Richard LeMay imagined that filmmaking would get easier over time, but as the writer-director of January release Blood Bound tells us exclusively, that’s not the case.
Your fifth film as a filmmaker, Richard. How does it feel? Does it get easier the more films you do?
Richard LeMay: It feels good. I always thought it would get easier over time, but not so much. I think it’s never easy to make a movie. You have to love it. Otherwise, it would be overwhelming.
And have the rest of your films all fallen within the horror genre?
RM: Actually no. Most of my films were dramas. BLOOD BOUND and DEMENTIA 13 are the only horror. I’m probably best known for the drama NAKED AS WE CAME.
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Being a producer on the movie, are you able to make the movie ‘you’ want to make as opposed to a committee of people?
Being a producer on the movie, are you able to make the movie ‘you’ want to make as opposed to a committee of people? RM: Yes and no. When you raise the money and write the script, you have all the say, but you still have to listen and be open to the other people on your team. I always say “I don’t have all the answers but I have a lot of opinions.” The best idea always wins. Also, there’s the logistics of making a movie like this that can alter your vision. Time and money always weigh in.
And I imagine being the head producer means you get to cast who you want in the movie too?
RM: Yes. I was very fortunate with the cast we got for Blood Bound. I remember seeing Eden Brolin on our first day of casting and I was like “She’s it. I want her.” and everyone said “It’s the first day. Look at everyone.” They were right but I knew it was her all along. I think overall, I got the cast I wanted. It was like summer camp for adults working with all of them. A really amazing experience.
At any point in the game do you lose all creative control or does it remain with you until the film’s release?
RM: Fortunately for this film, I did not lose creative control. The only issue is working within the time and budget we had, but that’s where you have to be really creative and resourceful.
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Where did the idea for the film come from?
Where did the idea for the film come from?RM: This is almost embarrassing to admit, but it all started as a rage fantasy. I saw on the news that there was a very violent home invasion in Long Island and it got me thinking about what I would do. The reality is that I would most likely be beaten and killed but I kept thinking “what if…” and eventually it came down to what if they were witches and captured the invaders. It’s pretty dark.
One can imagine that substance was always more important to you than style. How important is it to surround good scares with a solid story?
RM: I think a solid story is the most important thing. However, a good scare is essential in a horror movie. You have to always be aware of what the fans want. I don’t think of it as pandering because it is a genre that has rabid fans. They want the scares, the gore, so you have to find a way to weave that into the story.
Tell us about some of the great behind-the-scenes talent that helped the film achieve those more frightening elements of the film?
RM: I was fortunate to work with some very talented people on this project. My Producer Trevite Willis was instrumental in getting this film made, as was my DP Vitaly Bokser. We also worked with a Dead World FX for the practical effects. Mr. Dead created some awesome stuff that looks 100% real. Some of the gore looks like we actually did that stuff on camera. That and great performances really took it to the next level.
What kind of feedback have you had for the film? Screened it yet?
RM: So far, people have been really creeped out. This isn’t one of those films that has a ton of jump scares. It’s a slow burn with some of those scares woven into the story. It’s really a look at two people caught up in something that they seemingly can’t escape from. There’s also a couple of turns in the plot that people wasn’t expect.