Interview

 On his horror filmography: In films like Amityville Thanksgiving and Return of the Corn Zombies, you tackle classic horror themes with a very personal approach. Which of these experiences has most shaped your understanding of the genre and why?

It gave me the opportunity to reach in and bring out the secretive dark side of myself without losing the personality of the character.

On the versatility of roles: We have seen you involved in many aspects of production, from acting to directing. In projects like Annadella, how do you manage to balance your perspective as an actor with the technical requirements of horror directing?

When I'm acting I want to give my entire self to the character so the audience really gets caught up in it.

Directing I look at the side of the audience's experience so they get lost in the movie but it doesn't add to much to be long and over done but not lose anything at the same time. I want the audience to get the full effect of what the movie is.

 On the aesthetics of horror: Your work often has a very defined visual imprint. How do you choose your locations (such as the rural or domestic settings seen in your films) to maximize the sense of isolation and threat without blowing the budget?

I think about and even look at different places to see and get the feel of what I want to portray.

On collaboration in indie cinema: You have often worked with recurring teams and specialized productions. How important is it for you to have a consistent "creative family" to succeed in shooting complex films in short timeframes?

You may try a couple of different people through your learning process but eventually you just get what feels right. And when you find that a bond forms that makes the process easier.

On the relationship with genre fans: Horror has one of the most demanding and passionate fanbases. Following the release of films like Bloody Nun: Last Rites, what were the reactions from fans that surprised you the most or gave you new creative inspiration?

Without fans we are nothing. So no matter what their critic is you take time to stop process and learn from it. You can learn from both positive and negative critic. And as long as you are learning you are giving the fans what the want.

On the evolution of the genre: Compared to your beginnings, how do you think independent horror cinema is changing? Is there any new technology or storytelling technique that you have introduced on your most recent sets?

I'm open to and willing to try anything new once. If I find something that can make the experience for the fan better then I'm all for it.

 On personal tastes: If you had to choose your ideal "masters," what are your favorite horror films of all time, and how have they influenced your career?

There are so many amazing characters and directors and writers that to pick one would be impossible. I take time to really watch them in depth and learn anything and everything. This is a huge family and we learn from each other constantly.

 On future projects: What can we expect from your near future? Are there any new titles or imminent projects (perhaps related to existing sagas or completely new concepts) that you can already tease for us?

There are so many exciting future adventures. I'm looking forward to each one of them as they all give me the opportunity to play different characters broaden my self journey. I look forward to seeing what the fans think and feel about them.