Film Name: Horror-Scopes Volume One
Directors: Tony Sands, Maria Lee Metheringham, Dani Thompson, Davin Jeayes, Alexander Churchyard, Pablo Raybould, Anna Dixon, Luna Wolf, Martin W. Payne, Richard Elson, John Foxen, Annie Knox, Mj Dixon
Writers: Alexander Churchyard, Mj Dixon, Davin Jeayes, Annie Knox, Martin W. Payne, Pablo Raybould, Tony Sands, Dani Thompson, Luna Wolf, Anna Dixon, Eve Oliver
Starring: Pauline Peart, Stacy Hart, Jack Glanville, Peter Tilley, Claire Louise Amias
Horror-Scopes aims to bring 12 of Indie Horrors’ brightest talents together to tell 12 star-crossed tales of Horror Scope based horror.
Following the World Premiere of Horror-Scopes Volume One at Horror-on-Sea I got a chance to ask writer-director Luna Wolf a few questions about her segment ‘Scorpio‘.
Q. Your film Horror-Scopes Volume One has been selected to play at the Horror-on-Sea Film Festival. Can you tell us what we can expect from the film and your segment Scorpio?
A. Hello, thank you what an honour, my segment is a high octane action horror short, a story about revenge for a loved one. I shot this in two locations with my best friends and very little time. It is amazing what you can achieve with a hope and a prayer.
The story follows a woman hell bent on revenge after her loved one was murdered. She will stop at nothing until the person responsible for her death is dead, with the help of genetically modified scorpion venom she tracks down her target and takes her out.
But there is a twist. You’ll have to watch it though, I can’t give it all away.
Q. How did you get involved in the horror anthology and what attracted you to the film?
A. My good pals Anna and MJ invited me to the project, we had worked together onmany other productions such as Slasher House 2 and I was very excited to get the opportunity to finally jump behind the camera. I am a DOP at heart and while I do Direct and Produce there’s nothing quite like the feeling of having a camera in my hands, ESPECIALLY for action shots. Being a trained screen fighter I understand the mechanics of a good fight scene. I look forward to my future action sequences that I am currently writing to be able to really stretch my cinematic legs.
Q. What were some of your influences when writing the script for your segment?
A. I didn’t have much time to really think it through as the project came up while I was moving to Canada, so I had to think on my feet a little, I do know that Scorpion venom is used in some of the more prestigious skin care. While I don’t agree with animal testing it was the start of my idea. I then went from there, what qualities do Scorpios have as a zodiac? They are insanely loyal, there’s no hell like a Scorpio scorned, and if you cross a Scorpio, you better be ready to run. Especially if you hurt someone they love.
Q. What were some of your influences for the look and style of the film?
A. I love the way the look for the film came out, because of time constraints I really didn’t have much of a chance to design the look per say. I used all natural light and I only used my 35mm prime lens. I did use a cine filter that gave the overall look that glow. The flares you can see this working especially with the street lights and candles. That was all in camera, no post VFX added. I kept the blues in and touched it into a cooler colour in post but there really wasn’t much that needed doing otherwise.
Q. Did you make any changes from the original script during filming?
A. The original script did change somewhat, though because there was only one line of dialogue, it was very easy to manage. Most of the story was told by imagery and Set Dec. I wanted to make sure the audience could make up their own conclusions and have their own interpretation of it. But also guide them gently.
Q. What were some of your favourite moments during filming?
A. I LOVED working with my best friends, they were very helpful and extremely patient, the nights were very cold as we shot in January 2022. Though my favourite moment was when we were shooting the fight scene. It was loosely choreographed and they are so talented I barely needed to direct the scene, I just pointed the camera and magic happened. Also when we shot the puppy, well fully grown fur baby. She was such a good girl, it was a blessing to have her as an extra in the film.
I also LOVED the opportunity to shoot real scorpions, Mike and Daz were amazing for organising this for me! Huge thanks to those amazing guys.
Q. Did you experience any issues during filming?
A. Apart from the time constraints and weather conditions being wet and cold, I think there was actually no issues during filming. Given more lead time and not needing to move almost 6,000 mile would be a massive game changer next time, though a huge thank you to MJ and Anna for being so patient with me.
Q. What makes Scorpio stand out as something different in the horror genre?
A. I would hope that my ever evolving shooting style would be what makes it stand out. However that might look, I like my action shots hugely and I know I have a lot to work with here for my future projects.
Q. What do you hope people take away after watching the film?
A. I hope people will find it a fun little movie at the least, but I also hope that they will be uplifted by what a Scorpio is prepared to do for their loved ones. Also I’m hoping that people come away with an expectation as to what I am about to make in my next movies. A glimpse of future potential. Because I promise, there’s more to come!
Q. Do you have any other projects which you are currently working on?
A. Oh yes!!! SOOOO many! I have a few action pieces I am currently working on, I have 2 feature scripts I am developing and for the fun of it I am also creating a pitch for a docuseries. You absolutely have to watch this space. EXCITING things are brewing here.
Q. If someone was looking to write and direct their own film what advice would you give them?
A. Goodness, there isn’t enough time to give all the advice that I would, but keep it simple, choose your team well and understand every aspect of what you are doing. The first time, take your time, PRE PLAN EVERYTHING! If you have dialogue make sure you spend a lot of your attention on getting it right, a great visual movie can be ruined by bad audio. Any simple questions I’m happy to give short answers for. Just reach out, I’d love to hear your comments!
You can find out more about the segment Scorpio on the website here: http://www.disturbia-films.com/scorpio/
You can purchase tickets and merchandise for the second weekend of the Horror-on-Sea festival on the website 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!
