Robert was a frequent customer at the entertainment store I managed and he later ran his own video game store for a short stint. As we talked, it was clear that he was a horror and sci-fi fan, and when it came time for him and his friend, Danny Nowlan, to film their first movie, I agreed to let them hang fliers in the store. Knowing that I wanted to be involved, I showed up to the audition and expressed my interest in helping with whatever needed done behind the camera. Needless to say, I ended up filming about 75% of the movie, never having any prior experience in doing so.
Undead on Arrival unintentionally morphed into a zombie comedy, and although it was bound by copyrighted music, went on to sell more than 20 copies and was screened at Hutchinson's Halloween festival. A few years later, FALLOUT, a Twilight Zone-themed short was shot, and while the camera was handed over to someone else, I helmed the executive producer chair. It was submitted to Wichita’s Tall Grass Film Festival in 2011, but was not selected, and is now available for purchase on Amazon.Since then, things at Moonlight Films have been pretty mum, but ideas for an "Undead" sequel are being tossed around. So, here's some thoughts from the man behind the magic.
What do you do to make a living?
I am currently finishing up my final stretch of an education degree. For the past ten years I worked in entertainment, selling video games, dvds, etc. in store and then online only for several years after.
If you could make a living doing it, would you want to make films the rest of your life?
Most definitely. I have some great ideas rattling around in my brain that are limited by time, budget, and talent constraints. I am an artist, and as such would love to make my artistry my life.
What’s the worst job you’ve ever had?
I worked at Burger King for a year, that pretty much totally fucking sucked.
What are your earliest memories of filmmaking? Do you remember what your first venture with a camera was?
The earliest memories are of stop-motion animation with little Star Wars figures while I was still in high school. Even at that point, finding a camera that could even do stop motion, and that was not digital was getting tough.
What was the biggest difference or challenge between the two features you did? What would you do differently?
The biggest challenge with Undead on Arrival was time. We wanted to shoot it in only a day or two, but we had a great cast and support. In FALLOUT, the problem was casting. We simply did not have many people audition, and had to take what we could get. The script got sliced up from there.
What does your wife/family think of your filmmaking?
It's just kind of my thing. They get impressed when I'm in the paper, but other than that, if it doesn't make money it's considered a waste of time.
When can we expect to see more from Moonlight Films?
There is actually a ten minute short fully blocked out in my mind that I co-wrote with Moonlight Films Alumnus Chris Nolde. The only thing holding it back right now is equipment, cast, and location. It may be awhile, but it's on the plate.
Right: Me and Jon Dudrey deliberating
What advice would you give to those wanting to make movies?
Don't be a pretentious asshole. I can't tell you how many people I have come across that think they are hot shit for making their first film with no respect for those that came before them, and those that are a part of the industry with their nose in the air because they belong to some stuffy Kansas film board.
We heard you used to be a musician and some of your music is in your movies, tell us about that.
The last year of high school and following several years after I traveled with my punk band through Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, and once to Nashville. That was my first love, but Jimmy quit, Jody got married.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I used to be a video game nut, but these days most of my time is spent writing and following artistic and academic pursuits.
What’s your favorite video game presently and of all time?
My favorite video game currently is League of Legends. I've been pretty much hooked on it for seven months now. My favorite game of all time title would have to go to Max Payne. It was the very first video game that brought out real emotion and empathy, perhaps because I had just had my first child at the time, but I was never so into a role of vengeance like I was in that story.
Why do you like horror movies?
Life is dark. A smart horror story is worth more than a thousand sitcoms or romcoms. It's the same reason I don't follow any comedies, but watch tons of procedural drama.
Do you have a favorite sub-genre?
Vampire flicks have always been and still are my favorite genre. Even if Twilight has fucked up the genre.
What’s your favorite horror and non-horror movie?
It was hard not to go the classic route and drop some big names. I honestly would have to say the Evil Dead Trilogy. I have a soft spot in my heart for cheap, independent film that makes the best out of what is available. Add a timeless hero, too many quotable lines to count, a laughing deer head, and tree rape and you have the total package. Hail to the king baby. My favorite non-horror movie is no contest, Pulp Fiction. Hand me my wallet.
Who’s your favorite actor/actress/director?
My favorite director is Tarantino, my favorite actress is Kate Beckinsale, because she's Kate Beckinsale. Though I hated him as a kid having to be subjected to Titanic, I think DiCaprio is an example of true actor.
Best movie of 2011? Most anticipated title for 2012?
This was not really the biggest year for movies, but I'm going to say Rise of the Planet of the Apes. I wasn't even going to watch it until Danny Nowlan forced me to. I expected nothing and was blown away by how smartly written and paced it was for such a stupid premise. Outside of that, I loved the US version of Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. For 2012, I'm going to go all geeky and say that I hope they don't completely fuck up The Avengers. For next year though I have to say I am most excited for (unconventionally) The Great Gatsby as a literature major and Baz fan. Right next to that sits my excitement for Tarantino's Django Unchained. Dark Shadows has great potential too.
Where do you see the future of horror going and where would you like to see it go?
Storytelling. For the love of Thor, get some damn storytelling. I remember the year I graduated I started at "A" and went through every movie in the horror section of the local video store. What made it so great was the variety and intriguing story. Today's film lack plot and originality. Scare the shit out of me, but tell me a story worth my time.
What’s your favorite horror collectible?
My Twisted Land of OZ series.
What’s your favorite color and why?
Black, because it was cool before it was emo.
What kind of animal would you be?
A lion, they get all the bitches. Seriously, just watch some Animal Planet.
Favorite kind of food and why?
Pizza because I'm poor, steak if I ever strike it rich.
Favorite drink (alcoholic and non) and why?
Jameson's Irish Whiskey is God's gift to man. Sometimes a White Russian, the dude abides. They make drinks without alcohol?
What’s the oddest thing (quirks, etc) about you that only your closest friends would know, or maybe no one knows (until now)?
I pose, pointed out by Meghann Bates. I cannot stand straight up, I always cock out a leg and inject some swagger into any walk or stance. It took weeks of work to temporarily break it for her stage production.
Prior to the interview, had you ever heard of/read this blog?
Yeah, I check it once a month or so to see what's up with my old executive producer. The man has seen some crazy ass shit.
What did you like/dislike about it? What would you like to see in the future?
I like the full explications of the pieces. They never feel like phoned in reviews. Perhaps a full editorial comparing originals to remakes, or classic film to current in regards to horror?
What’s your fondest memory of me/us?
Probably the wrap on FALLOUT and the many bizarre conversations with Jon Dudrey and Fleetwood coming up with the craziest bullshit for films pitches. That, and you getting us to actually film "Bang, Bang, skeet skeet bitches!" as a line.
If you could sum up your life in one word or phrase, what would that be?
Fuck.
Anything else you’d like to add about your job, life, movies, or just general randomness?
Religion is retarded. To be serious though, we live in the one state that does not have an arts program thanks to Brownback. It's time the artists and those that enjoy their labors stand up to the governor and make art a central part of Kansas life again. Art and education do more good than any one bomb dropped on a middle eastern tent. Ok, I'll get off my soapbox...but religion is retarded.
Thanks for the great interview Robert! While it's still available, you can check out some of the past happenings of Moonlight Films on their Facebook page. The more support it gets, the better chance of stuff getting made, because sometimes Robert needs a swift kick in the ass for motivation. :) Also, if you're interested in buying a shirt (black with the logo below) to help support the cause, contact me or leave a comment with your e-mail address and we can work out deal. Quantities and sizes are limited.
