DISMAL
HORROR | 79 mins | 2009
SYNOPSIS:
Dana is failing Biology. To pass she must attend an extra credit assignment with several classmates that will lead them into a remote region of the Great Dismal Swamp, a place teeming with life... and death. While the group keeps one eye out for hungry bear, deadly snakes and lurking gators, they are unaware of the real danger. For the top of the food chain lives in a dingy cabin not too far from their campsite, and he has an appetite for human flesh.
Starring
LYDIA CHANDLER
BILL OBERST JR.
TIM MORRIS
WILL TRIPLETT
CAPEL KANE
JADE ARNOLD
MEAGAN REEDY
JACK HARRISON
Produced by
FEARMAKERS STUDIOS
Written by
BO BUCKLEY
Directed by
GARY KING
This was my first "for-hire" feature film. I'm so grateful Fearmaker Studios took a chance on me. My best memories of making this are hanging with the actors, crew and the wonderful locals of Blakely, Georgia. There are some juicy stories to tell over some beers from this set.
Two of the biggest things I remember from this shoot:
1. The crew being shocked that I introduced myself to each of them and thanked them each day. Someone told me "the director usually doesn't talk to us." That fucking shocked me.
2. People were hooking up left and right. It was like summer camp.
Directing this was such a learning experience, which included a lot of firsts: first time working with a script that I didn't write, first time filming on location for a long period of time, first time not having final cut, first time working with CG, first time rushing a film for a screening deadline....I could go on and on.
My experience inspired storyline aspects for future projects. At the time I was worried about what a low budget horror film would mean for my career, to which my brother responded with "what career?" -- yup that basic conversation made it into HOW DO YOU WRITE A JOE SCHERMANN SONG, pretty much word for word.
Fun Facts:
The film has played on Showtime and The Movie Channel. In Germany, it’s known as BLEED.
I had the honor of being in actor Will Triplett's wedding.
I saved actress Capel Kane from sinking in a mudhole.
