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To start this off, why don't you introduce yourself to those of us
who don't already know you?
My name is Abel Berry and I’m a filmmaker from Dallas Texas.
Let's talk about your
upcoming Dr. Gift for a bit, what's it going to be about, what were
your sources of inspiration, what's it going to look like, and what can
you tell us about your key cast? It features Danielle Harris and
a ton of super-talented people. It's about an abandoned insane asylum. Two
brothers decide to turn the asylum into a bed and breakfast, and all hell
breaks loose. Its very much in the vein of Friday the 13th with a bit of
Nightmare on Elm Street thrown in - a supernatural slasher film.
It's also a
period piece that takes place in 1985 with a few scenes in 1918. Any future projects beyond Dr. Gift
you'd like to share? We will definitely be
making another film next year. All I can say this early on is that it will
be horror again. Let's talk about your most recent
film, Strix - so what's that one about, and what were your sources
of inspiration there? Strix is
also period piece that takes place in 1978. It's about a cult of witches
that are kidnapping children. A man played by Billy Blair (Machete,
Alita:
Battle Angel) is hired to save the kids, and all kinds of insanity unfolds. Do talk about Strix's cast
for a bit, and why exactly these people? Jenn
Stone is my best friend and we are creative partners. So she’s in
everything I do. Billy Blair is also a good friend and I try to work with
him on every film I do. We even got his two daughters in this one! Was
super cool working with Brinke Stevens [Brinke
Stevens interview - click here] too. There’s too many people to
mention, but I made a lot of friends with amazing people that I’m now
working with on Dr Gift.
Where
can Strix be seen, and anything you can tell us about audience and
critical reception of your movie yet? Strix
will be coming out this fall and I’m super pumped to release it and show
the latest cut to everyone. People were loving it when we premiered back
in March. A lot of people told us this is our best film, and that's what I
always want to hear as we progress. A few words about
your co-director on both these projects and frequent collaborator Jennifer
Michelle Stone II, and what's your collaboration usually like? And how did
you two first meet even? We met in high school and have been friends for over 20 years. We
learned everything together, editing, directing etc. We make a strong
team. What got you into filmmaking in
the first place, and did you receive any formal education on the subject? I went to art school for design and
ended up falling in love with the few video production classes that I
took. But even as a small kid I knew I’d be working in films when I grew
up.
During
your career, you have worked in many positions, both in front of and
behind the camera - so how come, and what do you enjoy most, what could
you do without? Directing is the most important part to me. I also
really enjoy acting, and I’m a good editor... but if I had to stick with
one it would be directing. What can you tell us about your filmwork
prior to Strix? Me, Jenn and Billy made a movie with Michael Berryman called
Midnight Devils that was released at Walmart under Midnight Evil.
It's a creature feature that has
insane monster FX. It's a good
time and you can watch the best cut of it for free on TUBI. One can't help but notice that
many of your movies are of the horror variety - coincidence, or is that a
favourite genre of yours, and why (not)? Horror
is definitely my favorite genre. It always has been and I’ll continue
sticking with that genre. The day may come when you see me directing a big
Disney flick or something, lol, but for now I am sticking with horror. How would you
describe yourself as a director? I like to have fun on set but I
also try to make sure we get the job done. So I move fast and we crack a
lot of jokes as we go. But at the end of the day I make sure what we get
is something we can all be proud of.
Filmmakers, actors,
whoever else who inspire you? Filmmaker-wise Guillermo Del Toro, Ridley Scott, Tim Burton,
and the Coen brothers are my favorites. I’ve watched their films more
than anyone. Other than that my family is a big inspiration to me. Your favourite movies? Legend,
Raising Arizona, The Crow, Blade Runner, No
Country for Old Men, Night of the Demons, Let the
Right One In, Pee
Wee’s Big Adventure, Big Trouble in Little China, The
Thing, Rocky, to
name a few.
...
and of course, films you really deplore? I’m not super
picky so I can’t think of any that I just really hate.
Your website,
social media, whatever else? https://www.facebook.com/abel.berry
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Anything else you're dying
to mention and I have merely forgotten to ask?
Just that everyone should get ready for Strix and Dr. Gift really soon!! Thanks
for the interview!
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