Your upcoming film Berkshire County - in a few words, what is
it about?
It is a thriller/horror feature film that revives the
classic “woman in peril” story. The lead character of the film Kylie
has some unexpected visitors during a routine Halloween babysitting gig. What drew you to the project in the first
place, and how did it get off the ground? The project had been in
development prior to me coming on board. My first meeting with the
director (Audrey Cummings) went exceptionally well. We clicked, shook
hands and the rest is history. What can you
tell us about the film's director Audrey Cummings, and what's your
collaboration like?
I adore Audrey! The more I get to know her the more I
am surprised to learn just how famous and admired she is within the film
community here in Canada. This places a lot on my shoulders to ensure I
serve her well. The key to any collaboration is to be open to ideas and
respect each other’s opinions, which Audrey and I certainly have. She
also has this innate ability to make everyone on the team care, which is
so important for any independent film.
A few words about the rest of your crew, and maybe also potential
cast, and how and why did you gather these people?
The nucleus of the crew is our Director of Photography
Michael Jari Davidson. A master at shooting horror, he was instrumental in
gathering our keys. We are also fortune to have Michael Mason on board as
our editor (Cabin Fever: Patient Zero, A
Little Bit Zombie), and Chris
Gamble, our writer, who both happen to be CFC alumni.
Berkshire County's location |
Berkshire County
seems to be rather violent in content - something you can at all identify
with, and as a producer, how much influence do you have on the movie's
depiction of violence? Horror audiences have come to expect violence and gore
which this film will definitely deliver. I can’t identify with violence
on a personal level but as a producer it is my job to ensure that the film
posses the necessary ingredients to make it a commercial success. Any idea when and where the movie
might be released onto the general public yet? Too soon to tell but early estimates indicate a release
date somewhere during the spring/summer of 2014, although I wouldn’t
rule out a release date closer to Halloween. Especially
since you have directed a few films yourself, how would you describe
yourself as a producer (as in hands-on vs hands-off, supportive vs
domineering, ...)? A good producer must be
hands-on and supportive. I pride myself on balancing art and commerce. I
must use judgment when faced with going over budget for the sake of
getting “that one shot” the director needs, which ultimately can
create a better product. You have recently also produced the
movie Sick: Survive
the Night, which has been covered on this site to quite an extent
- so you just have to talk a bit about that one!
I am currently involved in distribution negotiations
for SICK, so expect to see the DVD on shelves very soon. The writer/director Ryan M. Andrews
[Ryan M. Andrews interview -
click here] lives and breathes horror and it shows in his
work. He has definitely built a fan base which I have no doubt will grow
significantly once SICK
goes to market. What
got you into producing as such in the first place, and how did you learn
the trade? Being an independent filmmaker I became a producer by
default. I didn’t have the luxury of things being handed to me. I built
everything from the ground up, I don’t know any other way. I had been in
business for years and was able to carry over what I learned into the film
and television world. Do talk about some of your past productions
if you may! Shameless promotion… here goes. My film Anything
Goes was picked up for distribution by eOne (Entertainment
One)
and is available across Canada. It is scheduled for a US release later
this year. Tapped,
a feature currently in post stars Cody Hackman, Michael Biehn (Terminator,
Aliens), UFC Champ Anderson Silva and isdirected by Allan Unger.
It is due out early next year. Waiting
for Summer (dir. Senthil Vinu) continues to rack up awards at
festivals and has just entered into a distribution deal as well. You also have directed a handful of movies,
right? So what can you tell us about Bruno Marino, the director? Thanks for pointing that out! Most only know me as a
producer which is fine, it still commands a great deal of creativity on my
part. I enjoy directing when I know I can bring truth to a project. If all
goes well I should be back in the chair this summer. Any
future projects beyond Berkshire County you'd like to
share?
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Several features in the works for this year including
On the Take, Trust, Bad Fortune, Origen, Blur,
Seek, Severed Connection
and Meet Me at the Altar. All of which are at various stages in
development. Your
favourite movies?
Too many to list. The movies that I can watch over and
over are those that leave me with a feeling of wanting more when I leave
the theatre or turn off the remote. ... and of course, films you really
deplore? The same efforts are made for both a bad and good
movies, being a filmmaker I know what it takes, so it pains me to call out
a bad flick, so I won’t. Your/your movie's website, Facebook, whatever
else?
www.Berkshirecounty-themovie.com
www.facebook.com/berkshirecountymovie
Anything else you are dying to mention and I have
merely forgotten to ask? Yes, we are very fortunate to have found a unique mansion
to shoot the better part of Berkshire County. It will no doubt become a
character in the film. Thanks for the interview!
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