busy schedule I just haven’t had time to get a portfolio together and go to auditions. But I’m up for it. Anyone out there?
Hacked in the Head: Get in touch with PJ people NOW! Finally PJ, is there anything further you wish to share with readers?
PJ: Just that if you haven’t already done so, you can find all the Big Biting Pig Productions info at these locations:
http://bigbitingpigproductions.com/
https://www.facebook.com/bigbitingpigproductions
https://twitter.com/BigBitingPig
And more about PJ’s Productions (non-horror sister company) here:
http://pjsproductions.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/PJs-Productions/103499594872
And the blog is here: https://thisoldbitchmakeshorrorflicks.wordpress.com/.
Hacked in the Head: Thank you again for agreeing to interview with Hacked in the Head!
PJ: Thank you, Mark! So cool to have fans on the other side of the ocean!
PJ Woodside: It IS wonderful to be growing year by year, and we’re hoping to make another leap in growth with the release of our next movie, Lucid, which features Bill “Leatherface” Johnson of Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 fame. The truth is, we’ve always been a grass-roots kind of production company. We have so many fans because they like the movies and because they feel they own a piece of them. We’re sort of the “hometown band making a name” equivalent of movie-making. With each movie we gain a larger and larger fan base, in addition to winning awards and receiving national recognition. But we never forget our local support -- it keeps us grounded.
Hacked in the Head: Could you tell us a bit more about the upcoming BBP movie Lucid, on which you write and direct? It sounds very very intriguing.
PJ: Lucid is the story of a woman with increasingly disturbing and violent dream who consults a famous sleep therapist, hoping for some answers. As you might guess, the answers she gets turn out to be twisted and dark -- we are, after all, a horror and thriller production company.
I have always had vivid dreams, sometimes lucid ones where I’m aware I’m dreaming, and in the last ten years I’ve become a sleepwalker/talker as well. Some of my quite vivid and violent dreams are the basis of this script. When I talk about the night terrors I have, people try to attribute them to the fact that we make horror movies. However, I started having dark and twisted dreams far before we started making movies, so I would have to say the cause and effect relationship is the other way around: I make dark and twisted movies because I have a dark and twisted mind.
Lucid is our most ambitious movie to date. It moves in and out of the main character’s subconscious landscape at a faster and faster pace. It was fun to make but at the same time challenging. More than once I had to remind myself that the script made sense in totality, even though on the set from day to day it seemed pretty crazy. We had a great time with Bill Johnson (“Leatherface” from Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2) on set. He plays PawPaw, a rather unpleasant relative of the main character. I get chills watching some of his takes.
Hacked in the Head: Wow. Lucid sounds fantastic - cannot wait to see it later on in the year!
Going back in time a couple of years, The Creepy Doll remains one of my very favourite indie horror films. It was so well written and acted and the story just sucks you right in. The climax was also brilliant and without giving anything away there is a shot of the doll towards the end which was in turns scary, unpredictable and jaw dropping. I didn't see it coming as everything that had come prior to that scene was so purposefully ambiguous. What inspired you to make a film about a potentially haunted toy? Considering the final scene of the film do you see a possible continuation of the story in the future?
PJ: Thanks, Mark! It means alot to me when people like my movies because I spend SO much time working on character and thematic elements -- they matter more to me than almost anything else. I actually got the idea for The Creepy Doll because of the doll-maker, Susan Andrews, who had a table next to ours at a convention. I was a little freaked out by her “Paranormal Babies” at first, but over the course of the weekend they kind of grew on me. (You can see her work at http://www.paranormalbabies.com/). We also watched her selling them left and right as other people had the same reaction we did. She seemed interested in providing dolls for us to work with, and that planted the seed. If you watch The Creepy Doll carefully, you will actually see three distinct doll heads. The subtle changes lend a lot to the viewer’s sense that something is not right, either about the doll or the woman, or both.
I haven’t thought about a sequel to The Creepy Doll, but there certainly is room for one. I developed the script for it differently than my others, which usually come from a situation rather than a prop. The backstory of the doll is complex enough. However, we’re not usually interested in sequels of movies, even our own, and have enough original ideas to keep us busy for a while.
Hacked in the Head: That's fair enough PJ - but know if you do ever decide to make a sequel I will be first in line to see it!
Not too long ago you decided to start your own blog 'This Old Bitch Makes Horror Flicks'. Congrats on a great name AND a great blog. For anyone who hasn't yet had a chance to check it out (DO!) it's a funny, well written and insightful look into indie film making. What made you decide to start the site up PJ?
PJ: My first love (and my degree) is in writing. I actually began my career as a fiction writer, poet, and essayist -- though not a very successful one. The movie production schedule keeps me busy, but I found myself wanting to say something more direct about it once in a while, particularly about the role of women in the movie business. I had heard my husband talking recently about the importance of a memorable blog name, and that’s when “this old bitch” was born. It gives me an outlet for my own personal voice, my ideas, my experiences. I’m always looking for topics of interest to other people, so feel free to look me up and make some suggestions!
Hacked in the Head: I loved your blog entry about working with Steve. Its very funny and allowed readers a window into the movie making process. Has there always been a bit of an assumption that whichever of the two of you writes and directs, the other has nowhere near as much to do? I loved that you have pointed out its still a full team effort regardless :)
PJ: I think the worst assumption is that somehow Big Biting Pig is Steve’s work and I’m just secondary. Anyone who knows us knows we are a team, and that the total impact is definitely greater than the sum of the parts. Everyone who participates in our movies is part of the process, to be sure, and there are folks we have come to rely on a lot in their various roles. However, I cannot imagine that either Steve or I would have the kind of success we do if we hadn’t teamed our efforts from the beginning. Over the years we have worked out a system of checks and balances to make sure we use all our strengths and avoid pitfalls, plus keep each other on track. We trust each other’s judgment implicitly. We sometimes disagree, but we have a common goal and that is what we put above all else.
Hacked in the Head: I also understand you are a Teacher as well as a film maker? Tell me more, tell me more! I would have LOVED to have a teacher involved in horror movies when I was a kid...I may have actually enjoyed school if that was the case!!
PJ: In getting my graduate degrees, a Masters in English and an MFA in fiction, I received fellowships that included teaching freshman English classes. That experience has kept me in part-time jobs. I currently teach and tutor part-time at a community college. It’s not really very exciting. I would prefer to teach acting and theater but I don’t have the right degrees for that.
Hacked in the Head: That's great! It must be really rewarding and maybe one day you will get the qualifications you need to really follow your teaching dream!
I understand also that horror was never really your 'chosen path'. I find that really interesting as you do it so well. You may be less inclined on the out and out horror story like Steve but the psychological stuff is just as scary. Could you ever see yourself writing a full on slasher film or something similar?
PJ: I’m not sure I would go for a full-out slasher film. I’m much more interested in the inner creepiness -- I like to say that Steve is the creepy and I’m the crazy. I’ve always been more interested in character-driven stories, and particularly in exploring women’s roles. Any plot that can take the stereotypical female character and make her real and interesting and dangerous is probably up for my consideration.
Hacked in the Head: What would PJ Woodside doing if she wasnt making awesome movies over at Big Biting Pig Productions?
PJ: Acting more and probably trying to get a novel published.
Hacked in the Head: I wondered if maybe you might be keen to delve into some more acting? You gave an amazing performance in last years Spirit Stalkers and its made we want to see more of you on screen!
PJ: Thanks so much! I was quite nervous about the role in Spirit Stalkers, as I knew it would be emotionally demanding, but after the first day on set I realized I was up for the challenge. You’ll get to see me again soon, so you’ll get your wish -- I have a very interesting role in Lucid. (Do you recognize me in the production stills?)
I love acting. I’d done some acting and directing back in grad school, and had just returned to it when I met Steve. We met while doing a play in 2005.
I truly believe writing, acting, directing, and video editing are all closely related -- they all must tell a story and engage the audience. Each of these informs the other for me. I cannot imagine directing actors without having the experience of acting in your own background. I know people who do it, but being actors ourselves gives us so much more insight into what works and what doesn’t.
I would love to have a role in a movie that’s not for Big Biting Pig Productions -- just to work with another director and other actors, and not have so many other hats to wear at the same time. With my busy schedule I just haven’t had time to get a portfolio together and go to auditions. But I’m up for it. Anyone out there?
Hacked in the Head: Get in touch with PJ people NOW! Finally PJ, is there anything further you wish to share with readers?
PJ: Just that if you haven’t already done so, you can find all the Big Biting Pig Productions info at these locations:
http://bigbitingpigproductions.com/
https://www.facebook.com/bigbitingpigproductions
https://twitter.com/BigBitingPig
And more about PJ’s Productions (non-horror sister company) here:
http://pjsproductions.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/PJs-Productions/103499594872
And the blog is here: https://thisoldbitchmakeshorrorflicks.wordpress.com/.
Hacked in the Head: Thank you again for agreeing to interview with Hacked in the Head!
PJ: Thank you, Mark! So cool to have fans on the other side of the ocean!
Monday 11 March 2013
The Eschatrilogy: Book of the Dead (2012)
(Online Screener Copy)
Directed by Damian Morter
Written by Damian Morter
Produced by Nicola Morter
Stars: Tim McGill Grieveson, Damian Morter, Dan Wellard, Jenny Lawton, Stuart Wolfenden, Sam cullingworth
Many thanks to Producer Nicola Morter of Safehouse Pictures UK for allowing me to check out an online screener of Zombie Outbreak horror The Eschatrilogy: Book of the Dead.
This inventive zombie horror has a clever narrative structure in that it features three interlinking tales all related to a recent zombie outbreak/overtake which the world as we know it has succumbed to.
When a bedraggled man (Director Damian Morter) stumbles into the camp of a survivor of the recent horrors (Tim Mcgill Grieveson) he is detained and searched by his captor. It transpires that the young man has, in his possession, a book which recounts three stories, all telling different perspectives/events of the zombie outbreak.
The first tale 'Dead Inside' depicts a young man who heads out at night, leaving his wife and daughetr at home. Trying to do the human thing and helping a young woman injured in a road accident, he finds himself thrust into a living nightmare when the lady dies and subsequently comes back to life...with a taste for human flesh. This story then takes a nice, original turn and provides a very original spin on the zombie sub genre...this is not something I would like to spoil but lets just say it will really capture your attention. For a small clue...... did you ever think you might feel sorry for a zombie?
Next up is 'The Dying Breed' which features a young man named Alex (Paul Collin-Thomas) having a night in with his girlfriend only to soon find himself out in the midst of a storm of zombies. This segment is all kinds of awesome - following Alex on his bloody mission, fighting off raging zombies at every turn is a must see. Will Alex escape unscathed as he makes a beeline to find his mother? A great short with some exciting action scenes.
The final twisted tale in this trilogy is 'A Father For the Dead' which concerns a father and son desperately trying to reach safety. The final story does a great job of pitting someone trying to protect his loved one, not just against an vicious onslaught of the undead...but also against human beings. This is another action packed segment with genuinely sad and bleak ending.
The film has a fantastic conclusion where you learn the the origins of zombie outbreak rife across the three stories occurred in the first place. The final scene is also brilliant and I was on the edge of my seat. It would be very very easy to type pages of praise about this film but that would mean veering right into spoiler territory, something that I out and out refuse to do. You must see this film, for yourself, with fresh eyes.
The acting is pretty superb in all areas, the cinematography is outstanding and at nearly two hours in length the film never drags or feels too long . In fact on the length; I think this works so much in its favour and I feel that a shorter film would not have done its justice.
PS....I don't think you will be able to BELIEVE just how many zombies appear in this movie. It has to be a record amount surely!
Check out the films official Facebook page HERE to find out more and make sure you lay your hands on this fantastic little film as soon as you can!
Directed by Damian Morter
Written by Damian Morter
Produced by Nicola Morter
Stars: Tim McGill Grieveson, Damian Morter, Dan Wellard, Jenny Lawton, Stuart Wolfenden, Sam cullingworth
Many thanks to Producer Nicola Morter of Safehouse Pictures UK for allowing me to check out an online screener of Zombie Outbreak horror The Eschatrilogy: Book of the Dead.
This inventive zombie horror has a clever narrative structure in that it features three interlinking tales all related to a recent zombie outbreak/overtake which the world as we know it has succumbed to.
When a bedraggled man (Director Damian Morter) stumbles into the camp of a survivor of the recent horrors (Tim Mcgill Grieveson) he is detained and searched by his captor. It transpires that the young man has, in his possession, a book which recounts three stories, all telling different perspectives/events of the zombie outbreak.
The first tale 'Dead Inside' depicts a young man who heads out at night, leaving his wife and daughetr at home. Trying to do the human thing and helping a young woman injured in a road accident, he finds himself thrust into a living nightmare when the lady dies and subsequently comes back to life...with a taste for human flesh. This story then takes a nice, original turn and provides a very original spin on the zombie sub genre...this is not something I would like to spoil but lets just say it will really capture your attention. For a small clue...... did you ever think you might feel sorry for a zombie?
Next up is 'The Dying Breed' which features a young man named Alex (Paul Collin-Thomas) having a night in with his girlfriend only to soon find himself out in the midst of a storm of zombies. This segment is all kinds of awesome - following Alex on his bloody mission, fighting off raging zombies at every turn is a must see. Will Alex escape unscathed as he makes a beeline to find his mother? A great short with some exciting action scenes.
The final twisted tale in this trilogy is 'A Father For the Dead' which concerns a father and son desperately trying to reach safety. The final story does a great job of pitting someone trying to protect his loved one, not just against an vicious onslaught of the undead...but also against human beings. This is another action packed segment with genuinely sad and bleak ending.
The film has a fantastic conclusion where you learn the the origins of zombie outbreak rife across the three stories occurred in the first place. The final scene is also brilliant and I was on the edge of my seat. It would be very very easy to type pages of praise about this film but that would mean veering right into spoiler territory, something that I out and out refuse to do. You must see this film, for yourself, with fresh eyes.
The acting is pretty superb in all areas, the cinematography is outstanding and at nearly two hours in length the film never drags or feels too long . In fact on the length; I think this works so much in its favour and I feel that a shorter film would not have done its justice.
PS....I don't think you will be able to BELIEVE just how many zombies appear in this movie. It has to be a record amount surely!
Check out the films official Facebook page HERE to find out more and make sure you lay your hands on this fantastic little film as soon as you can!
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