In a new interview on Blazing Minds, I got an opportunity to ask writer-director Anthony Leone a few questions about his new horror film Hacksaw which has been released on DVD by Midnight Releasing.

Director: Anthony Leone

Writer: Anthony Leone

Starring:  Amy Cay, Brian Patrick Butler, Michael C. Burgess, Kylie Young-Harper, Cortney Palm

A young couple on a road trip takes a detour to the site where a notorious murderer, Ed “Hacksaw” Crowe, became an urban legend on the day he was killed many years before, but they quickly find the legend may not be quite as dead as they were counting on

Q. Your latest film Hacksaw is now available on DVD, can you tell me a little bit about what we can expect from the film?  

Yes. The DVD is finally out. A pretty surreal feeling to have something go from page to DVD and VOD.  I feel when the diehard fans of indie horror watch the film, they’re going to appreciate the scope and practical effects in the film. We kept the story simple with our two characters on their journey throughout the film.  This movie was made for the diehard fans of horror who love gore. In your face and nothing held. That you will get when watching the film.

Q. What were your influences when writing the script for the film?

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1982) and Easy Rider (1969) were the two main influences all throughout the writing and filming process. Texas chain saw massacre in my opinion is the greatest horror film ever made.

Easy Rider is just one of those gems movies we’ll never get again. I can watch Easy Rider every week and never get tired of it.

Q. What were your influences for the look and style of the film?

Definitely The Blair Witch Project (1999) and The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. I really love the found footage look and on Texas chainsaw, the old beat-up film look is gorgeous in my opinion. So, I tried my best to splice the two worlds together for the look of Hacksaw.    

Q. The film brings together some familiar faces in modern horror. Did you have any of the cast in mind when writing the script?

No. I wrote Hacksaw back in 2015. So, at the time I was just trying my best to figure out story, structure, and arcs for my characters. I never had anyone in mind for cast during the writing process. The cast came much later on after I had finished my first short film, Assumption.

Q. Did you experience any issues during filming?

The budget, the budget, the budget ha ha. This was an out-of-pocket project from day one. We didn’t have backers or investors for the movie. So, I put my own money in the film. I worked extra hours during the week and also overtime on weekends to make sure I had a little extra. It wasn’t much money, but it was something.  

The budget and lack of crew were the major challenges during the making of the film. You’ll hear stories of other indie films or see on IMDB people have several PAs on board to help with things. Several key grips and a couple of extra cameras on set for more coverage. Not the case for this film.  95% of the time it was just me, the actor and maybe one other person. It was a grueling bootcamp. But worth every moment.  

Q. What were some of your favorite moments during filming?

Every single day we filmed was a win for me and the people involved. We were getting that much closer to the goal of, “completion”.

Q. What makes Hacksaw stand out as something different in the horror genre?

I feel Hacksaw will stand out because of how raw and ruthless the film is. Nothing is held back.  But something completely different in the genre, that’s pretty hard to do I think, especially in a genre that’s so flooded with allot of good content.

I’m still very new to this so I know I have a lot more to learn. When we get to our third film that’s where I think we’re going to try something off the wall against the norm. Hacksaw sticks pretty close to home, as far as old school horror films I grew up watching as a kid and loved.  

Q. What do you hope people take away after watching the film?  

Leone did not hold back on anything when shit hit the fan ha ha. We go from this nice wide-open area of fun then end up backed up in a corner/tunnel. Fighting for your life.

Q. Do you have any other projects which you are currently working on?

A.  Right my partner Amy Cay and I we just wrapped her feature film debut as director. It’s called, The Case of Dakota Moore. So, we’re going to try to sell that one this year if we’re lucky. It’s very different from Hacksaw so we’re excited about that.

Then around Fall/Winter 2021, we’re going to start editing on our 3rd. feature film we wrapped last year, Mike & Fred vs. The Dead. A total old school zombie film. After that. We’ll see how this year turns out.

Q. If someone was looking to write and direct their own film what advice would you give them?

Don’t wait. Don’t post about it online. Just shut the fuck up, save your money, bite the bullet and make the movie.  NO ONE IS GOING TO DO IT FOR YOU in the end. Period. Unless I’m wrong ha ha.

Philip Rogers

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!