The Independent Film Corner: Michael Raso Interview Part Two

In part one of my interview with Pop Cinema head, Michael Raso, we talked about his company, it’s recent releases and also about “An Erotic Werewolf in London” To read part one, you can goto: http://www.filmarcade.net/2008/07/10-questions-with-michael-raso-part-one.html

Now, here’s part two of my interview with Mr. Raso.


10) Tell us how Shock-O-Rama acquired Brett Piper's "Drainiac", a film that was previously released back in 2000 from another company?

I first met Brett Piper via phone in 1997. I was publishing Alternative Cinema magazine at the time and was intrigued by Brett’s filmmaking skills. I had just starting distributing our films nationally on VHS tape and called Brett to see what he was currently working on. The title was “Drainiac” and he was searching for a distributor. For whatever reason we didn’t distribute it at the time but certainly came full circle in 2005 when we licensed the title from Brett and began the remastering process.



11) I listened to the Brett Piper commentary along with you and Greg Conley on the Drainiac DVD. Brett Piper said, “The version that was previously released was not finished. It was basically a work in progress but it was as far as we could go". What was the remastering process like for this film and what changes were made from the original?

We completely scrapped the previous version (except for the sound cut) and began remastering the film from its original camera negatives. Previously the film was transferred to Betacam tape. A fine format but outdated in 2005. We opted to transfer the footage to D5 Hi Definition video using a Cintel DSX telecine machine with a DeVinci 2K color corrector – all state-of-the-art at the time of this writing. Once transferred we then loaded the film into out Avid HD Adrenaline system for post production. At this point Brett took the reins and completed the final cut adding and improving upon some of the original, existing effects.


12) Are there plans to continue to work with Brett Piper in the near future?

After “Bacterium,” we decided to take a break. With four films completed, I wanted to concentrate on getting this films released not only to US DVD but also to television and international markets. I would love to work with Brett again and hope one day soon to call him to start a new project.

13) I first discovered Joe Sarno's films when I saw "Swedish Wildcats" back in 2005. Amidst the sexual activity in that film, there was a story and it had strong characters, like in his other film that I've seen since, where today in most of these erotic films, there is just all sex and no story. In your opinion, why does Sarno have this underground following?

Joe Sarno is so much more than “just” an exploitation filmmaker. He is a “real” filmmaker who just happened to be working in the New York sexploitation industry – filled with producers who just thought of the films as product. Joe Sarno films are a “cut above” anything produced in that era. The fact that Joe’s films “always made money for his producers” helped quite a bit as well. Joe Sarno films have “deep storylines” with complex characters is what enables the films to stand the test of time and have such an intense fan following.


14) Sarno recently came out of retirement back in 2004 to direct a film for Seduction Cinema called "Suburban Secrets". What was it like to work to with him for one of your films?

Working with Joe Sarno in 2004 was a dream come true. While I love all the films that I produce at Seduction Cinema, many are “lacking” in the story department and although the films have plenty of soft-core sex, none are as erotic as the more serious works of Sarno and another one of my favorite Seduction Cinema directors – Tony Marsiglia.

15) A film that I've been looking forward to from Shock-O-Rama is Splatter Disco, which is directed by Richard Griffin (a Rhode Island native like me), who has directed both Feeding the Masses and Creature From the Hillbilly Lagoon, currently available at http://www.shockorama.com/. Tell my readers the premise of that film and what was the reaction from the Fangoria Weekend of Horror screening that took place last month?

Rather than give you a synopsis, I’ll quote actor Ken Foree, who has referred to SPLATTER DISCO several times as “a slasher film about relationships” - to which I’ll add “and musical numbers”.

SPLATTER DISCO (which is slated for release November 18, 2008) is a genre-defying blend of classic slasher film, comedy, drama and musical. The film stars Ken Foree (Dawn of the Dead, Rob Zombie’s Halloween), Lynn Lowry (George Romero’s The Crazies, I Drink Your Blood), Trent Haaga and Debbie Rochon, as well as some very talented newcomers.

SPLATTER DISCO has screened publically three times to date: the premiere at the Rhode Island International Film Festival, the Los Angeles Fangoria Weekend of Horrors and the Secaucus New Jersey Weekend of Horrors. I’m thrilled that all three events were well-attended (near-capacity), and that the crowd reactions were positive (appropriate to the events on screen).


16) What is the current release slate for the rest of 2008 for Bloody Earth Films, Retro Seduction Cinema, Shock-O-Rama and Seduction Cinema?

I would be happy to run down the list.

On August 5th Bloody Earth Films releases “Blood and Sex Nightmare,” directed by first-time filmmaker Joe Kolbek.

September 2nd is the release date of Secret Key Motion Pictures “West Germen Sex Comedy Collection.” On September 30th Shock-O-Rama releases “Necroville” – directed by Billy Garberina and Richard Griffin.

Even more Grindhouse Trash on October 14th when Secret Key Motion Pictures releases the third installment of the ever-popular “Grindhose Trash” series – “Grindhouse Trash Part 3: How to Make a Dirty Movie.” On the same date is the “Camp Horror Double Feature” showcasing two horror films from the 1990s – “Vampire’s Embrace” and “Through Dead Eyes.” On October 28th Seduction Cinema will release “Naughty Novelist” starring Darian Caine, Jackie Stevens and AJ Khan. On the same date, Retro-Seduction Cinema will release “Classic Nudes USA.”

Secret Key Motion Pictures will release another installment of the popular “42nd Street Pete” series called “Beyond the Busty Stag Collection.” On November 18th, Shock-O-Rama will release Richard Griffin’s “Splatter Disco.” On the same date, Seduction Cinema will release its newest spoof – “Iron Babe” starring Jackie Stevens and Darian Caine

AS you can see, we’ve been busy around here!


17) What advice would give to someone, who is looking to produce his own film?

With today’s amazing technology, a person can produce a digital film for next to no money. Start small. If you are preparing to “jump in” to a feature film, make that film on a miniscule budget. This way, if the film is not marketable, you can keep your shirt….or house!

Mr. Raso, I would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule for this interview and good luck with the rest of your releases for 2008 and beyond.

To read my review of “Drainiac”, you can goto: http://www.filmarcade.net/2008/07/reviews-from-horror-chamber-funny-games.html

For my review of “Bacterium”, you can goto: http://www.filmarcade.net/2008/01/reviews-from-horror-chamber-rob-zombies.html

And also check out my review of “Dark Chamber” you can goto: http://www.filmarcade.net/2008/03/reviews-from-horror-chamber-30-days-of.html

In my next edition of Ten Questions, I will chat with the host of “Movie Geeks United”, Jamey Duvall.

Until then, my name is Anthony Thurber and that’s 10 Questions.