Seeking Distribution: Into the Woods
Welcome to Seeking Distribution, an indefinitely ongoing series that takes a look at films without distribution or that are self-distributed. Here, I will watch and give my feelings on the individual films and interview their respective directors. I don’t know what knowledge there will be to gain here, but I’m sure we will all learn something. So, ahem…
LET IT BEGIN!
Not to be confused with any other movie entitled “Into the Woods,” this film, directed by Phil Herman (dir: After Midnight) and starring Nancy Feliciano (Jacker, After Midnight) is a strange trip indeed.
This film succeeds in generating a creepy atmosphere through organic locations and a very grainy film that almost looks like video, it also utilizes sound design to the same effect. The most extraordinary scene in the whole picture is the rape, where all of the sound is cut out except for the panting of the assailant, it’s very creepy and seems to go on for a while before it’s all over. I felt sort of dirty after watching it, which I believe to have been the intent.
There were some very strange parts, though, such as Nany Feliciano’s ever-changing wardrobe on her solitary trek through the woods, and the inexplicable acting of Tiffany Sinclair who always seemed to be laying down and on the phone. Parts of the film were nearly impossible to hear because of wind on the mic, which is why in movies such as this it is sometimes a good idea just to scrap the audio and dub the film.
I didn’t really know what to expect when this arrived in the mail, but what I got did not disappoint. While you won’t find much in the way of gore here, what you do get is a whole-hearted attempt at telling a story with meaning, creepy atmosphere, and some boobs.
I thoroughly enjoyed myself.
The Interview!
Seeking Distribution (SD): How long did it take you to make ‘Into the Woods’ and how did you fund the production?
Phil Herman (PH): It took a year to make Into the woods. Because of tech problems, weather and injuries. It was a planned 6 week shoot but that is never a guarantee at this level of film making.
The funds came from the receipts from our previous movies. Most notably the Midnight thrillogy. It was a vampire themed 3 part anthology. My good friend Chris Kahler and editor of my features was pressuring me to make a new movie. Since my last three movies were anthologies I wanted to do a feature. This came to me when I was at the beach. I needed to relax and think of what I was doing next. I was watching the Ocean and its tranquility and said let me make a movie all outdoors that has the beach and the woods and Into the Woods was born!
SD: How long have you been involved with film production and what kind of future do you see for yourself in it?
PH: I have been making movies for over 2 decades. I have gained a cult status and with this movie getting a lot of attention. People are seeing that movies can be made an enjoyed at a microscale and make money. I have 2 scripts that are being looked that will have a budget behind them and maybe finally get the notice these movie deserve.
If things go well and I begin getting financing for making my movies it looks good. But if I have to continue budgeting these things myself … I am not sure how much longer I can go like this.
SD: What is your favorite:
-Animal?
PH: Shark
-Name?
PH: Danielle
-Song, why?
PH: Summertime by Kenny Chesney. It celebrates the best time of the year. Nothing better when summer rolls around and your free to lie lazingly on the beach and just wish it will never end.
SD: If you could change one scene in any film, what scene would it be and why?
PH: In the original Dawn of The Dead when Peter was already to blow his brains out, I felt it was a cheap tactic to have him live. It would have been more effective if he would have died and have her coming back to get him to find him dead and she died also. The movie was so dark and bleak it would have stayed faithful to the original that everyone dies good or bad. It showed a challenge to break the mold of traditional fimmaking. But it went along the basic line of movie making and the good guy made it. Oh well I still love it but that would have been cool!
SD: Any upcoming projects to look out for?
PH: I am shopping around a few scripts and the way things are looking from the feedback and receipt of Into the Woods a sequel is being written.
SD: Where should we go to buy dvds or contact you?
PH: You can go to: Into the Woods All your answers will be answered and ordering info is there also!
If you would like to have your film be a part of the Seeking Distribution series, contact us at ptkruz@jojevis.com. No submissions ignored!
