Like James Wan, director of Saw and Insidious, Australian filmmaker Stuart Stanton learnt the ropes from Melbourne’s RMIT University. We caught up with the amiable, talented newcomer to discuss his new film “No Such Thing as Monsters”.
Now tell me if I’m wrong, you went to the same university James Wan did?
Yes, I did. RMIT Melbourne. Though I am not sure if we did the exact same course… I completed 4 years of the Video Production course. I think James Wan was a couple years ahead of me.
Did Wan, with the success of “Saw”, pave the way for a bevy of Aussie filmmakers – especially in the realm of horror – you think?
He definitely put Aussie back on the map I think. Him along with Greg Maclean and others. Funny story – I actually did some editing on one of Greg’s last corporate videos before he went off and shot Wolf Creek. I never met him in person but I was involved with the company that produced it. It was a real estate video if I remember correctly….
How have things changed in the industry, as you see it, since shooting “Flesh” in 2007?
Flesh was a lifetime ago and most definitely a trial by fire. I had no idea what I was doing and I was far from inside the industry. I’m not sure if that film will ever officially see the light of day. How has the industry changed? Less physical, more digital. It’s far easier now to create high production value content than ever before. You can shoot a cinema grade film for next to nothing these days.
And how do you think you’ve improved as a filmmaker?
With my corporate business Final Focus Video, it has taught me to be less of a cowboy and more strategically minded and disciplined when it comes to creating stories. It’s also taught me that collaboration and trust is everything. You just need to find the right people.
Where did the inspiration for this one come from –“No Such Things as Monsters”?
I was inspired to write something small in budget and in scope that revolved around just a few characters that I could shoot quickly. Jordan (the producer) showed me a property he owned – which was the main property in the film and optioned potentially shooting something there. After seeing it I went away and began throwing ideas at the wall. Inspired by films like The Texas Chainsaw Massacre etc. I knew I wanted to explore the ‘crazy family’ concept and the theme of ‘monsters’. Three months later I had a draft.
Is it fair to say you’re a fan of the old school, Tobe Hooper – George Romero style horror film – none of that “watered down” stuff?
Mixed bag to be honest. It comes down to the story, characters, style. I just want it to feel real in the world it’s selling. Happy to watch a gritty, raw horror film next to a glamorous, clean looking Hollywood one. Really depends. I love TCM but I also love The Shining, two very different types of horror. Watered down – not sure what you mean by that. As in safe PG horror? I think it has its place and audience, Sam Raimi has done some great PG horror films for example. Just don’t try to scare me solely with loud noises – I’m not interested.
And you’re big on practical effects?
Absolutely. If I could do something practically I would go down that route first and foremost. I feel CG is best used to complement a story, rather than to drive it.
For those wanting to do a location tour of “No Such Thing as Monsters”, where did you shoot it?
The forest content was shot in Gembrook State Forest, specifically at a place called Gilwell Park. I believe they shot Lee Whannell’s film Dying Breed there, and Spike Jonze’s Where The Wild Things Are. It’s just down the road from where I go camping a couple of times a year. If you want to visit the less touristy rural parts of Victoria, I’d highly recommend it.