|
Screaming
Stoner Video: What can you tell us about The Temptress? What type of budget
was this feature shot on? How long will it run?
Jeff Kirkendall: "The Temptress" is my most recent directorial feature. The movie is an action/horror picture about three female vampires living a relatively subdued suburban
existence.
The action heats up when they are forced into a confrontation with an evil vampire cult whom they have past ties with. The cult is lead by a power-hungry vampire named Angelique, who has something of a Goth look to her, as do some of her followers. The title of the movie really refers to Angelique, because she is the one who sets all the events into motion. Other characters who get caught up in this battle include a mild-mannered young man and a sadistic jewel thief.
The movie is what you would call a micro-budget picture. We shot in digital video, and our only real costs (no counting equipment costs of course) consisted of buying some props and costumes. All in all we spent a few hundred dollars on the movie. The running time of the picture is approximately 68 minutes.
Being both a director and actor, what are the biggest differences
between the two crafts for you?
For me directing usually involves more work than acting does. Because my projects are in the no-budget arena, I'm often in charge of many different facets of each movie I undertake. Directing a picture generally means putting together the cast and crew, scouting locations, gathering props and supplies, and doing a lot of the camerawork.
In bigger budget movies obviously these tasks are often performed by more people. When I'm acting in a movie directed by someone else I can just memorize my lines, show up when they tell me to, and focus on my character. In this respect acting is an easier task (than directing) for me, which is not to say it is any less important. Both crafts present their own unique challenges and offer their own rewards. I like the feeling of leading my own film, and I also like being a part of a movie that I'm not in charge of. I have appeared in most of my own films, but I usually don't cast myself in the lead because of all the responsibilities involved with directing. I'd rather play a lead role in someone else's movie!
If our readers are interested in ordering these films, where
do you recommend they purchase them?
At this writing I can't give you an answer to that question, because the movies haven't become available for purchase yet. I'm currently looking at several different distribution options for my feature "The Temptress". Most of them involve online distribution in one form or another. The other two features I've been involved with recently are "The Edge Of Reality" and "London After Midnight", directed by independent filmmakers Joe Bagnardi and Bruce G. Hallenbeck, respectively. I served as Associate Producer and Editor on both these pictures, in addition to appearing in them. "The Edge Of Reality" is a horror anthology feature consisting of three creepy tales in the tradition of Night Gallery and The Twilight Zone. "London After Midnight" takes its name only from the old Lon Chaney classic, and is about psychic investigators battling the forces of evil, including demons and satanic cults. These two movies are scheduled for distribution from
Brimstone
Productions. I do know that previous Brimstone releases are available for purchase on such websites as
amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com, so I'm hoping that "The Edge Of Reality" and "London After Midnight" will get similar wide distribution. You can check my website (www.veryscaryproductions.com) for updates on release information.
You have some of the most attractive women alive in your
features, are these professional or volunteer actresses?
First, thank you for the compliment. I'm sure my actresses will be very flattered to hear that. I've been fortunate to work with many talented people throughout my productions. As I mentioned previously, my movies are in the no-budget arena, so the people who have been cast in them have essentially volunteered their time. Most of the actors and actresses I have worked with have had some previous experience, usually in theatre. Many of them have been, or are, theatre majors in school. Some have appeared in other independent films. I've also been lucky enough to discover people who may not have had much experience, but just have a natural ability when it comes to acting. Most of the actors do it for the experience and so they can add to their resumes.
What rewards do you find in directing motion pictures? What are
the biggest obstacles for you?
As I said, I usually wear many hats when I direct a picture. So I believe just keeping a movie together throughout the entire production period is the biggest challenge. This is especially true when I need to work around people's schedules, and when a movie is made over a long period of time, as my last feature was. Obstacles such as changing seasons (which can make continuity difficult) and people having to back out of projects for various reasons can also make things difficult. However the reward is finishing a movie and having people watch and enjoy it. This makes everything worthwhile.
What advice do you have for other directors, especially aspiring
film-makers?
I would say if you want to make a movie, you need to just go out there and do it. A lot of people talk about the subject, but a much smaller number actually go out and make it a reality. Also, before you begin, preparation is in order. First you need a good script, and your script needs to be one you feel passionate about. You also should try to recruit at least a couple other people who are as motivated to make a movie as you are. Unless your movie is going to be very short I wouldn't recommend going it alone. I've found that it's usually just too much work to attempt single-handedly. And finally, of course, you need equipment to produce it with.
Luckily, with the evolution of digital video equipment, cost is much less a factor than it used to be.
In your own words, what do you feel a producers most important
job is?
I believe a producer's role varies according to the type of production. Since I am usually writer/producer/director/editor on my pictures, these roles all become one in a
sense. I simply take the steps necessary to make the movie a reality. With bigger budgeted movies a producer is often a person who backs a picture financially.
Do you feel that the horror film genre is progressing or regressing?
What do you think about the current Hollywood trend of shooting remakes of the classic horror movies like Dawn of the Dead and The
Texas Chainsaw Massacre?
Looking at all the remakes as of late, one can easily make the case that things are regressing, because Hollywood is choosing to go with known titles rather than take a chance on something more original. I've written quite a bit on my site about the subject of remakes, and, generally speaking, I'm not in favor of the trend. There have just been too many bad remakes to name. I find it especially sad that many people will never watch the original versions of films like the ones you mentioned, and will only associate a title with the remade version. However, in all fairness it should be noted that not every remake has been lousy. For example I was very surprised to find the 2003 version of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre to be quite a solid film. This was due primarily to the fact that the two versions had such stylistic differences.
What is the coolest film you've seen in the last three months
and why?
I thought the recent Stephen King movie Secret Window was quite good. The filmmakers did a nice job translating the story without changing too much. It was especially impressive because King's story (Secret Window, Secret Garden) is one of those tales that focuses a lot on what the main character is thinking. This type of story can be difficult to adapt visually. I also thought Johnny Depp gave an interesting and fun performance, which elevated the film to an even higher level.
What are your views on the legalization of marijuana?
I think I'll pass on this question, but what I would like to do is take a moment to express my appreciation to the good folks at Screaming Stoner Video for this interview. Thanks very much!
|
