In my latest interview I got an opportunity to ask author Graham Le Neve Painter a few questions about his upcoming book The Ghoulies Companion, which will be released by Miami Fox Publishing later this year.
The Ghoulies Companion is new compendium book which takes an in-depth look at the making of the cult Ghoulies franchise, with photos, articles and interviews with those involved in the original films
Q. You are working on a new book called The Ghoulies Companion which is being released by Miami Fox Publishing. Why did you decide to write a book about the Ghoulies films?
I’ve been running a Ghoulies Fansite and social media channels for years and it was suggested that I gather all the info I have and release a book. I spent a year tracking down cast and crew and putting The Ghoulies Companion together. Then I realised the couple of publishers I thought would be interested weren’t, and I was at a bit of a loose end. I decided to put what I had together the best I could, and self-published what was really a Ghoulies fanzine. I then get an email from Bryn Hammond at Miami Fox publishing saying they’ve seen the book and want to release an expanded and official version. I’ve spent the last few months re-writing, chasing more interviewees, and expanding this project immeasurably. It’s been so much fun!
Q. What can we expect from the book?
Lots of information! There’s going to be stuff in here you never thought you’d see! There’s stuff in here I never thought I’d see! Hundreds of Ghoulies photos, posters, ads, newspaper/magazine articles, personal cast and crew pictures, script excerpts and so much more. Interview wise I’ve learnt so much more about the making of these films its insane. There’s a lot of juicy stuff in here! Even the most hardcore Ghoulies fan will be surprised!
Q. The book includes interviews with those involved in the original films. What are some of your favourite interviews in the book?
I’ve loved speaking with everyone who was part of these films. From Prop Masters to Composers, if their name is in the credits it’s more than likely I’ve attempted to contact them. SOME responded! Scott Thomson, who outside of Ghoulies (1984) is known for Police Academy (1984) and Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982) as well as many more classic movies is a pleasure to speak with. He’s had such an iconic career in film and it’s interviews like that which have been expanded and have taken more centre-stage alongside fan favourites like Phil Fondacaro and Donnie Jeffcoat to name a couple.
Q. What has been the hardest part of bringing the book together?
Encouraging people to speak with me. It has been a long process to gather such a huge amount of info from cast and crew. And everyone I have spoken to has been fantastic. Luckily Michael Deak — who has not only written a brilliant foreword to the book, as well as being interviewed — has indulged me on and off for years and has provided so much help in bringing this project to life. We’ve had over forty cast and crew (and counting) contribute to this project in so many ways it’s really their story I’m conveying by bringing all this information to the Ghoulie loving public.
Q. What were some of your favourite moments when researching the book?
Bottom line, I’m a fan. There’s nothing more fascinating and exciting than listening to recollections from those that were on set and brought these films to life. Just the other day I found out that a real skeleton was used in the first Ghoulies for a corpse prop! I think its well-publicised that real skeletons were used in the making of Poltergeist (1982), but it seems Ghoulies went the same route. Look for that trivia nugget on the IMDB soon no doubt!
Q. With the book taking a look behind the making of the films, do you think it will change people’s perception of the films in any way?
I hope so. Ghoulies seems to be a very dividing franchise. But one of the biggest issues is that there is no information out there, so people are basing their opinions of what they read on the internet – which is mostly incorrect. In recent years there has been a resurgence of love for these movies and I think they are finally getting their dues.
Q. Do you have anyone else contributing to the book?
I had a fantastic artist called Tom Claridge who’s recently designed the posters for Dustin Ferguson’s Ghosthouse remake, and a short film called Burn the Witch created some original art for the book. We’ve not started designing yet, but you’ll likely see some of his work within the pages of the Ghoulies Companion.
Q. How close are you to completing the book and when can we expect it to be released?
I’m told design will start at the end of April, and the book will be available by Halloween. If you’ve seen the recent Complete History of the Howling released by Miami Fox Publishing you’ll see that they know how to put a book together. I’m really looking forward to working with their team to give fans the best Ghoulies Companion possible!
Q. If someone was looking to write their own book, what advice would you give them?
Just write it. You can submit to publishers until your blue in the face. But if you’re not getting anywhere, do it yourself. There are so many avenues to self-publish nowadays for free. Once your project is out in the world its more likely someone will find it, and possibly pick it up. Worked for me.
You can find out more about the Ghoulies Fansite on the Website and you can follow them on the social media pages Facebook, YouTube and Instagram
You can also follow author Graham Le Neve Painter on Instagram.
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!
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