Michael Hall: From “Kids Go to the Woods” to “Bambie Killers” with Our Favorite “Up All Night” Director. By Brian Kirst
Fun loving director Michael Hall unleashed “Kids Go to the Woods…Kids Get Dead”, a loving tribute to Rhonda Shear and Troma-like entertainment, this past year and the press can’t get enough of his silly slasher fable. Taking a moment out from stabbing plasticized figures, the genial Hall recently answered some blood red questions for this daring Horror Society piece.
BK: Michael, as “Kids Go to The Woods…” was inspired by “Up All Night with Rhonda Shear” is there one movie from that show that still stands out as a special influence for you?
MH: “USA Up All Night” was my introduction to Tromaville This was how I first saw so many of the Troma classics like Class of Nuke ‘Em High, the Toxie series and Surf Nazi’s Must Die. I’m still a huge Troma fan and have a shelf of DVD’s dedicated for Troma releases.
BK: And just wait until they make that Lloyd Kaufman doll! – So, what was the most enjoyable thing about putting together “Kids Go to the Woods” and what was the most difficult?
MH: Wow. That’s a tough question. The most enjoyable part of any movie production for me is usually the family atmosphere that develops between the cast and crew after living and working together so intensely for a long period of time. Specifically with “Kids Get Dead” I really enjoyed working with an ensemble cast; they really kept me on my toes. The most difficult part of production was definitely our shorthanded crew. Everyone is used to wearing many hats but we really stretched it this time with the core crew only being cinematographer Robert J. Huntley, Neal Seidman running sound, Brad Creanzo as a grip and myself directing/producing. Actors, friends and family pitching in was really what got us through the shoot.
BK: Awesome! If you could work with one performer from your horror filled “geek-dom” days (Actually do those days ever end?!?) who would it be?
MH: Ha-ha, those days never end! (At least I hope not). Honestly I’ve never really thought about it, but if I had to pick one I think working with former wrestler/actor Rowdy Roddy Piper (“ They Live”, “Hell Comes to Frogtown”) would be pretty groovy.
BK: Cool! I’m down for some Pied ‘Piper’ action myself, man! – From coverage in Fangoria to great online support, what has been the most marvelous thing about the response to “Kids Go to The Woods”?
MH: The positive reviews and write-ups have been really great for sure, but the audience responses have been the most flattering. The sold out theater screenings in New Orleans, Cincinnati, and NYC were almost overwhelming. I don’t watch the movie so much at these events as I watch the people. I really made the movie for them, and seeing that many people in a crowded theater dig your stuff is a wonderful feeling.
BK: Totally! – Lastly, any words of advice (IE: Never read a self prophesying horror novel while alone with friends in the dark woods) or future projects that you’d like to tell us about? And thanks this has been better than being a 35 year old teenager any day of the week!
MH: We have some cool stuff lined up for the spring/summer including a short about retired super heroes and I recently purchased a 3D camera rig that I’m looking forward to experimenting with. We’ve also been in talks with a three piece vaudville/cabaret/punk rock group from NYC called the The Bambi Killers (www.bambikillers.com) about turning the girl’s show into a feature film.
(PS. Our oldest teenager was only 34!)
