Thomas Smith, co-writer and director of Gravitas Ventures’ new slasher entry Backwoods, gives us the 411 on his horror faves, beginnings and how the film brings something new to the template.
You’re building an impressive resume for yourself – and most seem to be in the horror genre. How far back does your love of scary movies date?
I was an impressionable kid in the 1980s when Freddy and Jason were huge in pop culture. They were always the talk of the playground, whether we had seen their movies or not. Looking back, I think that’s what planted the horror bug in me — I didn’t see most of those movies until much later, but the dominance of those characters during that time period really sparked something in my imagination as a kid.
Do you remember the first horror film you ever watched?
The first pure horror film I remember watching was Friday the 13th, Part 2. It was a Saturday afternoon in the late 1980s. USA Network was running a Friday the 13th marathon. I had never seen any of the movies, but knew Jason from pop culture, and I was determined I was finally going to see what these movies were all about. Once sack-head Jason made his first appearance, I watched the rest of the movie from beneath a bed, hiding in fear.
Which one left such an impression that it spurred your decision to become a filmmaker though?
Army of Darkness, which I wouldn’t call “horror”, but it was a gateway drug. I caught the movie, again on USA Network, one Saturday afternoon in the early 90s. I was probably 10 or 11. I knew nothing about it. Watching the prologue, I thought, this must be a sequel to something. I loved the movie — the humor, the adventure, the scares, Bruce. That led me to Evil Dead 2, then Evil Dead. Those films really opened my eyes on what could be done with horror — straight scares, slapstick, adventure. I was hooked.
Is there a certain type of horror film you prefer though?
It depends on the mood I’m in. I love a good slow burn, something like The Changeling, but there are times when I want to watch some schlock just for a laugh. I love a good ghost or haunted house story. At the end of the day, though, I’m probably happiest with a good horror comedy.
How would you classify Backwoods?
I’d say Backwoods is a slight twist on the slasher genre. There are the typical elements and character types we’ve all come to expect, but there are some new wrinkles as well.
And it looks like you’ve shot all your films in Alabama? Is that home?
Yes, we’ve shot everything from our home base in Mobile, Alabama, and have built up a solid stable of regular cast and crew.
Does Alabama have good incentives for filmmakers?
The state does have a good film incentive program. Mobile and Birmingham have been incredibly busy the last few years with productions. “Get Out” was filmed about half an hour away from us.
And what does it offer filmmakers in terms of locations?
We have great weather and some beautiful locations. Nice beaches, creepy forests, cityscapes, and some quaint small towns. It’s kind of a one-stop shop.
Is it hard to make an original slasher in this day-and-age?
There’s certainly a specific set of expectations when you hear the term “slasher” and I wanted to avoid many of those in an attempt to forge a fresh path. I think the story we told is unique to the genre and the characters aren’t necessarily lifted directly from the standard archetypal mold. Hopefully Backwoods gives slasher fans something new and a little different.
What are they using for blood these days? Still corn syrup?
Yep, and lots of it!