An Interview with Dustin Ferguson, Director of Camp Blood 4 and Camp Blood 5

by Mike Haberfelner

January 2016

Films directed by Dustin Ferguson on (re)Search my Trash

You're currently shooting Camp Blood 4 and Camp Blood 5 back to back - so what are those two about, and are they actually connected, narratively?

Camp Blood 4 and 5 loosely follow Camp Blood: First Slaughter in that we reference that film and even show a few flashbacks from it. However, both films could be considered non-cannon in that we spin-off into a new story at the beginning of Part 4 that continues through Part 5. We also re-arrange the backstory to better fit this storyline, which overall makes the entries more cohesive and easy to follow. Part 4 follows 6 friends on their way to a rock concert. They decide to stop off and party at "Camp Black Tree" for the night (aka Camp Blood) - however it goes as you'd expect. They are bumped off one-by-one in gory fashion at the hands of a killer. However, in an interesting twist of events, a 2nd killer does most of the killing in this one, setting up the premise for Part 5. Part 5 follows the survivor of Part 4 as she recovers from the events and tracks down the killer with the help of two female friends. Without giving too much away, let's just say we end the film with a surprising and shocking scene sure to leave fans begging for more.

Now how did you get involved with the project in the first place?

I actually approached David Sterling online about distributing some of my films, with the possibility of hiring me to direct some exclusive titles for him. We quickly formed a friendship and after he released Blood Claws, Shockumentary, Meathook Massacre and Faces of Dying on VOD, I agreed to a 6-picture deal. The first two would be Camp Blood 4 and Camp Blood 5.

Shooting two movies, albeit of the same series, back to back - where are the advantages, where are the challenges?

We planned ahead by having the same story sort of "spread" over two films. While they each are their own movies, with different actors and plot twists, I treated it as a mini-series, spread over two entries. Since both films share a handful of the actors it made it easier to get more shot for each one when I had an actor available to shoot. The challenge was trying to not be overwhelmed with the daunting task of creating two stand-out sequels that fans would love and remember without seeming repetitive or rushed. I really tried to make both films unique while still keeping them closely together in theme.

So to what extent are your movies connected to the original Camp Blood from 2000, and your thoughts about that movie as such? And will there at all be guest appearances from the earlier movie and/or its two sequels?

It's only connected to the first 3 films in that it takes place at the fictional "Camp Blood" and features a killer with a clown mask. It's more directly related to Camp Blood: First Slaughter as we actually reference events and scenarios from that entry. I have the upmost respect for Brad Sykes and the original films. I'd seen them growing up, as Hollywood Video carried them all and I remember them having a small cult following. They are great "bad" films, but have heart and are full of fun homages. I wanted to capture the spirit of the original films while still adding my own "Dustin Ferguson" flavor to the series. And David Sterling hired me for this job, so it's my duty to make the best Camp Blood films that I can, that are strong enough to stand on their own while still paying homage to the others.

What can you tell us about Camp Blood 4 and Camp Blood 5's approach to horror (as in suspense vs sudden shocks, atmosphere vs all-out gore)?

It wouldn't be a Camp Blood movie without boobs and gore. So rest assured, there's plenty of that in both films. However, unlike Camp Blood: First Slaughter we aren't using any digital effects. Everything is real, physical gore, with loads of oozing blood. But I'm actually aiming to make "scary" films with these. The previous entries had a more "body count" approach, and while that certainly still applies here, I wanted to add a little substance to the characters and meaning behind everything. Something with awesome cinematography, beautiful colors, a rockin' soundtrack, sexy actors and actresses and dripping with atmosphere. Not to discount anything in the other films, as they all have their charm and positive qualities, this is just my own take on the films, and my chance to do something a little different with the series.

With Camp Blood 4 and Camp Blood 5 being slasher movies (I suppose at least), and these movies usually demand quite a few bloody bits - what can you tell us about the gore effects in your movies, and how are they achieved?

Wetworks SFX out of Omaha, NE handled our fantastic opening scene. Everything is 100% prosthetic. For the remaining deaths I handled them myself (as if I didn't wear enough hats already). I've had some experience with gore effects on films like Theatre of the Deranged and a handful of my own films, but it was important to open with a bang, so it was Wetworks all the way. The hardest thing about making low budget horror films is actually having the budget to do what you really want. For both films pretty much the entire budget went to the effects and scoring the choice naughty bits needed to make the distributor happy ;) So fans should expect a fun, old skool bloodbath.

Anything you can tell us about your cast(s), and why exactly these poeple?

The star is Schuylar Craig. She had a starring role previously in Shockumentary and also appeared in Blood Claws and Night of The Clown. She is a model-turned-actress. We have had great chemistry since we first worked together on a pair of Dragonsclaw music videos and now she's become a staple in the films. 42ND street films veteran Jennii Caroline has a co-starring role. She's starred in a lot of films like the Die Sister, Die! remake with Brinke Stevens as well as Gloved Murderess and the Black Tree Forest films. Breana Mitchell has a bit part in Part 5, she starred in Doll Killer as well as Invitation To Die. And YouTube sensation Shawn C. Phillips [Shawn C. Phillips interview - click here] actually has a role in both films as Schuylar's brother. Nearly everyone else is a newcomer like Kyle Slack (who is also providing the score) and Alicia Rockefeller. Christopher Christiansen, Michael Booton, Doug Mill and a few others appear as well. I tend to only work with people I know and trust, as we form a bit of a "community" when working on these films and it all boils down to us being able to get along and get the project done. Not to mention making it a film that is entertaining and enjoyable for fans. Our good chemistry shows on film. And that bit of "charm" remains in most of my movies, as I usually work again with those who prove they are dedicated and proud of their work.

What can you tell us about the shoot(s) as such, and the on-set atmosphere?

No matter what, my shoots tend to go really fast. I couldn't slow down if I tried. Most of my movies are made in a very short amount of time, unless I have a larger budget, allowing for more days to be spent on the film. It's important to me to have a fun, relaxed and easy shoot for my actors and crew. Because let's face it, at this point, none of us are doing it for the money. So I try and not make anyone sacrifice any more time than is really needed to get the footage shot. But we love what we do and try and make each film a new "experience" and "adventure" to reflect back on, and the movie itself sort of serves as a a reminder of the fun time we all had together.

Both Camp Blood 4 and Camp Blood 5 will be released very soon - so when and where can the general puclic be able to see them, and why this very short gap between shoot and release? And does this put any kind of strain on you as a filmmaker?

Yes, they are aimed for a February 21st, 2016 release and pre-sales are already in effect thru Sterling Entertainment (you can PM David Sterling on Facebook to reserve your copies). While it may seem like a "short gap" between filming and release, remember that we live in the digital age, and I typically make movies pretty fast anyways. I usually edit my footage the same day I filmed it, so when we wrap filming I can just "snap" the footage together, render it and it's pretty much done. When you make between 4 and 8 films a year, you get used to the pace and I treat it like a full-time job. I'm working everyday on movie stuff, whether it be meetings, writing, planning, scheduling, hiring cast/crew, negotiating distribution deals, artwork, promoting, filming, editing, rendering, etc. It's a never ending job that should only be done if you truly love it. And luckily, I do. I'd be lying if I said it didn't put any strain on me, but I do work best under deadlines, and I've never failed to meet one so it hasn't been a problem yet. It makes it exciting, more than anything. I know David is trying to get it in stores and available thru some other outlets as well, so follow him or myself on Facebook to stay up to date on when and where that will all go down.

Any future projects beyond Camp Blood 4 and Camp Blood 5?

I signed a 6 movie deal with David Sterling for this year, so after these I have 4 more films left to fulfill this

Feeling lucky? Want to search any of my partnershops yourself for more, better results? (commissions earned)

The links below will take you just there!!!

Find Dustin Ferguson at the amazons ...   amazon.com   amazon.co.uk   amazon.de Looking for imports? Find Dustin Ferguson here ...   eThaiCD.com Your shop for all things Thai Something naughty? (Must be over 18 to go there!)   find Dustin Ferguson at adultvideouniverse.com

Your/your movie's website, Facebook, whatever else?

You can find me on Facebook, or follow 42ND street films here:

Anything else you're dying to mention and I have merely forgotten to ask?

The Amityville Legacy begins filming March 6th ! We currently have a GoFundMe campaign going to raise the $2500 we need to cover the remaining f/x and actor expenses. Here's the link, please consider a donation or sharing the link! Great perks for donors!

https://www.gofundme.com/xxkwgsqs

Thanks for the interview!

© by Mike Haberfelner

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