Your upcoming movie Jacker 3: Road to Hell - in a few words,
what's it about?
It’s been 30 years. The Jacker just stopped killing and disappeared. This will
be the trilogy's final chapter, Jacker 3: The Road to Hell. It
promises a thrilling conclusion. Debbie D [Debbie
D interview - click here] returns as Gloria, surviving the
chaos of the first installment. Having Debbie D come back is really a
treat. She is not what she appears and ultimately can be a threat to the
Jacker. Along with all-new characters and victims, this promises to not
let down the fans that have made these movies a cult classic.
What has inspired you to make a third Jacker-movie
after all these years, and how closely will Jacker 3: Road to Hell
follow the earlier movies story-/continuity-wise? The Jacker-series has always been a special part of my
film career. It put me on the map, and to this day, it's very popular.
People always ask me, would you ever do another Jacker
movie? It’s a
road movie with a lot of exterior shots on the road. It’s a difficult
task for such a limited budget. But I talked to my crew, and they said
let’s do it. The movie explains the end of Part 2
and picks up there, and how the Jacker returns. It will be shot in the same location as Part 2
ended. Past characters will be in the movie, and the story follows the
same pattern that made the first 2 so special. (Other)
sources of inspirations when writing Jacker 3: Road to Hell? Debbie D has
always wanted to do a sequel to this and Burglar from
Hell. We agreed on this, and if all goes well, Burglar from
Hell won’t be too far away. Debbie D's character had a very small part which led to her
death. This movie brings her back as the same character, and her
involvement with the Jacker will be revealed.
What
can you tell us about Jacker 3: Road to Hell's approach to the
thriller genre? This
is more of a thrill ride than a horror movie. We have plenty of fun
carjacking kills which will lend tension and thrills to the movie. The
city will once again be gripped in terror as this madman strikes with no
rhyme or reason. We have strong characters bringing the story to life in
the leads. Christopher Kahler [Christopher
Kahler interview - click here] will play a nosy news reporter digging into
Gloria’s past. We also have Kevin Duffy playing Dennis, a friend from
Gloria’s past. Jacker 3: Road to Hell will be
directed by Jack Panetta - so what can you tell us about him, and what
makes him perfect for the job? This will be the 6th movie I have worked on with
James Panetta. But what made me think he was great for the job was him
directing me in Highway Rivalry. It’s a short for my next
anthology Unearthed. His control and direction of
the shoot really blew me away. On the spot, I said you will be directing
the next installment of Jacker. His eye and perfection to get the right
shots are what I wanted. Plus, me and him see eye to eye on everything and
have the same passion and drive. You'll be playing the
lead in Jacker 3: Road to Hell - so what will you draw upon to
bring your character to life, and how odd or good does it feel to return
to the character after all these years? Oh, I took the original outfit out of
storage. Yes, it’s the same jacket and hat from the original. I put it
on, and I became the Jacker. It was such a fun character because I wrote
all the stories but never directed them. This way, I have time to perfect
and become the character and put 100% into it. So yeah, it feels good
returning as the Jacker. Plus, I’m going to be with tons of friends from
the past. My casting director was going for all-genre people and also as
much as possible from the past 2 movies. The reason is to capture the feel
and look of the first 2. We wanted a sequel that will pay tribute but also
continue the story. Jacker 3: Road to Hell will also star Butch Patrick of
The Munsters-fame - so why him, and how did you get him even? I have known Butch Patrick for a few years. He did a cameo in
Horrotales.666 Part 3. I told him about Jacker 3,
and he seemed excited. We talked on the phone and plotted out his scene
specifically together. It was magical talking to him and going back and
forth with different ideas and situations. Add this, take out that, but
what about doing this? It was a dream come true. But what it came down to
was having a conversation with such a down-to-earth lover of what he does
and the kindness he projects when he does something. I am a big fan of
his, and when I got the opportunity, I jumped at it. If nothing else comes
out of this, his participation will be worth the world to me.
What can you tell us about the rest of your cast, and why exactly these people
- and do any castmembers of the earlier movies pop up again? Familiar faces return
and new ones, including Barry Gaines, Marcus N. Jackson, Bill Dougherty,
Joe DeBartolo, Michael Holub, Christopher Kahler, Kevin Duffy, Rudy
Letterman, Chris James Woods, Madeline Deering, Sean Donohue, Dino
Castelli, Bryant Sohl, Kimberly Cole Zemke, Ralph Rey, Austin Sheiblein,
Joel D. Wynkoop [Joel D. Wynkoop
interview - click here], Cathy Holseybrook Wynkoop, Gina Phillips, and Butch
Patrick, who joins as a memorable victim. The list keeps growing. More to
come. Also in for the fun are Michael Moutsatsos [Michael
Moutsatsos
interview - click here] and Thomas Antalek
working their magic behind the scenes. And Derek Braasch [Derek
Braasch interview - click here] and Marcelo
Fabani [Marcelo Fabani
interview - click here] as second unit directors. Music by Marvin Maddicks
jr and poster
work by Avery Crumley. You're
currently running a fundraiser for Jacker 3: Road to Hell - so do
talk about your campaign a little! This fall, we're gearing up to shoot our latest movie, but to make
it happen, we need financial support. Our goal is to raise $5,000 to cover
expenses such as editing, casting, feeding the crew, and manufacturing
DVDs, among others. We're even aiming to secure some big-name stars for
this project. With over three decades of experience in the industry, I've
helmed classics like the original Jacker and
its sequel,
Burglar from Hell and
Arena of Death, and my latest film Unearthed is currently in post-production. My
movies have always provided a platform for talented filmmakers, and this
one is no different. We have a fantastic team assembled. Our track record
speaks for itself—we deliver on our promises and use funds efficiently
to bring our vision to life. https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/jacker-3-road-to-hell
Once the budget's in, what's the schedule, and any idea when and where Jacker 3: Road to Hell
might be released?
Scheduled for shooting in the upcoming fall season, our movie is
set to hit theaters by winter 2025. With the summer months, particularly
from June to August, presenting logistical challenges, we've strategically
planned a few shoots leading up to June. However, the majority of filming
will occur during the fall, allowing us ample time to capture our vision
before the winter release date. It's been 30 years since the original
Jacker and 28 since Jacker
2: Descent to Hell - so how do you think these movies of old stand
up today, and how has the indie world changed in the years since? Nothing has really changed much in
the genre at this level. We are all here to tell a story our way and not
be influenced from outside. My Jacker
stands up today because the subject is timeless, and these things are still going on today. The Jacker
represents the fear of what is in the shadows that we don’t
understand. He is a man with no reason for what he does but to hurt and
destroy lives. This movie opens up with a flashback of when he was young
and how he became the person he is today. Hints of supernatural and crazy
scenarios were in Part 2 and continue to thrive in this new chapter. Age
hasn’t softened or slowed him down but has made him more ruthless and
evil this time around. Any
future projects beyond Jacker 3: Road to Hell? Currently, we're deeply engrossed in the production of
Unearthed, an anthology featuring stories from
Marcelo Fabani [Marcelo Fabani
interview - click here], Nina Trader, Derek Braasch [Derek
Braasch interview - click here], James Panetta and Will
Devokees. This anthology weaves together four captivating tales, each
revolving around individuals who unearth hidden, lost, or closely guarded
secrets. Chris Kahler [Christopher
Kahler interview - click here] is the host and will prepare you for an enthralling
journey of discovery and suspense as Unearthed delves beneath
the surface to reveal mysteries concealed for far too long. Then after
these two, taking a little break to write and get ready for the future.
Your/your movie's website, social media, IndieGoGo, whatever else?
You can find updates, behind-the-scenes content, and ways to support our
projects on our official website, as well as our social media channels
including Facebook, we're also running a fundraising campaign on
IndieGoGo, where supporters can contribute and receive exclusive perks in
return.
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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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https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/jacker-3-road-to-hell
https://www.facebook.com/phil.herman.969
https://www.facebook.com/groups/383124161309455/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1310314766334563/
Anything
else you're dying to mention and I have merely forgotten to ask? I just want to express my gratitude for everything you always do,
as well as to all my supporters over the years. Plus, my cast and crew who
stick by me movie after movie. Thanks
for the interview!
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