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An Interview with Tony Mardon, Director and Star of The Witches of the Sands

by Mike Haberfelner

May 2021

Tony Mardon on (re)Search my Trash

 

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Your upcoming movie The Witches of the Sands - in a few words, what is it about?

 

I've dubbed it the world's first 'Post-Modern Meta, South-Eastern Gothic, Folk Horror, Bloody Psychological Slasher B-Movie'... EVER!!!

 

What were your sources of inspiration when writing The Witches of the Sands?

 

My deep love of the horror genre! I grew up watching Universal, Hammer, Amicus [the Amicus story - click here] films regularly. I'd watch the double-bills on a Sunday morning with my Mum that we taped the night before. I was hooked. Then as I got older I was discovering films all the time (and still am). There was nothing to me like seeing all that wonderfully lurid artwork in the video libraries. We are talking about when I was pretty young around the early/mid 80s, so although I don't remember it at the time, it would have been the video nasties era. Then of course discovering Fangoria and drooling over these films that I couldn't see anywhere... or eventually being able to rent but find all the gory scenes from the magazine had been cut! So my love of the genre was embedded early on.

 

As you will see though, without sledgehammering it home, there is definitely a mental health aspect to the two narratives running simultaneously through the film, but that is something that can be picked up on and discussed or not as the case may be.

 

What can you tell us about The Witches of the Sands' approach to horror?

 

It's a fresh approach but with a nostalgic feel. I know that's a bit of an oxymoron but it fits. We have these amazing horror icons, but each scene was written specifically for them; offering something a little different I hope. I was feeling let down by some films that had these great ensemble casts but then did nothing with them! Could have been anyone in the roles. I wanted to write something that was worthy of the names; so it is a horror film made by horror lovers for horror lovers. Although The Witches of the Sands will, I hope, appeal to a wide audience, there is an extra layer for fans who will enjoy making connections. 'If Monty Python made horror films' is a quote I used before which I think fits perfectly. We have different narratives, animated sequences, William Castle-like gimmicks, audience participation, a lot of gory deaths, horror icons, music (but it IS NOT a musical...) and many many more surprises...

 

Do talk about your directorial approach to your story at hand!

 

Good question! This is my first time directing so I have surrounded myself with the best crew! Having a vision in my head, relaying that to the team and then expecting them to realise it is pretty much how it works, HAHA. I love the writing and directing - the technical side, from lighting, sound, cameras, editing etc, I take a back seat on. I can explain what I'd like to see happen, then hope the experts can bring that to fruition. I see no point in me attempting something that others are trained to do and are well skilled at. So far, it seems to be working well. We have a wonderful team, some I've worked with before and others I haven't, but everyone is absolutely fantastic and have got on board with my 'batshit crazy' (according to the editors) vision.

 

From what I know, some of the material in The Witches of the Sands has been shot remotely - so how did that work out, and how do you as director still manage to keep control of things?

 

I had two trains of thought on this. With some actors I needed specific shots and angles that we could match up with what was being shot here so I would send quite detailed scene breakdowns. Others I wanted to be a lot more leniant with and just see what was produced and work with it, and in fact some great scenes arose through this approach as we were then forced to create something new even though the actors had totally followed the guidelines I had given them. For example, I gave Brinke Stevens [Brinke Stevens interview - click here], Linnea Quigley and Beverly Randolph specific notes as they are seen to be talking to each other, so although they could adlib and add bits if they wanted, there were specific actions and dialogues we needed. In fact, there is one line from Linnea that is hilarious and fans are going to love!! Also with some, like Linnea and Michael St. Michaels, we had some long Zoom/Skype chats which really helped as it is far easier to communicate nuances that are easily lost if just read in the script. On the flip side, Giovanni Lombardo Radice I just let loose, and although his scene is really short, it is bloody great.

 

I must mention Debra Lamb [Debra Lamb interview - click here] who somehow managed to get a whole unit together in Philadelphia for a totally amazing scene which opens the film... I often talk to Debra and It's great that a project such as this can be the catalyst to good friendships.

 

Dawna Lee Heising [Dawna Lee Heising interview - click here] also created a whole short film but everyone went above and beyond and I couldn't be happier.

 

The Witches of the Sands boasts a rather star-studded cast - so what can you tell us about your movie's ensemble, and how did you get some of these people even?

 

So as I said, I wrote scenes for specific actors. It started with Pauline Peart and Brandon Crane, who are friends of mine, and it spiralled from there. On a purely selfish fanboy level I asked people I totally admire. I had ideas for them and once they agreed I finished writing them in to the script. I won't start naming names but all these wonderful actors have worked on amazing films with amazing directors that I absolutely adore so I am in my element!! There were some who didn't reply or whose agents didn't reply but I couldn't be happier with everyone involved.

 

You also play one of the leads in The Witches of the Sands - so what can you tell us about your character, what did you draw upon to bring him to life, and did you write him with yourself in mind from the get-go?

 

There are two narratives running through the film; that of a director, called Tony, making a B-movie called The Witches of the Sands... We also see the film he is making unfold, about a crap paranormal investigator called Fischer Markway. To make the film work in the way I wanted, I play both parts. We see Tony's life career off the rails and his perception of reality shift the further he gets with his film. Conversely, Fischer, who at first the audience write off as a failure, begins a journey of discovery - he's a bit of a Peter Venkman in that regard.

 

Tony the director is a total arse and therefore is so much fun to play. I love playing him as his descent into madness is pretty horrid, but there is a lot of mileage in that as an actor. Fischer begins his story as a bumbling wreck but quite likeable who, as the film progresses, discovers things about his ancestry and therefore himself which affords him the self-worth he has been lacking. Again, really great to play. Essentially I have written not one, but two parts I wanted to play but in one film! HAHAHA! I'm probably a mixture of the two....HAHA!

 

From what I know, you're currently running a fundraiser for The Witches of the Sands - so what can you tell us about your campaign?

 

Yeah thanks, it's going very well. We are just under 80% of our goal with just over two weeks to go of a four week campaign, so I'm over the moon. I was honestly petrified to launch it and kept putting it off and putting it off, which is silly as even if it hadn't done well, it wouldn't really have mattered in the grand scheme of things... but I built it up a lot in my head and was already planning scenes and things we could do to make The Witches of the Sands as good as it possibly could be if we raised the money. 

 

I'm so thankful to everyone who has gotten behind the campaign both financially and by shouting about it and sharing it everywhere. We have great rewards including opportunities to be in the film, props, Blu-rays and many more. What I have noticed more and more about the horror community in the UK is just how bloody lovely everyone is.

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-witches-of-the-sands-new-horror-feature-film#/

 

With The Witches of the Sands being partially shot, do talk about the shoot so far?

 

I feel very blessed. Everything is going so well. We have had one day which I won't talk about but other

than that, perfect. Like I said before, we have such a talented cast and crew that every shoot day is wonderful. Last Sunday (9th May) we shot a druid vampire sacrifice scene locally. We had a real Cornish Witch join us to play the High Priestess and she brought some authentic props with her. One of our druids travelled from Glasgow. The results are stunning and in no small part due to the camera wizardry of Andrew Boothby.

 

Matt Westrup has created some stunning digital effects and we have the craziest soundtrack ever! Everything from punk rock to a song about a bunny to house to acid to pop and back again...

 

We have a BIG scene looming at the Whitstable Playhouse Theatre which is going to include Pauline Peart, Allan Bryce, Dani Thompson [Dani Thompson interview - click here] and many other horror filmakers. That is going to be a lot of fun. Then later in July another big scene featuring Linzi Drew-Honey, Misty Mooners Stuart and Jen Morriss and indie horror regular Martin W. Payne [Martin W. Payne interview - click here].

 

Actually two of the perks in the IndieGoGo campaign offer the chance to be in these scenes. It's all going on!

 

What's the schedule for finishing The Witches of the Sands, and any idea when and where it might be released yet?

 

What with lockdown a lot of filming had to get pushed back of course. I'm seeing it fully shot by the end of 2021 and released sometime in 2022. We do have some big news in the pipeline regarding distribution etc but I can't say anything until contracts have been signed of course.

 

Any future projects beyond The Witches of the Sands you'd like to share?

 

In terms of producing a film? No! HAHA! It's bloody stressful. Working with literally no budget through the first half of this has been insane! I'm still amazed we got this far. I'd love to write and direct again though but with a production company backing me... and paying me HAHA. I'm throwing everything I possibly can at The Witches of the Sands (which is a great sentence if taken out of context!).

 

Acting-wise, I'm currently filming Mosaic, which is TIS Films' follow up to the hugely successful I Scream On the Beach. Strangely, I again play someone not quite in control of his faculties, HAHA! I also have two Mycho productions in the pipeline, Slasherhouse 3 and Strawmen, although with everyone negotiating Covid and other responsibilities I have no dates for those as yet. I am playing Dr. Logan in Death Do Us Apart this year which also features Jason Flemyng.

 

I have recently played the American President in After School Lunch 2: Sloppy Seconds, and will be seen as a very angry and perturbed priest in Toxic Alien Zombie Babes from Outer Space.

 

What got you into acting in the first place, and did you receive any formal education on the subject?

 

A friend of mine told me he knew a director who was looking for people to play zombies... so of course I went along and Gangsters, Guns and Zombies was my first experience on set. I joined some extras agencies after that and tried my hand there... some great jobs, lots of horrid jobs. My pal Tris Thompson (who's well known in the horror community) sent me a link to a casting call for Darren Ward's Beyond Fury [Darren Ward interview - click here]. I auditioned for the very nasty Travis and got the part. That started the journey. At some point I decided to try theatre, so auditioned for A Christmas Carol and got the part of Scrooge, which was amazing for me as I love the book. And the Muppets. And Bill Murray. And Alistair Sim. And the list goes on... Anyway, I then took lessons from the director which has helped enormously.

 

How would you describe yourself as an actor, and some of your techniques to bring your characters to life?

 

That's easy... I play really horrible people :) Much fun! I tend to get into character early. Yesterday I spent the day filming Mosaic and enjoyed a lot of it in character. It helps me when it's time to shoot. I like to warm up physically as well, I probably look and sound very odd - haha.

 

I always come up with a backstory. I could write a book about Travis from Beyond Fury. It wasn't his fault... it was the system goddam it! He never stood a chance... hahaa!

 

art by Simon Pritchard

What can you tell us about your filmwork prior to The Witches of the Sands?

 

The majority has been low budget indie horror. Which is great. I enjoyed playing Mitch in Michael Chapman's Our Manor and had a really fun scene in Bad Moon Rising (written by and starring Dani Thompson [Dani Thompson interview - click here]) with Maria Lee Metheringham [Maria Lee Metheringham interview - click here] that we filmed at the Horror on Sea festival in Southend.

 

I filmed myself running around Rochester Cathedral dressed as a priest for David Black's Toxic Alien Zombie Babes from Outer Space [David Black interview - click here] and when asked by an official if I had permission to film, I simply pointed up to the ceiling and beyond, saying 'that's all the permission I need!' She wandered off not really sure what to say and I finished the shoot. I believe that it will be released this year. I get shot in the balls by a giant Toxic Alien Zombie Babe.

 

I've killed Phil Rogers a few times now, one of them being in The Allotment, a short by the TIS Films guys that is screening at the Romford Horror Con next month.

 

As far as I know, The Witches of the Sands is your first movie as writer and director - so what prompted that step behind the camera, and based on the experience with the movie so far, can you ever be tempted to write/direct/produce another movie?

 

I think I pretty much answered that earlier. Yes, but only if someone gives me the budget to dom it without worrying about money !!! I have a great idea that I have started writing, but whether anything happens with it we shall see. Direct and write, big yes. Produce, big no. So so so so much to think about all the time, it's impossible to switch off...

 

Actors, writers, filmmakers, whoever else who inspire you?

 

I'm a big Peter Cushing fan! And it's a total coincidence that I now live in Whitstable. I met my now wife and she lived here so here I am. I met Mr. Cushing when I was 14, many years before I lived here. My parents took us to Whitstable on a day trip and we saw some posters for an interview he was giving. My Dad bought us tickets and unknownst to me arranged a pre-interview chat. I love that memory!! Another coincidence is that, having found the ticket a while ago, I realised the interview was held in the school that my son now attends.

 

14 year-old Tony with Peter Cushing (right)

It's very hard for me to select one or two directors - the big horror guys of course. Argento stands out for me. Fulci [Lucio Fulci bio - click here]. I look forward to anything Jim (The Greasy Strangler) Hosking puts out for sure.

 

If it wasn't for the thriving UK horror indie scene I wouldn't have had the confidence to have a go at directing that's for sure. In fact, The Witches of the Sands started life as a short for an anthology for Sam Mason-Bell [Sam Mason-Bell interview - click here] that unfortunately never came about.

 

Writers, I like Poe, Hardy and Dickens in particular. I don't read as much as I should these days though. I'm putting the finishing touches to a book of poetry, short stories and illustrations too when I can fit it in.

 

My degree is in Fine Art - Frank Auerbach, Alberto Giacometti, Vincent Van Gogh I adore. You know what though, I'll take inspiration wherever I can find it! I'm not proud. HAHA!

 

Your favourite movies?

 

I'll list a few that pop to mind but I'll kick myself for missing some I'm sure:

Carnival of Souls, Creepshow, Les Yeux Sans Visage, Tombs of the Blind Dead, It's a Wonderful Life, Labyrinth, Return of the Living Dead, Toxic Avenger, Suspiria, The Beyond, The Wicker Man, Princess Bride, Hereditary, Bloodsucking Freaks, Season of the Witch (Romero), the original Twilight Zone TV series, the original Prisoner TV series, Excalibur, From Beyond the Grave, Star Wars: A New Hope, The Greasy Strangler, Night of the Living Dead, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Demons, Ghostbusters, Doom Asylum, The Shining, Rocky Horror Picture Show, Night/Curse of the Demon, Regular Show and Adventure Time animated series, oh and just one more thing...Columbo!

 

... and of course, films you really deplore?

 

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Not really. There are franchises I'm not interested in but I think I'd find it hard to deplore a film. Actually, saying that, Grease. Total irrrational hatred.

 

Your/your movie's website, social media, IndieGoGo, whatever else?

 

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12867298/

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-witches-of-the-sands-new-horror-feature-film#/

https://www.facebook.com/thewitchesofthesands

https://www.instagram.com/the_witches_of_the_sands/

 

Anything else you're dying to mention and I have merely forgotten to ask?

 

Just a massive thank you to all the cast and crew for doing what you are doing!

Thank you everyone who has supported us in any way or is thinking of supporting us in any way.

Thank you Michael for this interview. I am very humbled and honoured.

 

Thanks for the interview!

 

© by Mike Haberfelner


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Thanks for watching !!!



 

 

In times of uncertainty of a possible zombie outbreak, a woman has to decide between two men - only one of them's one of the undead.

 

There's No Such Thing as Zombies
starring
Luana Ribeira, Rudy Barrow and Rami Hilmi
special appearances by
Debra Lamb and Lynn Lowry

 

directed by
Eddie Bammeke

written by
Michael Haberfelner

produced by
Michael Haberfelner, Luana Ribeira and Eddie Bammeke

 

now streaming at

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Robots and rats,
demons and potholes,
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Tales to Chill
Your Bones to

is all of that.

 

Tales to Chill
Your Bones to
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a collection of short stories and mini-plays
ranging from the horrific to the darkly humourous,
from the post-apocalyptic
to the weirdly romantic,
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screenwriter and film reviewer
Michael Haberfelner.

 

Tales to Chill
Your Bones to

the new anthology by
Michael Haberfelner

 

Out now from
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