Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Interview #1: Nick Box

     

     One of my first reviews was on a movie called Brutal Jesus and the House of Wasted Youth.  A few months after writing that post I received an email from the director, Nick Box.  He told me that he had read the review and liked my style.  I literally picked that film apart, and as he was aware, I was not a fan.  However, he did not let that bother him and sent me two more films to review.  Both films were a huge improvement over Brutal Jesus.  One of the films, She's Dead, will defiantly be a huge hit among horror fans.  After reviewing them for my blog I saw a jump from a typical 50 views a day to nearly 300 a day.  So I asked Nick if he had a Facebook page and he added me.  I noticed he had actually shared my blog a few times.  I gained a lot of respect for this man for all that he had done and asked him if he cared to let me interview him via Facebook for the blog and he agreed.  This is that interview.      

Me - For anyone to go out on their own and use their own money to make that movie. Something had to inspire you. Was is a film, series of films, a director? What was it that inspired you?

Nick Box - I was obsessed with film right since a kid and it was what I always wanted to do, however I was always told I couldn't unless I had heaps of money and knew the right people etc. but in my teenage years I got into Kevin Smith's early movies and Troma and both of those made me realize I could go out and make movies for very little.


Me - I understand where you're coming from there. I've always wanted to be a filmmaker but never had the motivation. And like you, I too love Kevin Smith and Troma films

Out of the films you have made, which one is your personal favorite? The one you think of as your masterpiece?

 Nick Box- Out of all the films I have made so far I think She's Dead is by far the best as it was certainly my most ambitious, A feature film shot in 4 days and a turn around from script to Cinema Premiere in 2 months was one hell of a feat and I do think its the most solid film I have made so far. However because it's still so fresh I've seen it so many times in the last few months I find it hard to watch ha-ha! , But still a great little film that I am very proud of. 2nd to that would be Violent Vicar that's the one I can watch the most as it all ways makes me laugh.

Me -  Having watched three of your films I have to say that I really enjoyed She's Dead and the Violent Vicar was also a very good film. I see a trend in each film of yours that I watch where you have grown as a director from film to film. With She's Dead being a great film, I cant wait to see how good your next one will be.

After you made your first film, did you catch yourself watching movies by other directors a little differently?

Nick Box -  I Think even before I shot my first film , (Dracula Vs The Ninja On The Moon) I was already watching films from a director's point of view as I said before it's all I have ever wanted to do, but up until 2009 I never really had the means to make anything other than a bunch of experimental shorts, Certainly since becoming a film maker I have gained allot more respect for Directors of movies I wouldn't normally watch. but I still pick holes and work out how things are done the same as I always have but this is what taught me the craft I've learnt more from watching movies than I have from books and course's etc.

Me -  I have not been lucky enough to watch Dracula vs Ninja on the Moon, But I will one day. One would assume that, after making your own movies, you would see movies in a different light. You actually know, first hand, the sleepless night and pain they went through when making that film.

What do you have planned for your future as a director and Dead Good Films Like?

Nick Box -  A little more on the last Question. I've always known that movie making is about Blood Sweat and Tears so I knew what I was getting myself in for from the word go he-he but yeah since doing it I do respect other film makers a lot more, but still try to see films in the same way I always have but I do certainly pick up on things I like or dislike allot quicker.

As for the future I am currently casting for an extreme Exploitation film with a hint of comedy it's a Christmas film but wont be ready until sometime in the new year, other than that with Dead good films Like we are working on our 2nd Anthology film Terror Telly 2 which will feature segments from some great directors from all over the world, we also hope to make more convention appearances across Europe and even the states in 2013 and we have been entering She's Dead into some festivals. So Certainly Busy times

Me - Sounds like you have a lot going on. As for those conventions in the states let me know when and where because I will definitely be there. I am a huge fan of exploitation films and there is not enough horror/exploitation films about the Christmas season.

What was your favorite movies growing up and what are your favorite movies now?

Nick Box - I really want to bring DGFL to the states so badly, as a good 60% of the films we sell are to America and Canada and the convention scene over there is awesome, Would like to do at least one in 2013 Wasteland is the one id like to do the most but would be good to go over in a month with a few on so we could hit all sides but it's all down to money at the end of the day :(

My favorite movies growing up for the most part are still my favorite movies now and the ones that inspired me the most, my all time favorite movie is THE MONSTER SQUAD ever since I saw it when it came out on VHS when I was Like 10 that movie has stuck with me I could watch everyday for the rest of my life. I am all about 80s movies of all genre's Horror , Action even Kids flicks but my top 5 has always stayed the same The Monster Squad, Labyrinth, Transformers The Movie (1986) ,Rocky IV , Big Trouble in Little china. But I am also heavily influenced by the Charles Band Empire produced movies of the 80's and early 90s Terror Vision etc and Canon films like American Ninja etc. When it comes to recent films or at least films in the last 10-15 years id say Troma's Terror Firmer, Ti West's House of the Devil and the best independent movie of all time in my Opinion THE TAINT

 Me - My respect for you keeps growing. The Monster Squad is also one of my favorite films and as my wife can testify, my favorite era of films is definitely the 80's regardless of genre. Transformers is also an obsession of mine. I have an Autobot's tattoo and when I get the time I will have the Decepticon tattoo as well. Now, as for The Taint, I have never seen it but it does have a lot of hype so I may throw that on the ol Christmas list.

Finally, what advice would you give aspiring filmmakers?

Nick Box -  The Taint is a true masterpiece it's so out there its awesome :)

My advice to aspiring film makers is simple go out and do it! You don't need money you don't need high end gear, all you need is an idea. look at what you have to work with and base your project around that. when we made Brutal Jesus we had a house we could use and a bunch of punks we knew we had no money but scraped together £10 to buy a bible and a bed sheet we couldn't afford to buy or make blood so we had him kill with strangulation etc that's just an example but it's all about looking at what you have and how you can make that fun and work, It's easy to get a film out there get involved in the online movie communities on Youtube and Facebook befriend people on there get advice and plug your projects. it's very cheap to get DVD's Printed and selling them online through web stores like Big Cartel and even Amazon so without sounding like a Nike commercial my advice is Just Do It!

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