Name: HorrorScopes Volume 2: Chinese Zodiac –‘Rabbit’
Directors: Tony Mardon and James Edward Newton
Writers: James Edward Newton/ contribution by Tony Mardon Starring: Lauren Jane Barnett, Tony Mardon, Mike Butler
Investigators are baffled by the death of Bogus.
In a new exclusive interview on Blazing Minds leading up to the Horror-on-Sea Film Festival, I got a chance to ask director Tony Mardon a few questions about his segment of HorrorScopes Volume 2: Chinese Zodiac – ‘Rabbit’
HorrorScopes Volume 2: Chinese Zodiac has been selected to play at the Horror-on-Sea film festival on Friday 19th January at 20:00pm.
Q. You contributed a segment film to HorrorScopes Volume 2 which has been selected to play at Horror-on-Sea Film Festival. Can you tell us about the segment?
A. A detective and a forensic pathologist investigate the death of Bogus, a fluffy, white rabbit. Without giving too much away, we learn that Bogus had been suffering from nightmares…
Q. What were some of your influences for the look and style of the film?
A. The two scenes in Rabbit work in contrast to each other. One very clinical and the other more visceral. The concept itself evokes an ‘other-worldy’ and sinister atmosphere, juxtaposing a very unpleasant, sinister scene with one that has its roots in a prime-time police drama.
Q. Did you make any changes from the original script during filming?
A. There was one germ of an idea I was very keen to film and James and I then each wrote a couple of ideas out incorporating it in different ways. One of James’s ideas was so bizarre I absolutely loved it and he then went on to write the script. I don’t believe it changed notably.
Q. What were some of your favourite moments during filming?
A. I directed the exterior scene and James the interior scene. Having experienced the elements outside, being inside in a controlled environment was rather lovely. This also meant I could concentrate on acting. As always, the camaraderie and friendship between cast and crew stood out too. Acting alongside my partner, Lauren, was great too. She can’t escape!!
Q. Did you experience any issues during filming?
A. The weather was against us in the woods, occasionally being forced to dodge falling tree parts due to the wind. The threat of rain was ever present and Mike, bless him, spent a long time in a hole. The horse was non-compliant at points and a change of rider was needed which held us up a little. Other than that, the usual budgetary/ time constraints applied.
Q. What makes Rabbit stand out as something different in the horror genre?
A. There are two scenes both working together for the good of the whole but also miles apart in terms of style and aesthetic. The contrast of two different genre tropes not only enhances the emotional experience for the viewer but disorientates the viewer. Rabbit hopefully makes horror about the journey rather than relying solely on narrative.
Q. What do you hope people take away after watching the film?
A. We don’t want the audience to necessarily take away one message in particular. However, we do hope that, like a catchy (or possibly annoying) song, there might be something that resonates enough to be reconsidered over a drink after the screening.
Q. Do you have any other projects which you are currently working on?
A. I do have some projects further down the line this year, but the three things I am concentrating on now are getting The Witches of the Sands finished, writing/directing a segment for Video Shop Tales of Terror 2 with Alex Churchyard and writing a book with Lauren Jane Barnett.
Q. If someone was looking to get into filmmaking film what advice would you give them?
A. Get a really talented and enthusiastic cast and crew together. And don’t work with horses.
You can find out more about the festival and purchase tickets here
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!
