Your new movie Caesar
and Otto's Deadly Christmas - in a few words, what is it about?
It’s the story about a boy, a girl, and a universe. Wait, wrong
movie. Let’s just say it’s about Caesar & Otto discovering the
true meaning of Xmas. But as it turns out, Xmas is quite different than
Christmas. Basic
question: Why an evil Santa
- and your thoughts about Christmas as such?
Evil Santa
movies have become a subgenre of horror. It was ready to be spoofed. I
have no deep personal issues with Christmas or Christianity. My only
issues are with formulaic, cliché, horror movies. Other
sources when writing Caesar
and Otto's Deadly Christmas? When it comes to the
Caesar
and Otto movies, I like to tackle subgenres within the world
of horror. With Caesar & Otto’s Summer Camp Massacre I took on
Summer Camp Slashers, whereas this time we took on evil Santas. Once the
basic idea is established, I try to weave a story that’s more than just
a spoof. When it came to the subplots, I drew on some personal stories
from the life of Paul (Otto) and my own struggles and naivety when making
my first film. How would you
describe your directorial approach to your subject at hand, also taking
into account your rather low budget? And I think you also have to
talk about Caesar
and Otto's Deadly Christmas' brand of humour for a bit!
Linnea Quigley |
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Paul Chomicki, Dave Campfield |
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Debbie Rochon |
Caesar
and Otto's Deadly Christmas is one step removed from a Loony Toons cartoon. The acting if
often broad, the effects often cartoony, the plot twists often absurd, but
yet, I try to keep it rooted just enough in reality for it to be
relatable. The low low budget is almost freeing in a way. If an effect
looks ridiculous, all the better for the comedy. You
obviously also have to talk about your movie's gore scenes! Some
people criticized Caesar & Otto’s Summer Camp Massacre
for being a
little soft in the gore department, so I definitely tried to take it a
couple of steps further this time out. I just wanted to create comical
gore scenes like you’ve never seen before! Do
talk about you and Paul Chomicki playing Caesar
and Otto, and how has this
act developed over the years? We first played Caesar and
Otto in a short sketch in 1999. It was shot on a camcorder I purchased
when in high school. The characters clicked, but needed work. From there,
it evolved into a short film, then a feature film, then Caesar & Otto’s Summer Camp Massacre. I think every time out, the characters become more and more
defined and real, despite their absurdity.
Brinke Stevens |
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Lloyd Kaufman |
Your movie features quite
a few indie horror heavyweights. So how did you get them, and what was
your collaboration like? And what can you tell us about the rest of your
cast? I care deeply about making solid films, regardless of
genre and budget, and I’ve earned a reputation for being easy to work
with. I promise actors they’ll be in by a certain time, and out by a
certain time, and always treat them well. You just have to talk about Robert Z'Dar's
hilarious end credit appearance for a bit! We were shooting
a short film together named the Perfect Candidate (which is featured on
the Caesar
and Otto's Deadly Christmas DVD), and I asked if he’d humor me by doing an
uncredited Caesar
and Otto's Deadly Christmas cameo... His answer? “No problem, pal.” Not
only did he read what I wrote, he improved some highly self deprecating
comedy! Loved working with him, and can’t wait until the next time
we do. Do talk about
the shoot as such, and the on-set atmosphere! I try to keep
it fast moving and drama-free. I want everyone to feel at ease, but to
keep the production moving at the same time. Thanks to a great crew, in
particular co-star and assistant director Summer Ferguson, we were able to
move at just the right speed to get so much filmed in so few days.
Piggyzilla |
The
Caesar
and Otto's Deadly Christmas-DVD features a plethora of special
features, first and foremost of course Piggyzilla - care to talk
about these for a bit? I believe in giving the audience
the most bang for their buck. I’m a big fan of DVD special features to
begin with, and want the audience to get a real, honest first hand look at
what making a truly indie film is like. As far as Piggyzilla is concerned,
it’s my love letter to giant monster movies to the movies of yesteryear. Any future projects you'd like
to share, and will we see more of Caesar
and Otto?
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Feeling lucky? Want to search any of my partnershops yourself for more, better results? (commissions earned) |
The links below will take you just there!!!
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The next film slated for my production
company is Fear the Reaper. I also host a live, interactive internet
movie talk show named Nerdgasm on Wednesday nights on inravio.com. And as
far as the future of Caesar
and Otto is concerned, I’m currently
writing Caesar & Otto’s Paranormal Halloween. I want to ultimately
have a Caesar
and Otto film for all the four seasons. Summer, Winter,
Fall.... and I already have plans for a Spring Break installment. Your/your movie's website, Facebook,
whatever else?
https://www.facebook.com/deadlyxmas
www.twitter.com/caesarotto
www.davecampfield.com
Anything else you are dying to mention
and I have merely forgotten to ask? Don’t forget to tune
into Nerdgasm , live and interactive! Live Wednesday nights 10PM Eastern
Standard Time at
http://www.inravio.com/live-stream.html
Thanks for the
interview!
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