Horror movies &stuff: Francis J. Sampier - "Morrow Road" Interview
Director Francis J. Sampier prepares to direct his first distribution aimed feature film, "Morrow Road", a movie based on a Michigan legend about the ghost of a woman searching for her long dead child. In this interview, he talks "Morrow Road", his blossoming career as a director, and how he managed to score all three "Evil Dead" ladies for his movie.
MR. H:How did you first get into directing films?
Francis: It all hit one day when I realized that I rally enjoy every aspect of film-making. Story creation, acting, camera operation, music, editing--I was so interested in all of it that the 'director' position was inevitable. But it wasn't just that.
I've been told that I have a way with working with people, and getting an idea across. My personality was called a "Swiss-Army knife" once, as apparently I can adapt to people the way they need to be dealt & worked with. I also enjoy working with people. If you don't enjoy social situations, then directing naturally isn't for you. Another reason I believe I am good at directing is I am energetic in nature. If I am exciting, I can stay awake for extensive periods of time (without the aid of drugs). Finally, I've been told by many I am good at directing because I listen. Everyone knows a good listener is key to being enjoyed on the set. All of the above traits lead me to directing. I started with a couple home movies, then a larger production (all were sequels to a home movie my friends & I created in High School). The feedback seemed to imply I was heading in the right direction
MR. H:Most new horror film directors like to bring a certain style to their filming, like certain closeups, certain camera angles, etc. As a director coming up in the ranks, do you like to keep it simple when it comes to directing, or do you also have a certain directing style or signature if you will, that you like to implement when filming a movie?
Francis:Great question, and if you asked anyone who knows me they can answer this for you: Yes. I am very particular with what I want. I like a "style" for any project I do. Morrow Road will attempt to really make the viewer uncomfortable--much like the lighting & angles do in the Resident Evil video game series. My talented crew knows how to pull these moves & as a result this project will be very difficult do to the unnatural, rule-bending styles at times. However, this isn't to be mistaken in that I don't like "plain, simple" moves & styles. Every style has its purpose, and everyone has their own view & art of film-making. Many may be happy & content with using just a few colors on their palette--and this can result in phenomenal results. I happen to love using all kinds of colors on my palette. Not overuse them, but make them work together in a unique way, in hopes the film has some moments that are unforgettable. Morrow Road uses many techniques, but the key to the "unique" ones is working them in with the "simple" ones. Timing is everything.
MR. H:What's the most difficult part of directing a film?
Francis:I believe for myself it is the time-pressure. Always due to budget it never seems like you have enough time, so a good director must be efficient and know when to settle for a shot & move on. Preparation is key to avoiding dissatisfaction...that and a great cinematographer of course.
MR. H:Is "Morrow Road" your first feature film or have you directed other movies before "Morrow Road"?
Francis:"Morrow Road" is my first feature film that has been intended for distribution. In that way, it is very special to me & many members of the team. However, it is not my first film I have directed. Those home movies I mentioned, both were my first. Then We did a full-blown feature film as a practice of professionalism--at least on a higher caliber than before. And to that degree, it was a success. This comedy was premiered in my home town in front of audiences and generally received well, despite our poor sound system.
MR. H:Give us an in-depth look into "Morrow Road", what's gonna happen in this movie, what as horror fan's can we expect from "Morrow Road"?
Francis:"Morrow Road" is based on the real Michigan legend. It has even been featured on the TV show "Unsolved Mysteries." It is a legend that consists of many theories on why an 19th century deadly ghost haunts the road, searching for her missing child. What can be expected is this film is a great puzzle. The viewer will be very intrigued as to which of these theories is accurate. Second, the film is very serious, and extremely dark--and eerie. These are great ingredients for a true horror film. So yes, there is the huge element of death throughout the film, and yes, there is gore--that is strategically placed throughout the film. My goal was a film that really bothers you, gets under your skin. So this called for some scenes that undoubtedly throw the film's rating into an "R." Unquestionably, QUALITY is the #1 goal the film shoots for.
I see so many horror films that have poor writing--and the plot-line doesn't make sense. This film was written over the course of a year, and even more than that when you count minor changes afterward. Everything in Morrow Road makes SENSE. I believe 9/10 horror films I see lack that quality--and writing is #1 importance with me. In summary, this film has an incredibly suspenseful ending, mystery scattered all throughout the film as nine theories are pitched to the viewer, and the horror/drama element is the mortar in-between, creating a fantastic, enriched foundation.
MR. H:Now in this film, along with a young, up and coming cast, you also managed to land the 'Ladies of The Evil Dead' Ellen Sandweiss, Theresa Tilly, and Betsy Baker. How'd that come about, and how are things progressing in getting Bruce Campbell to appear in the film?
Francis:In addition to landing the Ladies of the Evil Dead, we also have landed Hal Delrich (actor) & Tom Sullivan (then special FX Make-up), both who will be playing roles in our film. How the Ladies came about was this:First it was Ellen Sandweiss. I had an opportunity to get the screenplay in front of her thanks to my Associate Producer, Robbin Webb. Once Ellen read the screenplay, I believe that's what sealed the deal with her. She told me she liked it so much she read it twice right away (on an airplane ride home from a "Ladies of the Evil Dead" tour if I recall correctly). So once again, it seems the screenplay is what lured these great actors & actresses....it also helped lure our cinematographer Anthony "Spike" Simms. As for the other two ladies, Theresa Tilly & Betsy Baker, once we went SAG, we were able to pitch it to them, and Ellen helped me to contact them. But I believe they too would say it was the screenplay that perks their interest.
I will always say that nothing is more important than the story. Now look at where it has gotten us. The special FX team that helped work on "X-Men 3", Spielberg's "War of the Worlds" and "Underworld Evolution" has signed on to do our film--and they all said it was in part to the great screenplay. So not to beat a dead horse, but the real answer to how that came about is a quality screenplay. As for the one-and-only Bruce, your guess is as good as mine. It would be nice to complete the 'reunion' for "The Evil Dead", and the part I'd love him to play was written just for him (as were the other members from TED). His agent has been recently pitched...we await their response.
MR. H:What in your opinion set's "Morrow Road" apart from some of the other supernatural ghost tales out there??
Francis:Well for starters it won't suck. "Morrow Road" will not be corny; it will take a serious look at the subject and that was the #1 thing to keep in mind when the screenplay was written, and will kept in mind when we shoot, and again when we do post. That is why my composer Jeff Arwady decided we must have not only a full orchestra for the drama, but an additional full choir for the film's heart-racing & dramatic ending. We have a serious viewpoint; not some weeny, cheap angle that so many horror films entail. It is no wonder why some industry professionals look down at the horror industry--a lot of stuff that comes out is crap.
I don't wish to be associated with that. The legend is very frightening if even the slightest theory is true. And that is to be captured in Morrow Road. Example movies I mean by quality in my view--are "Jaws", "The Ring", "The Grudge", and both renditions of "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre". Those last four named in addition to the "Resident Evil" video game series and the film Identity have been film-making inspirations for Morrow Road.
MR. H:Now the film itself is based on an actual local legend in Clay Township Michigan about a mother seeking out her lost baby. Were you careful detail wise, to respect the legend in the process of making this film, or did you just use the legend as a base to build off of and then pretty much went nuts with the rest of the story?
Francis:I was extremely careful with holding true to the legend. All nine theories in the film are derived from the major nine theories from the actual legend. I interviewed many local residents to hear their stories (both believers & non-believers), as well as studied local TV news stories and past local papers concerning the legend. Anyone who knows the legend will recognize the theory that they heard. Have these theories been a little modified, or "buffed up"--yes, of course! What the hell kind of writer would I be if I didn't??! This is entertainment! But the film is never "buffed up" too out-of-hand (nothing worse than a story that spirals out-of-control, I know what you mean).
MR. H:Had any weird encounters yet early on in production?? Because usually when directors are doing a movie about a local legend they always have a strange story to tell.
Francis:Yep. The first day we went location scouting, I was near the road and my truck hit a pothole only going 10mph (honestly), and it was icy and my truck acted as if it hit a boulder, and me & 3 passengers slid off into an incredibly deep ditch. I still haven't repaired the damage. I local resident pulled me out. From that point on we always wondered if our ghost approved of us making a film about her.
MR. H:When can we expect "Morrow Road" to be released, do you feel that it's going to be one of those films that has a long road to travel before getting any sort of release, or do you already have an inside track to someone who can give it a moderately quick release once it's finished?
Francis:I expect 2008. My associate producer has helped us with preparing some thoughts on distribution, as well as helped notify potential distributors that there is a great film to be released soon. Not only is it a quality film, but it has some name actors ( Richard Riehle ) as well as reunites at least 4 of the 5 cast members from "The Evil Dead"...a first in horror history! I believe it will be a steady pace, with few snags. We've already worked on the project for two years--the advantage is we have set up many routes for distribution. There has even been talks of theatrical release...a response from an ex-distributor who watched our Trailer.
MR. H:What can we expect music wise in Morrow Road? Will there be a complete soundtrack put together or will you use an original score most of the way?
Francis:"Morrow Road" will feature an awesome, fully-original score by composer Jeff Arwady. Jeff, a best friend of mine, has his Master's Degree from CMU and he currently is a professor there this year as well. Jeff has a very unique orchestral sound that will be geared perfectly towards Morrow Road. He has a taste for very thick, troubled sounds that beautifully blend together. Only an orchestra performance can truly bring out his amazing work, and I wouldn't trade him even for an famed industry professional (in fact I've been asked by two). Jeff is well on his way to being 'famed' himself.
There is talks now of a soundtrack as well as a few tracks from major labels that are appropriate to the film. More on them as time develops, but here is one hint:One of the artists that will be sought by our Music Supervisor Gerry Cueller coincidentally is my favorite artist. As for the orchestra, since Morrow Road is 95% Michigan talent (and 100% shot on location in MI) the DSO is currently being sought. It's time to put MI on the map for film-making--pre-production to post!
MR. H:What pitfalls will you try to avoid in making this movie? What are some of the things that you will try to avoid doing in the process of making this film? Things that other horror films have done that usually end up making the product suffer in the end..i.e. cheap scares, badly placed scares, lack of strong dialogue, etc?
Francis:Naturally I will avoid what you mention. Bad dialogue really gets to me too, and writing is the key, as well as talent performance. We read our dialogue out loud to each other & even performed it to our best to see if it sounded natural. Our cast has mentioned several times that the script has a very natural feel, and therefore it is easier for them to "flow" with their character. We also created character bios for them to study so they could really become their role. Already mentioned--but worth noting twice: Avoiding cheap, synthetic and pre-made tracks. Music is vital to any film.
We have avoided annoying cheap scares. (We have one, but it is a fun one, that catches you by surprise...(hopefully).
We also try to avoid cliche lines & shots. Hard to do when there are 1000s of horror films!
We have also avoided cheap special FX. Those are enjoyable when the film is for fun/laughs.
We have avoided product promotion. That can be annoying too...getting killed with a shiny new "Craftsman" drill.
We have avoided plotholes...i.e. "It's haunted due to Indians!"
We have avoided ambiguous endings...nothing worse than not knowing wh...*fill in the blanks*
We have avoided actors/actresses playing roles too young for their real age. Make-Up only does so much wonders, especially in HD.
MR. H:Would you say with the whole story of the movie based on a local legend, that Morrow Road will be the "Blair Witch Project" of the millennium? Do you think it has the potential to become a huge hyped up indie horror picture like The Blair Witch Project did back in 99?
Francis:What an excellent question. Yes I do, but in a different way. "The Blair Witch Project", which I did enjoy its marketing move, will always be original for that factor alone--how it was marketed as real. It had scared so many people before they knew the truth. Morrow Road cannot grab people in that marketed fashion; however it can grab them in a different way. The legend of "Morrow Road" is real. The theories are real. When "The Blair Witch" was over, in time you found out it was an ingenious lie, for lack of better phrasing. When "Morrow Road" is over, like "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" and "Amityville", you are left with knowing something really did happen, and it isn't a motion-picture ruse. Unlike these films however, "Morrow Road" leaves the imagination open because the ending of our film is our say on what happened--but long after the end credits scroll you will always consider each legend, and sometimes (as any good horror film/story knows) your own imagination can leave you with the most terrifying thoughts.
MR. H:Who are some of your biggest influences as a director?
Francis:I said it before, I'll say it again:Quality Productions. Steven Spielberg's "Jurassic Park", The "Resident Evil" video game series, Epics like Peter Jackson's "The Lord of the Rings" and George Lucas's "Star Wars"--all episodes. I hate to sound cliche by naming the biggest films ever, but those are the films that really give me the chills. "Identity", "Memento", "12 Monkeys", "Event Horizon", "Pet Cemetery", "The Stand", "Frailty", these are films where the writing & film-making is superb and gets my mind pumping! I also enjoy fresh material & new ideas or styles like "Elephant", "Sin City" and "A Scanner Darkly".
MR. H:What do you have lined up next project wise once you're done with "Morrow Road"?
Francis:"Morrow Road" has kept me so busy that only time will tell. I have always wanted to do a Star Trek spoof--much like "Spaceballs", but really for the "Star Trek" fans. There is also talk of another horror film based on the Legend of Goldfield, Nevada where I have been asked to co-write & direct, among other things. I can't wait to find our myself! First things first.
MR. H:Thanks for the time Francis!
Francis:And thank you! All the best to you and fellow film-makers of all genres!!
End.
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