Interview by Chris Summerfield
In 2003, New England filmmaker, Geno McGahee, wrote and produced RISE OF THE SCARECROWS. 18 years later, a return has happened. RISE OF THE SCARECROWS: HELL ON EARTH has been produced and has created quite a buzz in the horror community.
McGahee has another film, AMITYVILLE COP, that has just been released, and has been creating a lot of excitement. He has plans to make other films in the near future as well.
I had the opportunity to catch up with the filmmaker and talk about the films and much more…
CS: It has been a long awaited return for you to be directing/writing another scarecrow horror. So please do tell us why you decided to come back.
It was meant to be. The last feature I filmed was HALLOWEEN TALES in 2014 and after some bad experiences I had in film after that, I opted to give it up and do strictly screenwriting. I didn’t want the nonsense that came along with making a production and sort of got disgusted and disappointed with film and those that consider themselves filmmakers in this indie business.
Then one day, I just woke up and wanted to film again. It was weird. Something called me back and something pointed me back to the scarecrows. It was like the universe was asking me to do it and I responded and now I’m back full time in film and understand why I was in it to begin with.
CS: Is it a sequel to RISE OF THE SCARECROWS (2003)?
No it’s not. It’s more a reboot or re-imagining but some of the first intrudes on this one. Those that have seen the original will notice certain themes and even certain lines that are from the original, more or less. Make no mistake, the first brought me here. The first was the one that put me on the map and I’m hoping that this one will hit the same groove and bring the scarecrows in a way I always wanted to.
CS: How much different will it be from the RISE OF THE SCARECROWS (2003) and can we expect any returning cast?
It’s different, but there are some similarities. The story involves Mitch, played by Eric Michaelian, returning to his childhood home to live with his dad, played by Brent Northup, after the death of his mother. Mitch meets up with Stacy, played by Lorrie Bacon, and as their relationship grows, they start to notice that there are strange things happening. They meet up with some campers and they soon start fighting for their lives against killer scarecrows. I don’t want to give any surprises away, but those that know the first, will see that it sort of was the foundation for this one. I showed it some love.
CS: Were you tempted to act again?
Not at all. I don’t enjoy acting and I’m not good at it. I leave it to the experts like the people I have in RISE OF THE SCARECROWS: HELL ON EARTH. I would stick out pretty bad if I was foolish enough to put myself in there.
CS: On the original scarecrow movie, musicians Joe Becker and Greg Steinour featured upon the soundtrack, will they be working upon the new soundtrack?
Joe Becker and Greg Steinour returning was something that I wanted because they were so engrained in the first and they didn’t disappoint again. Frank Palangi did a great song for the film and a video is on the horizon for it. And Sonora, the band that rocked FAMILY SECRET, is back in this one as well.
CS: Can you talk about AMITYVILLE COP a little?
AMITYVILLE COP is directed by Gregory Hatanaka and is a film I wrote that I am very proud of and it is getting great early reviews. It was just released on Tubi and is proving to be a big hit already. I’m a huge fan of MANIAC COP and I wanted to pay tribute but also make an original film and story. Remarkably, the film has Laurene Landon from MANIAC COP in a role, which is awesome.
I see the film like LETHAL WEAPON meets DEMONS. It is a quick, fun, funny at times, horror rollercoaster ride. The cast is amazing and Hatanaka knocks it out of the park.
CS: Finally as we all are aware Christmas is approaching and I do believe you will be producing a Christmas movie called CHRISTMAS MANDATE. What can you tell us about this?
CHRISTMAS MANDATE is a drama/comedy and there is no killer. I just wanted to answer that before it’s asked. I’ve made so many horror movies that people assume this must be a Santa killer film, but it’s a drama about a broken family that agree to meet on Christmas Eve for a gathering to see if they can salvage their relationships and find forgiveness. I’m very proud of it. I love the holiday. I love Christmas movies. I want to contribute one and this is the one. We will be filming some of it soon and some of it in March with a fall of 2022 release I’m guessing.
CS: Geno it has been great to catch up with you and we are all looking forward to your upcoming movies. Any final thoughts?
I am very grateful for the interview and the time you took. I really appreciate the support and the support of the people out there that take the time to watch my films. I hope they enjoy them.
