Film Name: The Allotment
Director: Randy Kent
Writer: Davy Williams
Starring: Davy Williams, Sean Eden Yi, Jeff McDonald, Daniela Brown, June Lee
In another interview leading up to the Horror-on-Sea Film Festival, I got a chance to ask director Randy Kent a few questions about what we can expect from Chinese Speaking Vampires which will be playing at Horror-on-Sea on Friday 14th January at 17:30hrs.
Q. Your latest horror film Chinese Speaking Vampires has been selected to play at Horror-on-Sea. Can you tell us what we can expect from the film?
A. Expect to have fun and let it take you for the ride! I think it’s not going to be what people expect really. It’s got a heart that leaves you pleasantly surprised and it’s not something you are used to seeing when going into a vampire film like this.
Q. What first attracted you to the script for Chinese Speaking Vampires which was written by Davy Williams?
A. The nature of the premise. I mean the title alone was enough to make me want to read it over the other scripts I usually get. Also, the challenges it offered was something I’m usually drawn to on a project. It was a little out of my comfort zone, so it was a given for me to take it on. Plus, Davy Williams’ (screenwriter, producer, lead actor) drive and enthusiasm to get it made. I like to work with people who are committed to their craft.
Q. What were some of your influences for the look and style of the film?
A. When Davy and I first met about the movie, I asked him what he was going for when he wrote it and he mentioned Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992) (the original movie, not necessarily the TV show) so that’s what stuck with me when I was prepping it. And I’ve always been a fan of the colour palettes of the 70s horror films (Giallo films specifically) so that played a big role too to developing the style with the DP, Caleb Tou.
Q. Did you make any changes from the original script during filming?
A. A few things but mostly out of time/budget reasons. There was a bigger type of stunt in the script for the rooftop finale that we just couldn’t pull off with the time we had to shoot so that had to be scaled down a bit. Same with some of other stunt/fight stuff. And I added a scene of Gengi Ma training the girls and bringing them into his fold that played a big part of the story later. So, nothing major, just minor things here and there.
Q. What were some of your favourite moments during filming?
A. The nightclub scene early in the movie was fun because I knew from the first time, I read the script that it would be our “big show piece” in the movie. And I also knew exactly how I would edit most of it, so we were able to go all out with those moments and have fun. That was also shot after the first week of production so cast and crew were all in a zone by that point so that made it easier.
Q. Did you experience any issues during filming?
A. Mostly just lack of time that’s typical with this type of film, especially for the fight scenes. We did lose one of our actresses after her first day and had to literally recast on the spot but that worked out tremendously well anyway.
Q. What makes Chinese Speaking Vampires stand out as something different in the horror genre?
A. I think the overall premise makes you take notice. And the heart at its core is something different. It’s not a dark film, you can watch it with the whole family!
Q. What do you hope people take away after watching the film?
A. I just hope it puts a smile on their face. And want more of it!
Q. Do you have any other projects which you are currently working on?
A. I have a few things actually. A Chinese Speaking Vampires sequel is in the early planning stages. And depending on when this interview is released, I am in the UK currently prepping Demons at Dawn for Black Coppice Films that starts shooting literally a week after Vampires screens at Horror-On-Sea; And a drama I did in India (directed over Skype) called Road King is set to release any day now (Jan/Feb of 2022) so waiting for that to happen too. A few other films also in development for 2022 and beyond.
Q. If someone was looking to direct their own film what advice would you give them?
A. Just do it! It’s so easy to get a camera or use your phone and editing software that there is no reason not to go do it. Learn as you go. That’s what I did!
You can find out more about Chinese Speaking Vampires and keep up to date with news on the Website and Instagram
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!
