The Horror Chamber now has its own podcast called Anthony T's Horror Show. You can find the show on the Dark Discussions official website, on the Dark Discussion Network on Itunes, Stitcher, and Google Play. You can also listen to right here on youtube and here on the site.
In the debut episode of Anthony T's Horror Show, he gives his thoughts about Dread Central Presents then talks to author/podcaster Philip Perron as they talk about Dark Discussion and Philip's story "The Deuce" from "Chud Lives! A Tribute Anthology" plus he gives a film recommendation to wrap up the show.
Director Shawn Burkett is a director and head of an independent film company called Concept Media LLC. He has directed such films as “The Sleeping Soul”, “Seasons Greeting” and most recently directed a segment for the horror anthology film “Theater of the Deranged 2” which was recently released by Troma. Today, he’s here to talk to about his latest film “Don’t Fuck in the Woods”, which is self-distributed by Concept Media.
Before I begin, tell my readers about yourself and what drew you to horror movie making?
SMB: My name is Shawn Burkett, I'm a 32 year old Ohioan, and the father of 2 crazy, amazing boys. I've been making horror/thriller movies for the past 5 years, and my latest film is titled "Don't Fuck In The Woods". I was raised on the Universal Monsters thanks to my grandpa, and he's part of the reason why I wanted to make movies. He showed me this amazing world of make believe that was dark, and beautiful.
I'd have to say the decision to make films was mainly the craving for a creative stimulate. I was a touring musician for many years until my oldest son was born, and I chose to become a stay at home dad. I needed a creative outlet, and then one day Ryan Stacy contacted me about Joe Bob Briggs was actively looking for scripts to option. So after a few weeks of Ryan writing this script we sat down, and I told him we should just make it ourselves. And that's how it all began lol.
How did you come up with the title?
SMB: I remember setting I’m my apartment reading posts in a forum about my film BLUDGEON. This would have been 2013, and someone was livid about the artwork and title not 100% matching the content. For some reason that stuck with me, and I knew that the next film I was gonna make would have a title that was spot on, lol. If memory serves, myself and Ayse Howard were brainstorming some ideas for a follow up to BLUDGEON, and at that point in my life there were several people telling me what I could and couldn’t do. Somehow it came out and was a joke at first, but then it kinda sank in, and had a smooth ring to it, lol.
With a title like that, I would think it would turn off some people off. Were there any disagreements with any of the producers or people within your company?
SMB: There were concerns for sure, lol. My business partner was actively against the title, actors just looked at me like "Ok, it's your funeral", and a few producers had issues with the title from a distribution standpoint. There main issue was that Walmart wouldn't put a title like that on the shelf, lol. And at that point in time Big Ass Spider came out and Walmart sold the censored version "Big-gest Spider". So I pitched that to them and that made them feel a bit better, lol.
This film to me had more of a grindhouse/creature feature vibe which made it a fun film. What was it like coming up with the film’s story?
SMB: Once I had the main setting, it was fairly easy. I say that, but there are at least 6 different versions of the script, lol. Two of them don't have the creature as a killer either, lol.
With its title and story and the fact you’re filming in the woods, I would think that it would be tough to get the right people that you would want. What was the casting process like?
SMB: I would find someone and then loose them, or the pay wasn't enough for them so they would walk. Casting was difficult, but it wasn't the hardest part of making this film. I had a lot of people reject offers, or not even look at them because of the title. It's hard to put faith in people when they aren't as close to the project as you are. And then you have to live with the fact that they might flake on you a month before your scheduled to shoot. The casting process is a constant battle, filled with stress and anxiety lol.
The film takes place almost all in the woods. What was it like filming there and were there any fun moments on the set?
SMB: I'd have to say the most fun on the set was the final showdown with the creature. We actually have bonus feature on the bluray about that night and how we went about shooting the scenes.
The cast was very good in making their characters entertaining. What was it like working with the cast and were there any favorite moments that you had during filming?
SMB: There were many new people that I hadn't worked with before. Brandy Mason, Nadia White, Kayla Morgan. I'd have to say the sex scenes were all memorable, and had the most outtakes. It's one of those things where I didn't want people to feel uncomfortable, so they all got 15 in the tent to kinda figure out what they were gonna do beforehand. My scripts are more like guidelines, lol. I'm not looking for exact lines, because I want it to seem natural. So there's lots of improv.
Another thing that I liked about this film was the gore effects as it a very graphic feel to them. What was it like filming those sequences and what was the challenges in creating them?
SMB: We spent months on FX and figuring out what would look best, and what we could afford. Total as far as FX we ended up spending about $600. Filming them was the easy part. Deryk Wehrley and his assistant Amanda Waddell were on point with all the FX and the execution of them. There were a few FX that myself, Scott Gillespie and Ryan Stacy created last minute to add a bit more to the film. Such as the creature tearing into someone, that's featured in the latest teaser trailer.
I noticed the film is being self-distributed by your company Concept Media LLC. What made you decide to go the self-distribution route compared to trying to get a distribution deal for the film?
SMB: At the moment were self distributing while talking to a few different U.S distributors as well as foreign distribution companies. I would prefer to secure foreign distribution, so I could continue selling it myself.
Finally, any other projects that you or your company have coming out in the near future that my readers should be aware about?
SMB: At the moment I’m in pre production for my next feature "BETSY" which stars Ayse Howard, Josh Miller and Joe Kidd. It's more of a story about a woman who is lost, and is looking to change her ways, but as we all know there are always obstacles in the way of what we want, but here's is a battle with something inside of her. I wish I could give more info on this project, but i don't want to give too much away.
So lets just say "Even a man who is pure in heart and says his prayers by night, may become a wolf when the wolfsbane blooms and the autumn moon is bright".
Where can they find you and your company on the web and on social media?
Puja Mohindra is a writer/producer/director/actress who has made guest appearances on TV shows such as “All My Children”, “Ghost Whispers” and “Chicago Fire”. Today, she is here to discuss her latest film “Muck” which recently hit DVD and Blu-Ray last month.
1.Thank you for taking time for this interview. Before I get into “Muck”, tell my readers how you got into acting?
You're welcome. Thanks for sharing my story. I got into acting through dance. I studied and performed an Indian classical dance theater style called Bharata Natyam throughout my chlldhood and into my adolescence. I also was on the speech team in high school, where I competed in Comedic and Dramatic Duet Acting. Honestly, I wanted to play basketball or tennis in high school, but I wasn't good enough to make the team! So, theater, dance, and creative writing became my after-school activities that turned into my greatest passions. Happy accidents!
2. Were you a horror fan when growing up? If so, what were some of your favorite horror films?
Actually, I'm too much of a scaredy-cat for horror films! My favorite films are comedies, romances, and character-driven stories. I love historical, period pieces, as well.
3. I enjoyed “Muck for some of intense action scenes. How did you become involved with this film and tell me about your character in the film?
I auditioned for the film in a standard audition process. I do remember the director asking me if I would be willing to wade through a swamp at night in the dark and cold--so I was given fair warning about that!
My character is the lead character's love interest. She's from India, originally. She's fiesty, strong, funny, and innocent.
4. What was the like filming in Cape Cod, MA compared to other places?
We shoot mainly at night in Cape Code in September, so while it was beautiful, it was cold! Cape Cod has so much history and beauty. I feel grateful to have had the opportunity to explore it and share its gorgeous landscape in this film.
My other projects have been shot in big cities like Chicago and Los Angeles, where you're always up against city and street noise. It can sometimes interrupt the shoot and spoil good takes. Cape Cod was so peaceful, and we shot at night, so we didn't face these challenges with noise and sound, or at least not as much. It allowed us to be more productive and efficient with our time. 5. The action scenes were very intense. What was the filmmaking process like and filming some of the intense and gory scenes involving you?
I did a few stunts on my own. We had a fantastic Stunt Coordinator who made sure we were always safe and comfortable, as did Steve Wolsh, our director.
As for the gory scenes, I had to get comfortable with having blood thrown on my face, which is a lot like having a pie thrown in your face!
6. “Muck” marks the first film for director Steve Wolsh. What was it like working for him and would you work with him again?
I really enjoyed working with Steve. He's ambitious and extremely detail-oriented with a strong and specific vision. From the first time I read his script, I loved that he created an Indian character who is part of the ensemble, but her story isn't driven by her ethnicity. She's just one of the group of friends who experience these events-- a night gone horribly wrong--and her ethnicity has little to do with the story. I think that's really innovative of him and a much more accurate portrayal of our world, at least in America.
7. I thought the cast was very good in this film including yourself, what was it like working with your co-stars and were there any fun stories from the set?
The rest of the cast was fantastic. We spent two weeks together in Cape Cod, and we had a great time both on set and off. On set, my favorite memories were shooting a scene where we driving a stolen police car, and when we were shooting, the car kept breaking down. It was funny, but also a great example of movie magic. You can't tell in the finished film that the car had any problems.
8. Finally, what are some of your next films that everyone should keep an eye out for and where they can they find you on social media?
I can next be seen at Silk Road Rising Theater in Chicago, where I'm doing a workshop production of my one-woman-play, "A Great Dive." If you or any of your readers are in Chicago this August, we'd love for them to come out to the show. Tix are at: http://www.silkroadrising.org/live-theater/silk-road-solos/a-great-dive.
In addition to acting, I'm a writer and am currently working on a novel adaptation of the play, as well as a screenplay version of the story.
I want to thank you again for doing this interview and good luck with the success of "Muck" and your future projects.
“Muck” is currently available on DVD and Blu-Ray from Anchor Bay Entertainment.
Yours truly recently had a chance to talk with Canadian filmmaker Geoff Klein (pictured right) about his latest film "Pinup Dolls on Ice". This marks Klein's second film in the director's chair, as he co-directs this film with Mellisa Mira. "Pinup Dolls on Ice" is the sequel to the entertaining "Bikini Girls on Ice" which he directed back in 2012.
1. With the success of “Bikini Girls on Ice” How did the idea for the sequel “Pinup Dolls on Ice” come about and was this always the idea to make a sequel or did the success of “Bikini Girls on Ice” contribute to get this sequel made?
Geoff Klein: Well it all started back in 2008, when I was sitting in a hockey locker room with a bunch of my buddies; we were having a few beers, the mood was light, we just had just won the game, when all of a sudden one of my teammates decided it would be the perfect time to let us all know what his ultimate sexual fantasy was. Immediately, ears perked up! He starts telling us that he wants to invite a prostitute over to a hotel room, strip her down naked and leave her in a bathtub full of ice until she freezes to death… and then fuck her back to life!
While everyone in the locker room laughed out loud, I though to myself “That’s a great idea for a film!"
Before we even shot one frame of Bikini Girls on Ice, I knew that this wasn’t going to be a “one and done”. I wanted to begin creating a franchise with an iconic serial killer. The only problem was that I didn’t even know if I could make a feature. I just kinda winged it. the film that started out as a joke amongst friends was now on Netflix, iTunes and BluRay, being critiqued next to Rob Zombie’s Halloween; and although there are some people who really liked the film, the majority of the reviews were pretty bad.
So when I met Melissa, we decided to make Pinup Dolls on Ice, and use all of the negative reviews as fuel to make a much better film. So we handed over the press clippings to Michael Penning, the writer, and told him to deliver us a script that addressed all of these issues; people wanted more blood, more T&A and more Moe backstory. And well let’s just say he delivered! The reviews of Pinup Dolls on Ice have been really good and we’re really proud of what we were able to accomplish.
2. From seeing the teaser trailer, I can’t wait to check this film out. What is “Pinup Dolls on Ice” about to those who haven’t heard about the film?
GK: Pinup Dolls on Ice is about a Burlesque group who do a private show at a remote campground as a favour to one of their friends who happens to own the campground. Unfortunately for them, Moe happens to be lurking in the shadows and bad shit ensues. Real bad shit.
3. When this I looking the film’s IMDB page, I noticed that you’re only co-directing, producing and editing this film. What made you want to focus on those aspects instead of fully directing, producing and writing like you did in “Bikini Girls on Ice”?
GK: To begin with, I’m not a writer; I only wrote Bikini Girls on Ice out of necessity; I had no one else to do it! Anyone who has seen that film knows there are plenty of plot holes and some pretty cringe worthy dialogue (which to some adds to the experience). But generally speaking, there are lots of problems with the script, so this time around we hired Michael Penning; one of my best friends who happens to be a really talented writer. Michael wrote the exact film that we wanted to make. He nailed it. We didn’t want anything complicated, just a no holds barred, beat’em down slasher film, and that’s what he delivered.
4. I noticed that you directed this film along with Melissa Mira. What was it like co-directing this film with her?
GK: Co-Directing can be a challenge, and it was. The main problem in the beginning was understanding each others role. But after the first couple of days, it became clear as to how we were going to work. Melissa has a knack for detail, action and actors; while I focus more on the camera crew and getting the shots we need in order to tell a coherent story. It worked out great! The old saying “Two heads are better than one” rings true here. Actually, Melissa and I are open to anyone on set suggesting shot ideas. We’re very aware that we don’t have all the answers all the time, and at the end of the day, a good idea is a good idea. Whether it came from the caterer or the DP; it doesn’t matter. As a producer/director you gotta check your ego at the door and remind yourself that you’re here to make the best film possible, and sometimes that means keeping your ear to the ground. We also find that keeping the crew involved creatively makes everyone that much more invested in the film; making the experience that much more enjoyable for everyone.
5. The film features a cast of unknowns with the exception of William Jarand and Suzi Lorranie who appeared in your last film. What was casting process and the filming process like and was it a better process this time around or more challenging than the first film.
GK: Well we live in Montreal, Quebec, a mostly Francophone city, so the real challenge is finding good, non-union, English speaking actors, who are willing to take their tops off. :) I would say both films were just as difficult to cast; we had to go across the border to find actors for Bikini Girls on Ice, and out to Toronto and Edmonton for Pinup Dolls on Ice. We had put ads on Craigslist and several online casting sites, and we communicated through Skype to do the auditions. The bigger challenge though is finding 5 girls who look like they could be best friends on screen. Because if you don’t believe that these girls would actually hang out together in real life then the film isn’t going to work. In fact, to hit that point home, Melissa suggested that the scenes where all 5 girls are together, that they be completely ad libbed in order to make everything as natural as possible. As long as they talked about the key pieces of info, we didn’t care how it came out, as long as it sounded natural. It did however make for some challenging editing because they never said the same thing in each take, but it was worth it to get what we have. 6. The film is currently playing on the film festival circuit. How has the film been received at the festivals that it’s played at so far and has there been any release plans in U.S. at this time?
GK: We had our World Premiere at Fantasia in 2013, and then went on to play at the Spooky Movie International Film Festival, Telluride Horrorshow, Dedfest, Buffalo Dreams Fantastic Film Festival, Another Hole in the Head, New York City Horror Film Festival, Panic Fest, Shockfest Hollywood, Horrorants Fright Nights, Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival, Nocturna Madrid International Fantastic Film Festival, Feratum Film Fest and the Tucson Terrorfest. Along the way we were also lucky enough to win awards for Best Director, Best Film, Best Editor, Best use of FX and Best Sound Design.
As for US release, you can expect something over the summer. No exact date yet, but the announcement will be coming soon! We’re psyched to finally make this film available to the general public!
7. Will we see a third “Girls on Ice” film or is this it for this series?
GK: The “On Ice” series is only just beginning! We’re currently working on the story for part 3, which is as of now still untitled. But Melissa and I are planning some pretty special things for the next one. We learned a lot of from Pinup Dolls on Ice, and we’re taking that knowledge into the next one. It’s going to be a beast and we can’t wait to share the details!
8. Finally, what other films and projects that you have coming up on the horizon?
GK: Once we get this whole “On Ice” thing out of our system, we want to change gears a little and make something a little more supernatural; maybe a haunting or a possession film. Something where we can really play with mood and atmosphere. I always tell people, making films in the “On Ice” series is like making action films! I think a haunting film would be a nice change of pace.
Thank you for your time and doing this interview and good luck with the success of "Pinup Dolls on Ice"
"Pinup Dolls on Ice" is currently playing the film festival circuit with no release plans at this time.
