HorrorSociety (HS): Tell everyone who you are and what you are doing here?
Im Jon Price, 17-year-old filmmaker out of Texas
(HS): So about Dementia…tell us a little about the plot and storyline for this movie?
Basically, a prosecution lawyers wife is killed, as well as his daughter at the beginning of the story by the wife of a man he (Danny) has put away. Shortly after, he brings up a new idea, or way of doing things at the Firm he is with (But the audience isnt told of what it is, but will be discovered in time), only to be let go for it. The heads of the firm didnt feel that Danny was headed in the same direction as the rest of his associates, so that was it. Danny, who is played by David Emerson, doesnt take to well to the reaction of the firm, but he doesnt let that get in his way. He begins to peruse his feelings and ideas, regardless of consequences. Right from the beginning, DEMENTIA starts off moving, and is filled with lies, deceit, betrayal, and plenty of what horror fans want to see!
(HS): Whose idea was this and how did you get it from your head to the screen? Meaning did you just sit down and start writing it like or did you research anything for it like a term paper or something?
Originally, DEMENTIA was my (Jon Prices) idea. I wrote the story for DEMENTIA while watching the news with my dad a few nights, as well as personal beliefs haha. I believe that people should be punished in such ways as say, the Old Times. I think it would help the world out to bring back the Eye for an Eye way of punishment, have a punishment that actually fits the crime. So when watching this film, you will see examples of my personal beliefs and thoughts play out. I feel if you write a script or story with personal experience or feelings, then the story it self will be more true, and real. I have to give credit to Chris Craft for correcting my grammatical errors and mistakes I had, as well as scripting the story.
(HS): Now I made a little short a while ago for class and we had to storyboard the whole thing out…did you do anything like that for this, or just shoot straight from the script?
I had done a lot of previous drawings and sketches of what I wanted prior to filming; Helps being an artist as well. Working with guys like Tracy Crockett and David Emerson for my first real film, I wanted to look prepared, and confident in what I was doing. If you want people to take you serious, give the ma reason to, you know?
(HS): Did you have a hard time finding the cast to make the film?
Yes actually, there was a lot of trial and error, in a way, when it came to it. I knew what I wanted, and after watching or seeing some actors I could tell they werent the ones for the film. Luckily enough, I ran across people like David Emerson who helped make the film. He was a style, and a look that can be very misleading, which was exactly what I was looking for. Amanda Tucker was another one who I was lucky enough to have on the cast, simply because, as sad as it may be, she has almost lived the life of her character Nikole in the film.
(HS): How much did the movie actually cost to make?
To be quite honest, I couldnt tell you. This was what you would consider a true no budget film. But Im the kind of person who is going to make the best out of what has been laid in front of me. To film, we used the classic Panasonic DVX 100B, which was a good couple grand from my account, but it was well worth it. That was the biggest expense; the rest was stuff we either had at our own houses, or bought with our weekly checks. A goal I have set in my mind is that after watching the film, you wont be able to tell that is was a true no budget film.
(HS): How long have you been working on this project?
Well I began writing the script at the end of winter earlier this year. I pitched the idea to Necroscopic Unlimited, and things began. I was lucky enough to find those guys; they helped out a great deal. Until they came along, I felt that o one was really going to take a 17 year old serious. But lucky enough for me, they did haha.
(HS): How long did the actual shooting take?
Umm, total, I would say a solid five days. Do to the strict schedules of everyones Daily Life, we werent able to film each day until about 5:00pm, or even 6:00pm.
(HS): Did you have a hard time find some of the locations or permissions for the shooting?
When it came to finding the locations, it was quite easy considering that I had specific places in mind when I was writing the story. And as for the permissions, well, it was up and down. For Dannys house, I used my house, which was easy enough. One location that was hard for us to get was the spot for the bar scene. There was a lot of issues with that, but we eventually found a great spot, and got the release forms signed right away.
(HS): Are we going to see some digital effects in this or just some old school karo…I mean gore!?
Haha, Well, Im a big fan of classic horror, say Halloween, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Black Christmas, Psycho, and other similar films that used no digital effects. They probably didnt use them because they werent available at the time, but still haha. I decided to stick to some good old school gore. We were lucky enough to pick up John Mays, a local F/X artist who helped make DEMENTIA into the film it has become. John is an amazing F/X artist, and I was stoked to be able to work with him and have him on the crew.
(HS): Can you name some of the films that inspired you to make this one, or anything that inspired you really?
Really, no. But I am influenced by styles of work, if that counts. Hitchcock, Carpenter, Barker, Malone, and others have inspired the style of DEMENTIA. The way they utilize suspense and imagery in their films is something I would love to bring back into horror. All to often films are coming out now that are just kill, gore, kill. Thats fun and all, but after awhile, I get tired of it. I go to horror flicks to get scared, which is often a rarity now if you ask me.
(HS): Got a favorite scene from the movie?
I think I have two favorites. One being whats called The Party Scene, mainly because of the flow of the scene, and the way the music builds the tension in it. And the second, I think would have to be whats called Roberts Torture. You can see a glimpse in the teaser trailer now; its the one with the power drillso use your imagination.
(HS): Is there anything that you regret with this project or would want to re-do?
I dont think that there is anything I regret or re-do. We did go back and re-film two torture scenes, only because I wasnt satisfied, but thats really it. Im not saying everything was flawless, but its not horrible in anyway. Everyone has their first film, and here is mine. I believe it went much better than I ever expected, and I hope everyone will enjoy it.
(HS): Can we see a sequel to this film?
Oh no, no sequel for DEMENTIA ever. This is a film that stands alone, without prequels or sequels. No reason for it with DEMENTIA.
(HS): As far as editing the project are you doing that yourself?
Yes, indeed I am. It might be very frustrating, but its worth it. You never realize how much tape there is to go through until you actually have to watch them all, all the way through.
(HS): What are some of your favorite horror movies?
Lets see, Halloween, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Psycho, Silence of the Lambs, Hellraiser, Dead Alive, Last Man on Earth, House on Haunted Hill (Original and Remake), and the list goes on.
(HS): Have any other projects or movies in the works right now?
Well we are currently in pre production for a film called WATER, as well as a few others. Im currently writing a film that I want to do, a more sadistic, dark, and twisted film which is set to be filmed this winter, so be on the look out!
(HS): I heard you got a bit of flack from some people on YouTube for being so young and inexperienced…Do you get that a lot?
Yeah I do, but if I were to let it bother me than I would e an idiot. Hell I might be a kid, but I am a kid who is living his dream and doing what it takes to accomplish it. I dont feel that age has anything to do with good filmmaking. I dont understand why someone would make comments to me or DEMENTIA like that, but its not my job to understand people haha, thank God.
(HS): How is the Horror Scene locally in Texas?
Is the term, nonexistent, a good way to explain it? Well I take that back, there is an event that takes place one Friday out of every month called Friday Night Frights, and that is nothing short of amazing. Horror flicks, food, recline able chairs, free stuff, and more, all for just $10. Now you cant beat that. I am really glad that John Gray, of Guts and Gory.com, and Pit of Horror.com for setting that up.
(HS): Have you talked with any kind of distributors for this film yet?
No, I really havent. I wasnt sure if I wanted to have them distributed like that, or simply make them myself. I know I should have them distributed, but we will see if tis in the budget.
(HS): Now tell us who is the graphics guy for all of your posters and T-Shirts?
I am, haha, I guess m trying to be an all around filmmaker. I enjoy doing it, so why not? Ive taken graphic design classes, art classes, and advertising classes, so I figured I should go ahead and do it myself.
(HS): What kind of info and insight can you give other filmmakers trying to get their own work out there to people?
Networking is key. I cant stress that enough.
(HS): Anything else you would like to say to everyone? Last words!!
I just want to thank everyone who has helped us out, and supported DEMENTIA! We cant thank you enough for everything you guys have done. Hope DEMENTIA lives up to everyones expectations.
(HS): Im sure that the film will live up to everyones expectations. Thank you Jon for your time!!
Click on the pics for a larger image
To learn more about the film, the cast and crew, and pictures along with updates on the movies and projects…. check out DEMENTIA on MySpace
