Scott Phillips is a Writer/Director from New Mexico, who has written films for Full Moon Entertainment and is a staff writer for the upcoming kids series, Kamen Rider: Dragon Knight, which will have its sneak preview on the CW Network, December 13th, before the series airs in January. Today, Mr. Philips is here to talk about his latest film Gimme Skleter, which is was released by Halo-8 Entertainment, just this past August.

Tell my readers about yourself?

I'm just a guy who grew up watching movies and wanting to make 'em. I think I started making short films on Super-8mm when I was 8 or 9 years old and just never stopped working at it. After a lifetime of that, I'm completely unemployable so if the writing career dries up I'm doomed.

Gimme Skelter is a shocking and entertaining horror film. Tell my readers, about your film.

The whole notion of the illegitimate children born to the Manson Family was something that had been kicking around my head for a long time, but it didn't really gel until Scott Spiegel, Eli Roth and Boaz Yakin at Raw Nerve saw my earlier no-budget flick, THE STINK OF FLESH, and wanted me to pitch 'em a new movie. I drove out to L.A. and met with Boaz, and more-or-less made up the story of GIMME SKELTER on the spot. He dug it and for awhile there was talk of Raw Nerve producing it, but they were going through some difficulties on another movie and it just sort of fell by the wayside.

At any rate, SKELTER is a bit of a statement (although I feel like an asswipe for saying a cheesy no-budget horror movie is "a statement" of any kind) on the sort of people who idolize serial killers as if they were movie stars or something. I find serial killers to be as fascinating as the next guy does, but I've never been comfortable with the idea of wearing t-shirts sporting the face of Richard Ramirez or whoever. When I see that, I always think, how would I feel if someone I knew had been one of his victims and here's some tool wearing his face on a t-shirt like he's Jim Morrison.

At the same time, I wanted to explore the idea that no matter how frightening or psychotic someone is, there's always gonna be someone worse. That's not a huge part of the story, but it's definitely in there.

The film's title "Gimme Skelter" has this retro 60's feel to it. How did you come up the film's title?

Originally the title was gonna be "Live Freaky, Die Freaky," which is a quote from one of Sharon Tate's neighbors after the initial murders, but I found out there was an animated movie with that title. I called my buddy Don Adams, who was the music supervisor on the movie, and asked him to come up with a new title. He didn't even stop to think about it, he just said "Gimme Skelter."

One of the things that I liked about your direction was that it looked professionally made. Tell me what was the budget like for this film?

The budget on GIMME SKELTER was a whopping $5000. I actually went through a short period where another production company in L.A. wanted to make the movie on a $100,000 budget, but they wanted changes to the script that I didn't agree with so I turned it down.

What challenges did you face when shooting some of the interiors and exteriors in Albuquerque, New Mexico especially when the film's story is set, in a small town?

There were an insane number of challenges, not the least of which was framing the shots so you couldn't tell there was a city of a half-million people just over to the left of Gunnar Hansen.

What other challenges during production that you and your crew faced besides that?

Well, there's never enough time or money and that makes it hard to do anything that's worth a damn. We lost a couple of locations just before we were scheduled to shoot at them because the owners thought that since we were making a movie, we must have had money, so they wanted to bleed us for some cash after telling us we could shoot there for free (or a small payment to cover electricity use). It took some real scrambling to replace the gas station, in particular -- we lost our original location two days before we were gonna shoot there. Our location guy, Peter Fishburn, stumbled across a guy who collects old gas station memorabilia and he offered to essentially construct a gas station for us, and that's where we shot those scenes. He really saved our bacon.

This film has a grindhouse feel to it. Tell me, how you came up with the film's story?

Well, as I said, I'd had the idea kicking around my head for awhile. There was no real effort to ape the grindhouse look and feel -- I was raised on those flicks at the drive-in so it's just the way my brain works. When you're 8 years old and your brother takes you to see VANISHING POINT, that stuff sticks with you!

The film has a very good cast that includes Trent Haaga, Elske McCain (whom I've recently interviewed), and Gunnar Hansen. Tell me how each of these people, became involved with the project?

I had tried to get Trent into THE STINK OF FLESH but it didn't work out. We stayed in touch and I wrote the part of Luther for him. Gunnar's niece Kristin Hansen played Sassy in STINK, and she showed that flick to Gunnar. He dug it and said he'd like to be in the next one, particularly if I wrote some scenes for he and Kristin together. Elske I had met at Tromadance NM, and she wanted to read for Erika even though I had told her I needed to cast a local actress. She offered to pay her own way to Albuquerque and put herself up, which was really cool of her.

What was it like working with each of those people?

They were all great -- aside from delivering a hell of a performance, Trent is incredibly useful on a set. He was building tents, handling the boom, all kinds of stuff. Gunnar was super-freakin'-cool, and it was a revelation to watch him work. There aren't many movies that really give him a chance to show off his acting chops, and he's very, very good at what he does. Plus, I mean, he was Leatherface, for Christ's sake! Elske was a real champ, too -- she had to do a lot of nudity and that sort of thing can be uncomfortable, both for the actress and for the people shooting the movie, but she made everyone feel at ease and really did a good job playing a Russ Meyer-esque role.

Another thing, I've noticed from this cast that Kurly Tlapoyawa. Kristin Hansen and Billy Garberina also appeared in your last film, the very entertaining and weirdest zombie movie ever, "The Stink of Flesh". How did you come to know each of these people?

I met Kurly back around 1990, when he was a kid. I used to own a video store that specialized in psychotronic movies and he'd come in and hang around forever. I met Kristin through Devin O'Leary, who played Walter in SKELTER. And I met Billy in 2000, when I moved back to Albuquerque from Los Angeles.

According to your commentary track, you were depressed about the rough cut of the film. What was the editing process like and what challenges that presented itself during the process?

There were a lot of factors involved in the depression that resulted from the rough cut of the movie. Long story short, though, I just felt like I hadn't gotten what I wanted from the movie and it was a very difficult shoot in a lot of ways, and I think I was just worn down by the whole process. I avoided looking at the movie for several months, then went back and re-invented entire sequences, mostly the kill scenes where I felt like I hadn't gotten the coverage I had wanted on the set. I started experimenting with the editing and came up with an approach that I liked, and after that I started to feel like the movie wasn't so bad after all, and in fact is quite a leap beyond THE STINK OF FLESH. I still can't watch SKELTER without seeing all the stuff I did wrong or could've done better, but that's normal, really.

What's next for you, either directing or writing wise?

Well, I'm a staff writer on KAMEN RIDER DRAGON KNIGHT, a TV series that begins airing on the CW Network soon (I think there's a "sneak preview" on December 13th, then the show begins in its regular time slot in early January). Beyond that, I'm working on some comic book projects, including a four-issue mini-series called THE CENTERFOLD that I'm doing with Tim Seeley (HACK/SLASH). I'd like to do more comics work, if I can worm my way into it. I'm also working on a movie project with Don Adams, we've just begun writing the script but that's all I'm gonna say about it right now. At the moment, I'm not planning to direct anything unless I can raise a little more substantial budget, say in the range of $60,000 to $100,000.

What advice would you give to any director that is looking to make his own film?

There was a time not that long ago where I would've said "Get on out there and make a movie, even if you don't have any money" but I'm not sure I'd offer that advice after making a couple no-budget movies myself. The market has changed a lot and it's nearly impossible to make any money on no-budget flicks, unless you get very lucky. I mean, we expected to do pretty well with SKELTER after the response THE STINK OF FLESH received, particularly with Gunnar being in SKELTER. However, at this point things don't look good for making that $5000 investment back within the next five years -- and it might not happen at all. Of course, you should never just do it for the money, but aside from the fact that it's really difficult to land decent distribution for a no-budget movie, you're also faced with the reality that almost no one in Hollywood will take movies made at this level seriously. Most people can't see past the lack of production value (and name actors) to see that there's a script happening there.

If you're determined to make a feature despite not having any money, then I say more power to you and I wish you luck. Just don't get your hopes up that somehow making a no-budget movie will kick-start your Hollywood career. Something like the Raw Nerve guys seeing THE STINK OF FLESH and wanting to produce my next movie is like winning the lottery, it almost never happens -- and besides that, I had already been working in Hollywood for ten years so I had a track record as a screenwriter. The days of even something like CLERKS or EL MARIACHI getting picked up by a major distributor are over, unless you're one lucky son of a gun.

I don't want to be a downer, but honestly, if you want to direct you're almost better off writing spec scripts and getting them out there on the market -- then refuse to sell them unless you get to direct. That's a tough path to walk, believe me -- I've been walking it since 1995, although focusing more on writing than on directing -- but if you have any hope of making a living as a filmmaker you either need to take that approach or move to Los Angeles and get work crewing on movies, try to work your way up. I've worked in all kinds of capacities on movies, from being an extra on RED DAWN to being a production assistant to doing makeup effects to being Lemmy's stand-in on a Motorhead video, and I wound up getting my first paid screenwriting work by meeting people that way. If you really want to do this stuff, you have to be willing to work your ass off and be perseverant even when it's hard to maintain any optimism, or you're not gonna make it.

I want to thank you, Mr. Phillips, for taking time out of your busy schedule to talk about your latest film “Gimme Skelter which is available on DVD now from Halo-8 Entertainment” and good luck with this film and your future projects.

For my review for Gimme Skelter, you can goto: http://www.filmarcade.net/2008/09/gimme-skelter-dvd-review-written-by.html

Also, you check out my interview, with one of the stars of Gimme Skelter, Elske McCain at: http://www.filmarcade.net/2008/10/independent-film-corner-elske-mccain.html

Until then, I'm Anthony Thurber and have a good day.

Elske McCain (no relation to the other McCain) is a scream queen that’s currently rising in the independent horror scene. She has recently made appearances in "Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead" and the Lloyd Kaufman documentary, "Tromatized: Meet Lloyd Kaufman." Today, this actress is here to talk about two of her latest films, "Gimmie Skelter" and "Splatter Movie: The Director’s Cut."




Tell my readers about yourself for those you don't know you?

Well, I am an actress/filmmaker originally from Arizona. I went to a "Toxic Avenger" screening in 2004 where I met the legendary Lloyd Kaufman. After meeting him, I decided I wanted to make movies.

You're truly one of the up and coming scream queens in the horror genre after I saw you in both "Gimme Skelter" and "Splatter Movie." What made you want to become an actress in this genre and what horror films inspired you to work on these low budget films?

After I became Tromette of the Month, I had so many people asking about what movies I was working on, that I realized that might a good idea. Dee Wallace also said some things to me that made me feel like I should be in films. As far as actual movies go, some of my favorites are "Fright Night," "Halloween," "Friday the 13th" and the "Nightmare on Elm Street" series. I always had a fondness for vampires too.

You have not one but two films currently out on DVD. Let's start with "Gimme Skelter", since that film has the wider distribution. Tell my readers about "Gimme Skelter" about and the character you play in the film.

"Gimme Skelter" is the story of a small town in New Mexico that is taken over by a guy who claims to be the son of Charles Manson. He has a new cult and they decide one fateful evening to make Daddy proud. My character is named Erika Trudell, and she is the mistress of the mayor who is played by Gunnar Hansen.

One of the things that attracted me to this film was the fact that I enjoyed Scott Phillips's last film "The Stink of Flesh." Tell me, what was he like to work with?

Scott was always very cool and friendly. He was so busy during the actual shoot that I didn't get to hang out with him that much, but over the years I have gotten to know him better and he is a really talented guy.

Also, I noticed that in that film that you had the chance to work with Gunner Hansen (aka Leatherface from the original "Texas Chain Saw Massacre") for a scene. Tell me what was he like work with and what was your reaction when you knew that you would work with him.

Gunnar Hansen is a really nice man. It was my first big scene in a real movie and he made sure we practiced. When Scott offered me the role and I found out I was going to be working with Leatherface, let's just say I was extremely excited! It was a dream come true for someone like me who grew up watching these films.

Before I move on to your other film "Splatter Movie," were any fun stories that you want to share from your time on the set there?

There was one night when we were filming at the antique gas station. I didn't have scenes, but just wanted to hang out because it was such an awesome location. It was night time and right in the middle of a scene, a hillbilly redneck guy who lived nearby stuck his gun over the fence and threatened to shoot our lights out if we didn't turn them off! So we ran away, while producer/actor Billy Garberina had to go over there and talk to the guy to calm him down.

Now onto "Splatter Movie," a film I really enjoyed a lot. Tell my readers about that film and the character that you played in the film?.

"Splatter Movie" is a "movie within a movie" that is generally a spoof of the current independent horror scene. I play "Elsie" who is basically a sexy actress who stays half naked and makes out with chicks throughout the movie.

One of the things that I really liked about "Splatter Movie" was the fact it was part slasher film, part mockumentary. Tell me what drew you to a film like this?

Well I had hung out with Amy a couple of times at conventions. I thought she was really cool, so when she offered me the role, I thought it would not only be a great opportunity to work on a fun movie, but working with a female director as well. Not to mention that the script was hilarious, and some of my other favorite films are "movie within a movie" spoofs like "Terror Firmer" and "Scream."

Amy Lynn Best is a very talented actress and director, as I've seen her in films like "A Feast of Flesh" and "Severe Injuries" before watching this film. Tell me what was it to work with someone who is multi-talented as she is?

It was a great learning experience. I definitely look up to her as one of my role models. She is one of the strongest female presences in this genre.

One of the things that I enjoyed about that movie was your death scene. What preparation does an actress like you do through when filming one of those death scenes?

Death scenes are probably the hardest, because nobody really knows how you are going to act when you actually die. Not to give too much away, but I just thought of other films where I had seen other people die in a similar manner.

Which one was the more fun to work, this one or "Gimme Skelter" and why?

The main difference between them is that I spent 2 weeks in New Mexico to film "Gimme Skelter," and 2 days in Pennsylvania to shoot "Splatter Movie." I had great moments on both movies, so I can't really choose between them.

One of the films that I'm looking forward to next year is a film that you star in called "Jessicka Rabid." Tell my readers about that film and when we should expect that film to come out?

"Jessicka Rabid" is a movie that me and my good friend Matthew Reel came up with early in 2007. It's the story of a mentally handicapped woman who is abused by her dysfunctional family. We shot the movie last year, I am going to submit it to a few festivals and ultimately try to get distribution. The directors cut was just recently finalized, so we will be sending out a few screener copies very soon.

Recently, I had a chance to see a rough cut of the film "Tromatized, Meet Lloyd Kaufman", which you also appear in. For those who don't know what the film is, the film is about the career of the one of the greatest independent directors and true artists out there, Lloyd Kaufman. Tell me how has Lloyd Kaufman influenced you as an actress.

Lloyd Kaufman definitely pushed me in the right direction. Thanks to the Tromadance Film Festival, he gave me and Matt an opportunity to showcase our short films, which led to us making even more movies.

Also, are there any other projects you are currently working on that you want to share that my readers might be interested in?

I recently shot "Killer Biker Chicks" which is an exploitation style film in the tradition of Russ Meyer. We had a great ensemble cast full of beautiful women, so I am sure there will be some happy people out there. Also, it isn't really a "horror" film, so I was excited to try something outside of the genre.

Finally, I've been asking all the people that I've interviewed this month about the state of the horror genre. Tell me your opinion about the state of this genre that we all love.

Two things that are really sticking out to me in the current trends of horror movies are remakes and PG 13. I think it sucks that nobody has any original ideas anymore, so they insist on remaking my favorites. If nothing else I guess when a remake comes out, it usually means that the original film will receive extra special treatment on dvd. Another thing that I do not like are all these PG13 horror films coming out lately. I like my horror naked and bloody, so the lack of these elements in current horror is truly disappointing.

I want to thank Elske McCain for taking time out of her busy schedule, for this interview. "Gimme Skelter" is available in stores from Halo-8 Entertainment and "Splatter Movie: The Director’s Cut" is available from Happy Cloud Pictures on their official website at http://www.happycloudpictures.com

You can also visit her official website at: http://www.elskemccain.com/

You can read my reviews on the films I’ve mentioned during this interview by just clicking on the film’s title.

Gimme Skelter

Splatter Movie: The Director’s Cut

Tromatized: Meet Lloyd Kaufman

Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead

On the next edition of The Independent Film Corner, I will be talking to director Dav Kaufman, on his latest film “13 Hours in a Warehouse”.

Until then, I’m Anthony Thurber and have a good day.

Gimme Skelter
Year: 2008
Directors: Scott Phillips
Stars: Billy Garberina, Mark Chevez, Julian Perry
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Studio: Burning Paradise Entertainment / Halo 8 Entertainment
Running Time: 82Mins
Official Website: http://www.myspace.com/gimmeskelter




Gimme Skelter is the latest film from cult director Scott Phillips, who previously directed one of the weirdest zombie movies ever made with “The Stink of Flesh” back in 2005. This time, he is back with his latest film “Gimme Skelter” a send-off to the grindhouse slasher films of the seventies.

The film is about a cult leader who claims to be the son of Charles Manson and travels in a van with his followers to a small and remote town, where everyone knows everyone. Their plan is to outdo the cult leader father’s massacres by killing everyone who lives in the town. Soon the citizens decide to fight back when one of the townspeople stumbles on to the cult’s plan. Now it’s a fight for the livelihood of the town, as the cult want to complete it’s masterpiece and kill the people in the town before sunrise. The film also co-stars Trent Haaga, Elske McCain and Gunner Hansen (The Texas Chainsaw Massarce (1974))

Gimme Skelter will bring you back to the good old days of Grindhouse fun. Scott Philips direction is intense. The action was directed very well, as this was very ultra-violent. He does a very good job making the killings that way, so that you are shocked and glued to the action that’s taking place. One of things I really liked about this film was how Philips uses the freeze frame method with some of the film’s shots. It makes the images more shocking and horrifying. He also doesn’t shy away from his use of sexuality in the film. Like it did in his previous film “The Stink of Flesh”, the sexuality give this film it’s depraved and grindhouse feel to it. Another thing that Philips achieves in his direction was the actors. The acting was also very good here. His cast did a good making of making their characters very twisted and interesting. He also manages to a very good lead performance from Billy Garberina, who played the group’s sadistic messiah like character. It added to the film deranged elements. Philip’s also made sure that the film’s soundtrack also fit the 70’s type grindhouse film, for a psychedelic effect.

Phillip screenplay pays homage to the grindhouse films of the 70’s with the over the top blood splattering violence, cheesy dialogue, and yes, its topless nudity. I could understand that because he was making a grindhouse type movie. His screenplay does focus on each of the film’s characters. Philips does that by focusing on each of them and giving them some conflict that really helped developed some the film’s interesting subplots. It made the characters interesting and some of them very deranged and mentally disturbed. It’s something that’s not seen in major studio horror films. Another thing he puts into his screenplay was to make some of the killings very shocking. In a grindhouse film like this, the killings have to be done this way, because that’s one of the film’s selling points for horror fans like you and myself. That’s what makes grindhouse films fun to watch.

Gimme Skelter is a shocking and depraved grindhouse horror film that will leave you in shock.

Review Rating: 4 Stars

DVD Extras:

Director’s Commentary
Behind the Scenes
Blooper Reel
Music Video
Photo Gallery