Our latest interview is with the director of the new slasher film, Camp Death. He is Shaun Tisdale and his game is gore, and it looks like he is playing rather these days. Camp Death took home an award for best foreign film at the Bare Bones Festival and we get to talk to the director about the film and the inspirations behind it!
(HorrorSociety) Ok, so tell us who you are and what are you doing here?
First off my name is Shaun Tisdale, President of Lick A Frog Productions Inc. as well as writer-director-producer of the independent slasher flick Camp Death.
(HS): How did you get started in filmmaking?
Camp Death I consider the beginning of my film making career. Years prior I had shot a couple of short films as well as made a few music videos for a now defunct band that were some friends of mine. Making those shorts is what really gave me the itch to realize that this is what I wanted to do for a living. I want to make movies. Stepping behind the camera and creating artlesbians and machetties are considered art too dammit) I now have a portal to show the world the truly twisted visions in my head. I had the concept for Camp Death breeding inside my head for years but now came do or die time and I spent my every last dime and literally put my blood, sweat and tears into this production.
(HS): It seems you were heavily inspired by the great slahser films of the 80’s…what is the most important slasher flick to you?
That is a question I can’t answer. I love the genre itself. I can’t pick a favorite movie or even a favorite franchise, but I can honestly say that when I was 8 years old watching Jason goes to hell watching Jason’s still beating heart being devoured may have just desensitized me a little bit.
(HS): What is some of your inspirations for making this?
A lifetime of watching movies and the realism that no one is going to make a movie the way I would. Fuck the rating don’t sell out your integrity for the potential sale of your film. If I conceive something in my mind I want to create it. I’m sure that there are some other sick and twisted individuals who also want to see the same kind of demented shit that gives me a half smile whilst the masses gasp in horror.
(HS): How long did the project take from start to finish?
Like I said I had the concept for about two years before I followed through. I finished the script in April 2004 and began filming in Mid-August. The bulk of the filming was shot over a two week period. It wasn’t the filming or even the financingcredit cards and bank loans) that took much time it was the tedious little task of editing that ate up the next year and some change of my life. I was also working construction during the days to help pay the bills on all of these loans I had take out so that is why the editing took slightly longer than anticipated. 5 had got to the point where the last cut I wanted to make was my wrists. But with perseverance December 12, 2005 the Final Cut of Camp Death was finished…… Well actually one internet site that I will choose not to mention fucked me around and gave me a license to a song that they had no business licensing and when I went to get a synchronization license I was not allowed to uses that song. So with some re-tooling the second final cut of Camp Death was finished In late FebruaryI can’t remember that exact date as time had began to blur together)
(HS): From the stills it looks like you have a good grasp on the special effects. Who was in charge of that?
The majority of the special effects were created by myself, but of course I had some assistance. Rae Fraser, Tylor Llewellyn and basically everyone on the set got conned into hepling in some way.. Gallons and gallons of blood were used during production. You could see the blood dripping out of the foundation of the main cabin from the outside)
(HS): Did you run into any major problems with shooting or any part of production?
What would you consider a major problem. I guess from day one I got the funding late, then had to begin production a month early and be finished shooting at the cabin by the time I had origionally planned to start filming. Fist day of shooting I was missing two lead females, half way through production my DP fucked offwith three master tapes that later were returned only to wreck my camera and loose some takes as apparently a sticky substance was spilled on the masters) Oh I lost the first location that I had in the bag and was forced to re-write and re-tool the film….. Uh what else. I may just stop there I don’t want to discourage any young filmmakers out there.
(HS): As far as the budget is concerned, did you have to find ways to raise money for this project or did most of it come out of your own pocket?
Not so much my pocket as much as the bank and credit cards.
(HS): Now I try to ask some things about the technical side of shooting for those out there that are also making their own films. What kinds of cameras did you use and editing hardware as well?
For the majority of the filming we used a Cannon GL2. Using the right lighting with the DV I was able to get that gritty grainy look that the old horror movies like the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre had. As for editing I used Adobe Premiere as well as Adobe After Effects.
(HS): I see that you picked up a best foreign film at the Bare Bones festival. Did you ever expect something like that to happen?
Honestly no. It was my first Film Festival and I was so nervous about the world premiere, but the audience reaction was good and I picked up Best Foreign Film, it was an amazing honor and it is one of those things that keeps you going and reminds you that you are doing something in this business.
(HS): Any chance of seeing a sequel to this movie?
Only time would tell, but if there were it would be more like a remake ( Like how evil dead 2 was more of a remake that a sequel) I do love the killer’s image and there is a good chance it will be used again.
(HS): Lets talk about some of the lesbians…hehe…how on earth did you get girls to do this stuff on camera. Are they paid actresses or just some friends of your?
First off that is a trade secret and second they were actresses who also happen to be quite good friends of mine.
(HS): Just a personal question here, did you happen to throw any kind of inside jokes into the movie? You know something that only the crew can really laugh at when they see it. Some kind of spoof of a movie, or dialog that you have always wanted to say but never had the chance?
Some things you just have to wait and see.
(HS): Is there anything that you would like to do again or anything that you regret doing now that it’s done?
Never regret anything. If you make a choice stick with it. Never dwell on the past and never accept defeat. Win loose of fail at least you tried. A person must make mistakes or they would never be able to learn from them.
ont color=”#990000″>(HS): Can you give an advice to fellow Indie film makers trying to make their own movies?
Don’t rush into production, but don’t take too long or you will procrastinate your whole life. Don’t try to do everything yourself, but
keep an eye on those helping you because no one will be as picky as you. Don’t cheap out on sound, push come to shove a film can look like shit but it can’t sound like shit. Make a movie you want to see. Worst case it flops or sits on the shelf for years as long as you can be proud of your work and would actually recommend that people watch your filmand think they may actually enjoy it)
(HS): Who are some of your favorite directors – horror or non-horror?
Queinten Tarantino, Kevin Smith, Robert Rodriguez, Peter Jackson’s horror films Dead Alive or the Frightners, not so much the way too long Lord of the Rings movies) as well as George A. Romero and Wes Craven even though half of their films are shit the other half are great. As well as I have liked what Eli Roth has done. There are many other greats out there these are just a few names that come to mind first.
(HS): Here is something I’ve always wanted to ask someone…boxers or briefs? HAHA
A little personal but neither if you really must know.
(HS): What is the best way to promote a moviefor those making them now)? Internet, festivals, etc..
The internet is growing and soon will dominate the entertainment industry, but my opinion is to try festivals first and then attempt the VOD sites. Chances are they will come to you after you show at a few film festivals, but beware signing exclusive contracts. Be very careful at anything you sign don’t give up you rights or royalties to your work.
(HS): If you hade the chance to work with any actors famous or not) who would your first choice be?
Corey Haim and Corey Feldman. They are due for a comeback.
(HS): Do you have any plans on making other films – horror or otherwise?
Without a doubt. Currently I have numerous loose concepts that I am formating as well as I am currently writing my next script. It is
currently untitled but It has given me nightmares on more that one occasion so I can guarantee it will be fucked up.
(HS): What do you think of the current state of horror films today? It seems like there is a bunch of remakes in the works. Are you a big fan of them?
I feel that the remakes are unnessisary and in most cases loose almost all of the integrity of the origional. Just because the budgets are higher now, image sharper and sound more crips doen’t mean it will be better than the origional. I find all the remakes do is make me go “Hey I havn’t seen that one for a while” and I generally watch the origional after the remake, and still prefer the oldies.
(HS): Is there anything else you would like to say?
If anyone out there is a horror fan and have not yet seen Camp Death then I urge you to go to CampDeath.com, BrainDamageFilms.Com, or simply just google it. It is now online and ready for your viewing pleasure.
(HS): One last thing before you go. I try to ask everyone this….What is horror to you?
The end of Sleep away Camp that last frame that just wont fade away, that is truly terrifying.
Thank you Shaun for your time! Go and check out the website and Camp Death at their official page:
Camp Death
Lick a Frog Productions
