Film Name: ‘The Woods are Plagued’ and ‘Sleep Clown’
Director: James E Taylor
Writer: James E Taylor
Starring: (The Woods are Plagued) James E Taylor, Matthew Harmon / (Sleep Clown) James E Taylor, Emma Taylor
In another interview leading up to the Horror-on-Sea Film Festival I got a chance to ask ‘The Woods are Plagued’ and ‘Sleep Clown’ writer-director James E Taylor a few questions about what we can expect from the short films.
Q. Your short horror films The Woods are Plagued and Sleep Clown have been selected to play at Horror-on-Sea. Can you tell us what we can expect from the films?
A. Hopefully not disappointment! I’m new to film making, Sleep Clown is the very first thing I’ve written. In fact, I wrote it during the start of the Covid19 Pandemic. Woods came shortly after and that’s where Matthew Harmon and I started working together. Both are fledgling projects. Learning whilst doing, so to speak. And it shows. We all have to start somewhere. Here’s where it starts for Breadtin Quarantino Pictures.
Q. What were some of your influences when writing the script for the two films?
A. Sleep Clown was mainly inspired by my boredom and growing reliance on alcohol, due to being locked down. The Woods didn’t have a script, just two stoned guys with a camera and an idea, with some woods within walking distance.
Q. What were some of your influences for the look and style of the films?
A. A hard question. Quentin Tarantino is an obvious go-to, I’m far from being a Horror expert. Tom Lee Rutter is a man I look up to and have learnt so much from. He’s the absolute master of low budget film-making that looks incredible. I love comedy primarily; Todd Phillips has been an influence. Strange I know, especially when talking about horror but Joker really resonated with me.
Q. Did you make any changes from the original script for either film during filming?
A. Funny story. Sleep Clown had a scene that I had to cut. I’d gotten way too “emotional” (drunk) and had lost the ability to speak clearly. Several clown make-up changes in 4 hours does something to a man. Thank fuck for Voice Over.
Q. What were some of your favourite moments during filming?
A. During Sleep Clown, we were all locked down, so it was a chance to get out of the house! Also, I managed to convince my wife Emma to appear on camera, which she did fantastically, and I my daughter Chloe operated the camera for some of the shots, so it was a family affair.
Woods surprised me, shooting on the fly with no script or shot list, Matthew Harmon and myself cut our teeth and I found I had an eye for a shot.
Q. Did you experience any issues during filming?
A The fucking beep! Sleep Clown has an annoying beep in the background throughout the film. I grind my teeth hearing it. I had a smoke alarm that needed new batteries and I literally couldn’t hear it; my brain must have blocked out the noise. I’ve since replaced the smoke alarm, but it will forever live in The Clown.
Q. What makes The Woods are Plagued and Sleep Clown stand out as something different in the horror genre?
A. I’m someone coming at horror with new eyes. Truth be told horror was a genre low on my viewing pecking order. Then I went to Horror-on-Sea, I was lucky to have a role in Bazz Hancher’s White Goods (2018) which had its Premiere at Horror-on-Sea. I found myself, perhaps for the first time in my life, in a community that were accepting, friendly and the most fun to be around. I was hooked. I’m lucky to know such an amazing group of people. Honoured, really.
Q. What do you hope people take away after watching the film?
A. I hope they have as much fun watching them as we had making them. Isn’t that what filmmaking is all about after all? Even the worst minute in filmmaking is better than doing anything else. Whether I’m behind the camera or in front of it, I never feel more alive.
Q. Do you have any other projects which you are currently working on?
A. Matthew and I have recently shot a sequel to The Woods, which we are really happy with. Hopefully it’ll be accepted for next year’s Horror-on-Sea. Fingers crossed. We’re also working on a third and final instalment, our most ambitious project yet. We are lucky to be working with two amazing up and coming actors. Not to mention the incredible Score by Craigus Barry.
Q. If someone was looking to write and direct their own film what advice would you give them?
A. Write from the heart. Don’t pretend to be something you aren’t. Plan. Plan. Then plan some more. I’m no authority on this matter, I’m a total newb. Locations thoroughly scouted, a complete shot list. These are the things I need. If someone told me 2 years ago, I’d have 2 Short Films showing at Horror-on-Sea I’d have laughed in disbelief. But here I am.
Did I mention I feel honoured?
You can find out more about the Horror-on-Sea Film Festival on the website https://www.horror-on-sea.com/
Published in various websites, Philip is a reviewer who is best known for his interviews and media coverage of independent projects including; films, books, theatre and live events. Always on the lookout for something different to cover!
