Following a successful US book tour of his latest book The Complete History of the Howling (2018) and his induction into the Las Vegas Hall of Horror, I got a chance to catch up with filmmaker and author Bryn Curt J Hammond – as we discussed; The Complete History of the Howling, A Case for Murder: Brittany Murphy Files (2015) and some of the future projects which he is currently working on.
Q. For those who may not have read the book yet, what can they expect from The Complete History of the Howling?
The Complete History of The Howling is a unique look at a franchise that changed the way werewolves are perceived on screen. The book covers the movie’s conception from book to celluloid including all of its stand-alone sequel incarnations.
I designed the book in a way that makes it accessible for all readers. Even thou I wrote it with the selfie generation in mind, I still made a conscious effort not to dumb the content’s material down. Besides crafting a book that’s aesthetically pleasing I deliberately injected humour into its subject matter. I have consumed many ‘Making of’ books and have often found them void of the fun factor and clunky to read, so I injected lashings of humour but then toned it down to prevent it becoming too distracting.
One of my key objectives was to make sure each film within the series was given the same amount of attention as the 1981 original, which hopefully I have delivered on. To date, feedback has been wonderful so I think I’ve achieved that. In fact, even Howling: New Moon Rising (1995)gets the special treatment; I dug deep into the mechanics of that movie, and it also has one of the more interesting backstories. It might be one of the worst films in the series but its on-set fighting, arrests and drug taking is right up there with an episode of Dog the Bounty Hunter (2004-2012).
Fans of The Howling (1981) and film in general will, I hope, find something they can take away with them, and to quote @AFizgig (Twitter username) “So interesting and you’re (sic) done fantastic job. Also, didn’t know John Hough directed IV. I really need to read more, in general, I’m thinking.”
Q. Why did you first decide to write a book about The Howling series?
A while back I took a break from the industry to rebuild myself and find the real me and address my mental health. When I’d overcome certain struggles and introduced a structure into my day-to-day living, I started the Howling History. I stalled after one chapter, then went on to write A Case for Murder: Brittany Murphy Files.
Once I’d completed Brittany Murphy Files and my commitments to the book had been fulfilled, I needed a project less intense that was more of a light relief, less bleak and self-reflecting. When you are writing true crime and investigating situations similar to your own parallels you can get a little caught up in the overbearing moments. Brittany’s life became so very dark towards the end and that was reflected in the telling of her story. Investing yourself into such a topic can have negative effects on your own well-being; I needed to recharge my batteries with something that didn’t absorb my energy, so I returned to Howling History.
It was the right time for many reasons. I was ready to return to the Horror genre fold and I felt inspired after re-watching Howling IV: The Original Nightmare (1998); things just fell into place and I picked up where I left off. Why I selected Howling History over any other franchise I cannot give you a clear defining reason – it was a very organic process. What I will say is that I won’t cover a franchise that has already been done to death as that train has long gone. This late in the game I don’t need comparisons to other writers or other writers’ work.
Q. You have recently returned to the UK following a book tour in Las Vegas with special effects artist Nick Benson. How did the experience compare to the events you attended with the initial book tour in the UK?
Las Vegas is a larger-than-life stage and, much like its bright lights and tall skyscrapers, a whole new ball game. Both experiences were wonderful for very different reasons. I feel very much at home in the USA, so it did have the edge over the UK in that respect. The meet & greets were special for very different reasons and I’m blessed to be able to interact with so many different people from all different walks of life.
At Edinburgh Horror Con I had a captive audience. Las Vegas was very much a building exercise to test the water. I had a lot of fun and enjoyed my evening watching Howling IV with Coby Kai, his girlfriend and the other attendees at Movies & Candy, spending time with Jeanette Walker at Public Works in Henderson and meeting Traci Michele, Cynthia Vegas and George P Wilbur (Halloween 4) during my induction into the Hall of Horror in Las Vegas. Obviously, there were many others I met during my time in Vegas, but I’d be here all day listing them off.
Q. Although the original film is regarded as a classic, the sequels have always been met with mixed reviews. With this in mind are you surprised that the book overall has been so well received?
I was aware Howling V: The Rebirth (1989) and Howling VI: The Freaks (1991) had a cult following and Howling II: Your Sister Is a Werewolf (1985) sells well on DVD and Blu-Ray decades after its original VHS release. Obviously, the original is a classic and still considered one of the greatest werewolf movies ever made.
Without sounding egotistical I’m not surprised the book has been well received in terms of its quality and content, but I am shocked that so many people prefer the later movies over the 1981 original.
Howling III: The Marsupials (1987) was the biggest shock to me – I wasn’t aware it had such a diehard following. But each to their own; that’s why the world is such a wonderful and interesting place.
Q. The Complete History of the Howling is now available globally has attracted a lot of interest around the world, are you surprised at how well the book has performed with the initial sales?
Analytically it’s performed above expectations for a book of its genre and type, so in that respect, yes. I’m still getting adjusted to the attention it has attracted and I have to keep pinching myself!
Q. The success of the book it proves that there is still interest in the series. Do you think we could see a return of The Howling with a further sequel or remake?
Currently, the property is licensed by Emaji Entertainment with Front Row Filmed Entertainment attached. They are also the studio behind the Maniac Cop (1988) reboot in development.
The Howling does have the strength to go the distance if done well but there are so many cooks in the kitchen it will be hard to produce a film that will please everyone involved in the project.
Q. During the book tour you were also inducted into the Las Vegas Hall of Horror. How did it feel to know that your contributions to horror have been recognised?
It was an amazing experience, especially since I was inducted on the same evening as Jeffrey Reddick and on the big reveal of John Carpenter’s Hall of Horror handprint, which is embedded in the sidewalk along Fremont Street, NV.
Riding in the parade with my dear friend Nick Benson and Halloween 4’s George P Wilbur was so much fun. I feel blessed to have been a part of the Las Vegas festivities and to have met Paul Casey and his team. Collecting the award left me lost for words, which is a first for me! Well, I say that, but I’m an extremely shy and retiring person and nerves are a day-to-day struggle for me, but the vibe and atmosphere were really fun – I’m just honoured to be inducted into such a prestigious club.
Q. Following the book tour, you also flew to New Yorkto film an episode for the TV programme Investigation Discovery. Can you tell us what that was for?
I’m not allowed to say anything about the project or its content or I may be shot lol! The small print is pretty binding in terms of what I can officially say. But the production team were wonderful and very accommodating, and they really put me at ease.
Once the show airs I’ll be free to talk about it. But what I will say is that it’s a must watch!
Q. Whilst doing research for another book A Case for Murder: Brittany Murphy Files, where you surprised at what you uncovered?
I was 100% surprised. Discovering that Brittany and Simon were not legally married was a huge shock but there were so many revelations along the way I found myself surprised she wasn’t bumped off earlier. If she was still here to tell her own story I’m sure it would have been from a 4×4 cell. Getting mixed up with Monjack was one of the saddest situations that occurred in Brittany’s life. She was naive in many respects and the film factory ate her up and spat her out like yesterday’s trash. She was an all-around entertainer, one of the last greats.
On a side note, I’d like to send warm wishes to AJ, Brittany’s father, whose health has declined over recent weeks as he has a spinal infection. He has also asked me to highlight that the Twitter account @ajbertolotti is not associated with him in any way, shape or form is managed by Julia Davis, who took advantage of him shortly after his daughter’s passing. I highlight Julia’s deception in A Case for Murder: Brittany Murphy Files, which highlights her unethical attempts at keeping her name in the headlines.
Q. This is the second book in the series and you have another book coming out in December called A Case for Murder: Aaliyah Files.
Aaliyah Files is a long time coming. However, I cannot put out work I’m not a 100% happy with. I’ve been tweaking it over several months, adding and taking away certain things that I didn’t feel relevant to the case or its narrative.
I’m now extremely happy with how it’s shaped, and I feel Aaliyah’s fanbase will be just as ecstatic when they get their hands on a copy hot of the press.
Q. Do you have any other projects that you are currently working on?
I have A Case for Murder: Anna Nicole Smith Files set for a February release. In fact, while going through the airport recently I met a huge Anna Nicole Smith fan, Yasmin Geurt, who was flying out to the UK for a modelling shoot. It was like 10 pm and I was wrecked; I hadn’t slept since filming. I watched Matthew McMorrow get elected into office. He was actually holding the function where I was – he bought food and drinks for everyone, it was such an electric atmosphere. Then I did Times Square at 3.30am. Yasmin was so radiant, and I felt extremely out of place lol! We planned to meet in London before she flew back to NYC, but my schedule was manic. We hope to meet up again on her return or when I next fly to the USA.
Next, I plan to write another ‘History of’ book. I’m toying with three franchises, but I don’t want to decide which one just yet. I’m already 85% sure which I’ll do first but until I’m a 100% I’ll hold off at the moment from dropping names. But if your readers follow me on Twitter @bryncjHammond I did run a poll a few months back, which pretty much helped me decide on my next ‘History of’ book.
Besides the books I’m in talks to do a TV show on Freeview and I’ll be having a discussion with my potential co-host later this week, so it’s all go.
The Complete History of The Howling & the best-seller A Case for Murder: Brittany Murphy Files are available in paperback now.
https://www.amazon.com/Complete-History-Howling-James-Hammond/dp/1999584805
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!
