FOF: The internet obviously allows people like yourselves to get an idea out there without the usual costs that are involved with a complete film. Is it something you've embraced or was it a last option?
       
Phil:  Being a part of the independent film community for a while, there are definitely big financial hurdles to overcome. Basic things like using HD so you have a better projected image to (nowadays) using lens packages to create that more film look. The independent festival circuit is a different beast than the early 90's. I don't think a movie like Clerks (which I thoroughly enjoy) wouldn't get nearly as far these days, just because of the production value. So, the web is a solid way to produce something with nice production value, but without having to freak out about certain things. Now, we get to freak out about a whole new set of problems. 

 
FOF: Horror is in my a opinion a genre thats generally quite poor quality at the moment with remakes a plenty. Is The Scare Game going to be an original piece (loved the first episode) throughout?

Phil: That's the plan. We're dealing with horror fans so there has to be a bit of referential material in there, but the goal is still to try and find some new ground in the genre. The remakes make me want to put a bullet in my face, but there's some humor to mine there. That's why Vlogicide will continue to be a part of the series. It's a chance for us to really poke fun at some of the ridiculousness of horror these days. That being said, there are flicks that come out still that are fun and original (and the new 3D makes a mediocre movie like My Bloody Valentine into a good time!).

 
FOF: Who's idea was it to do short episodes for a web release?

Phil: That was pretty much a mutual decision. From a production point of view, they are cheaper and faster to put out, then there are technical considerations for streaming, and then of course we want people watching us when they can (including work) and a reasonable watch time is important. Some people vouch for the 2 minute episode, but we have an ensemble and we want to give characters time to breath. Plus, keeping episodes in a serialized series short, it makes it easier for people to catch up with the series.

 
FOF: You all obviously love horror so come on who are your inspirations and what's your favourite horror film?

Phil: I love The Shining. The imagery from that film still messes with me til this day. I dig the original Halloween and Nightmare on Elm St. (Though, that is one remake that at least looks semi-interesting). I dig on ghost stories like The Haunting (original), The Others, and even things like The Blair Witch Project. People have lost the notion of NOT showing stuff. I miss that a lot. I can keep going- Vampire movies, Hammer Horror, monster movies, and the like. My dad used to watch any ridiculous B-horror under the sun and would let me watch it with him so I was exposed to a lot of crazy business from an early age.

 
FOF:The whole production looks like everyone is doing their bit. Is it all hands on deck with everyone doing a bit of everything?

Phil: Actually, it's not nearly as much as it has been in the past. We've actually worked really hard to get a good crew to help spread out the work and really create a solid production. Nevertheless, most of us (Brian, Jenn, and myself) wear a few hats. It seems like Brian focuses a lot on pre-production and Jenn and I are focus on post-production. Naturally, all three have a lot going on during actual shooting. Brian works hard to make me be *just* the director. I'm always running around and doing things myself like a PA. 

 
FOF:I hope you've checked out the site and know that we love independent film making as well as some mainstream. Do you want to do the big Hollywood production?

Phil: Yeah, you can't deny the glory. I'd love the chance to work with some great actors and have a bit of a budget. Not necessarily a 100 million (which doesn't mean much anymore when it seems like a Kate Hudson comedy costs like 70 million). A lot of it is just having great resources and getting to work with some semi-famous actors would be a blast. It's the fan in me. You can fight for your artistic integrity, but everybody wants to be invited to the party.

 
FOF:The Europeans and Asians seem to be able to make great horror films for little money. Why do you think Hollywood is reliant on remakes and big budget productions?

Phil: It's all about the corporate environment. They're not selling a movie, they're selling a package- a brand, a name, etc... They're targeting specific markets and trying to sell a product. They're corporations and their job is making money. The problem is that they are trying to anticipate what people will like and that's nearly impossible to do. So, instead of worrying about quality, it's about making a great marketing package, filling the seats that opening weekend and then sell off the foreign markets for some real bank. And if you've ever worked on a set, you'll see the ridiculous excesses that come out of guild and union contracts. We won't even get into the giant paydays upper tier stars get. Like the teamsters, what a racket! 

 
FOF: If you could remake one film what would it be?

Phil: Ooo... damn. I would probably remake John Carpenter's Vampires. Now I love John Carpenter, but I thought it was a lot of wasted opportunities. Plus, I really enjoyed John Steakley's (sp?) original novel. Of course, thinking about it- there are a number of vampire movies I'd remake. That's one of the genres a love the most and am the most often disappointed with.

 
FOF: Why should people watch your series?

Phil: The characters are fun and I am hoping that we'll balance out their shenanigans with some honest to goodness chills. If we can nail that balancing act, then I think it will be a really fun series to watch.

 
FOF: When's the next episode due? (I'm getting impatient)

Phil: We're looking at the end of November. It all depends on the money. If we can get some big donations or sponsors then we'll crank these puppies out as fast as we can (and still do them well).

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