1. When did you first become interested in horror?
At a very young age for sure. I remember seeing all the Universal monster movies, JAWS, The Exorcist, The Omen, Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark and a myriad of other classic horror staples that intrigued and inspired me.
2. Did you always enjoy going to see movies?
Always. Going to the movies was the highest level of escapism in those days.
3. Do you prefer making feature-length films or shorts?
I enjoy making anything in film.video. Micro-shorts, shorts, features, episodic pieces. They all have their place.
4. Tell us about Theatre of Terror.
Theatre of Terror LLC is a production company I founded in 2012. It was the result of years and years of making home video movies with my childhood friends. The name was originally a play on the old television show Masterpiece Theater. The first time we used the name was while performing our own version of that show where we reviewed faux horror movies.
5. Are there topics you would not put into a movie?
Not necessarily. I believe that when you explore any subject matter, it should be pertinent to achieving the goals you set for your story. Whether you want to shock the audience, make them cry, get them excited, or make them laugh. As long as it works within the story and is a necessary element of that story to engage the audience, I’m all for it. With that said, there is a level of taste that defines what I watch and what I make.
6. Do you have any advice for up and coming filmmakers?
I could offer plenty of advice but to keep it simple I would say, start filming today. The rest you can learn tomorrow.
7. Do you believe the audience need to be hooked from the first scene in?
A great opening will certainly give you a better chance at retaining your audience for your entire film. In this day and age of instant gratification from 10 second videos and waning attention spans, we are working harder than ever to get people to sit still through a full length movie.
8. Why do you think horror books and movies remain so popular?
We live in a very scary world. Life is scary. None of us want to be in a truly horrific situation like experiencing homelessness, facing starvation, having a life-threatening disease, being a victim of violence, or suffering a traumatic loss. We avoid those things at all costs yet there is something deep down inside of all of us that is stimulated by the adrenaline rush of being in fear. Horror movies and books are a safe way for us to explore those feelings without real life repercussions. No one likes falling from an extreme height, but damn do people love roller coasters.
9. Why do you think that people are obsessed with being scared?
See my previous answer.
10. Who inspires you?
Anyone who sets their mine to doing something difficult and accomplishes it. Athletes, artists, doctors, engineers, you name it. People are capable of doing extraordinary things and when they demonstrate that, I’m inspired.
Now if you mean someone in the film realm, there are too many to list, but Spielberg has always been one of my main inspirations.
11. What are some of your favorite horror books?
Brian Lumley’s monster/spy series Necroscope. It would make for an amazing television show.
12. What are some of your favorite horror movies?
I’ll give you three very different films. The Thing, High Tension, and The Tourist Trap.
13. What are your current projects?
I’m currently developing a new film that is near and dear to my heart and genre fans everywhere. Unfortunately I cannot reveal those details just yet. I will be announcing more in the coming weeks exclusively to our website subscribers.
14. Please in your own words write a paragraph about yourself & your work.
As an artist I have dreamed of creating stories, music and visuals since my early childhood. From drawing comic books, to filming VHS movies, to performing in rock bands, the world of entertainment and fiction has always been my reality.
I have worn every hat on my productions and continue to wear many. My desire is to share my wildest ideas, my most passionate dreams, and my terrifying nightmares with audiences to entertain them and bring them some of the magic that shaped my imagination. Films are supposed to make us feel something. In making them, I open my heart, mind and emotions to the world.
For more about Tom and Theatre of Terrors check out the links below.
https://www.theatreofterror.net/
https://www.facebook.com/TheatreTerror
