Seeking Distribution: The Shadow People
There’s something innately unambitious about making a slasher film these days. It’s less of a genre and more of a script template. However, Keith Parker’s Shadow People delivers on the gore and some cool, homemade special effects to keep things spicy.
One of the things I like about film is that it, like few other mediums, has a great ability to tend towards unintentional hilarity. Shadow People does this like Ed Wood before it. If the characters in this film are not screaming, they are nonchalantly reacting to some of the most craziest stuff. Example:
Bad Guy: Smash your brother’s hand with this hammer.
Loser Brother: OK.
Less Loser Brother: OWWWWGOD, what do you need us to do?
It’s moments like these that keep this very talky film interesting. Where there is gore, though, the blood flows. Eye-gouging, people being bifurcated, oh, it will make you afraid of your own shadow! If your shadow has crazy claws and is as skinny as Doug Jones.
The thing is, though, Shadow People definitely has an interesting concept, but it fails to deliver a good story from it. This movie could have benefitted from a different angle to tackling the story.
The Shadow People is an honest attempt at making a gory, scary film, but it ultimately falls flat due to a cliche-ridden script. However, all of the actors have very convincing screams of pain, and the Shadow People effects do look pretty cool.
I marginally enjoyed myself.
Interview with Keith Parker, director of The Shadow People.
Seeking Distribution (SD) – How long did it take you to make ‘Shadow People’ and how did you fund the production?
Keith Parker (KP) – The actual shooting took less than 15 days; most of which was shot on a set in Indianapolis, Indiana. In total with post production it took about a year to complete. The entire project was self funded by my wife and myself.
SD - How long have you been involved with film production and what kind of future do you see for yourself in it?
KP – This was our first production and we have had no formal training in filmmaking. We’ve started a production company, Tornspace Films, and have big plans for building a local infrastructure for independent filmmakers in Indiana. I see myself continuing to grow and directing more features. We also want to collaborate with other independent filmmakers to help bring their visions to the screen.
SD - What have you learned through the movie-making process?
KP – The entire process was such a huge learning experience. I still like the idea of running future projects with a small crew, but I know my limits and would like to have more people involved who have more knowledge in specific areas – especially lighting.
SD – What is your favorite:
- Memory?
Hanging out with my Dad and Grandpa in my Grandpa’s workshop. We always had a lot of fun building things together.
- Myth?
Cerberus – the three-headed dog that guards the gates of Hades.
- Smell, why?
I have an awful sense of smell, so probably smelling food grilling out on a warm summer day would be the best.
SD – If you could change one scene in any film, what scene would it be and why?
KP – The scene in “Hellraiser II: Hellbound” when Dr. Channard kills Pinhead. Pinhead was always portrayed as being extremely powerful and during this fight scene, it was just like he gave up – pretty lame.
SD – Any upcoming projects to look out for?
KP – We’re working on two scripts right now – “Fractured Reality” a thriller/horror and “Laid Bak: The Bong Warrior” a dark/stoner/kung-fu/comedy. We hope to shoot one of them this year.
SD – Where should we go to see the movie or contact you?
KP – Please check out our website at: www.TornspaceFilms.com where you can purchase a copy of “Shadow People” directly from us as well as find out more details and our future productions. Our contact information is also available on the website and we do respond to every email.
SD – Any tips for those novice filmmakers out there?
KP – No matter how discouraging or how much people say “you can’t do it”, never give up on your dreams. If you work hard and persist, you will accomplish your goals. And don’t be afraid to not make a blockbuster with your first project. You will learn from the experience and your next one will be even better.
If you would like for your film to be featured on Jojevis.com, contact us at ptkruz@jojevis.com. No submissions ignored!
