Interview by Chris Summerfield
It brings me great pleasure to welcome back, Geno McGahee to ‘Under the spotlight’ as it has been a while since I last interviewed Mr. McGahee, and feel it is time to catch up with the horror master from Massachusetts USA.
Welcome again Geno to under the spotlight and thank you for taking time out of your very hectic schedule to complete this interview with me… So here goes, now regards your movies, from the early films, such as, RISE OF THE SCARECROWS, to the recent ones, SICKLE and SCARY TALES: LAST STOP, all of which have been horror.
So out of interest what made you decide to direct a drama, with THE COWBOY AND THE TAVERN?
The film was written by a very good friend of mine. Brent Northup had starred in some films that I had done including FAMILY SECRET and SICKLE. He came to me with an idea that reflected what he had been through with one of his friends and asked me to direct this film idea, I really couldn’t refuse. It turned out to be a great experience and a meaningful one. The two stars of the film, Ed Vadas and Dave Sauriol, passed away after the film’s completion and I was happy that I was able to be part of the flick with them and it turned out to be a great way to immortalize them.
And regards THE COWBOY AND THE TAVERN, did you find it challenging with it being somebody else’s script you had to direct?
Yes. As a writer and filmmaker, it’s easy for me to want to take over the set and call every shot. I’ve changed lines on the fly in my films but this was a more structured process and I had to focus on my role and fight my instincts. Throughout the production, I encountered a lot of obstacles from different directions, but I’m seasoned and I’ve been through much worse. Overall, it was nice to distribute the stress more evenly because Brent was getting hit with all the stuff that I usually struggle with…funding, coordinating and dealing with the many variables that tend to kick you in the balls.
Geno, apart from horror, and drama, what other genres would you like to direct in and why?
I have written a few action films, but it’s tough to make an action film on a low budget. Horror has been the genre that has fans that are the most forgiving of production value or lack thereof. I have a plan to make a sequel to PSYCHO KICKBOXER, a great action flick from the nineties that stars Curtis Bush. I have recently been a part of SAMURAI COP 2: DEADLY VENGEANCE and I am planning on creating some action films in the near future. Financing is starting to fall into place and with financing comes options.
Now I have got to say I am excited to hear the possibility that RISE OF THE SCARECROWS is to get a sequel, how is this production coming along and believe there may be a co-director on board, what can you tell us about this and the co-director?
RISE OF THE SCARECROWS: HELL ON EARTH is a co-production of CINEMA EPOCH and XPOSSE PRODUCTIONS and it’s right on track to start shooting in April. It is an official sequel to the 2003 original, but this time around, we are shooting under much better circumstances. The design of the scarecrows is amazing and the story is much more focused. Writing a sequel turned out to be a very difficult thing. I have grown as a writer but I needed to connect to the story and vibe of the first one. This is going to be an old and new experience with a few familiar faces and will hopefully be a launch of a series of films. The scarecrows look so tremendous that I will have to really screw up for it not to go over well.
And finally just a personal question, have you any plans for Halloween?
Yes, I do. Every year, we have a Halloween gathering at my house and we dress in costume, drink, eat and be merry. I’m big on holidays and parties.
Now if you are a movie director, writer or actor and would like to appear ‘under the spotlight.’ Do drop me an email, including your CV.
Love Geno McGahee! He is a man of endless talent and boundless creativity. He inspires me to reach beyond my perceived limits. Congrats Geno! You deserve kudos for all your hard work and dedication.
Jeanice, you are the bomb!!!! THanks so much for the comments!!!!