Thanks to Mark for sharing his interview. Read below to see what Harry had to say about rejoining the franchise and for the full article click on the website link above.

“Were you even approached to be involved with the remake?

I think a lot of fans were asking for me, and I definitely would have done it if someone had asked me. But I think that the powers-that-be felt that it was going to be a whole new Jason. They didn’t even use Kane [Hodder] or the guy from Freddy vs. Jason [Ken Kirzinger]. They used somebody else completely, and they also went with a different composer [Brian Tyler].

Now, I haven’t seen the movie, nor do I know what the music sounds like. I was getting phone calls like crazy when it came out from people saying, “this is all screwed up,” “this doesn’t make any sense,” “Jason doesn’t run,” and whatever else bothered them. And they didn’t seem to like the music at all – at least the hardcore fans. I know there is a big push from a lot of fans to have me back for the new one next year. Like I said, I’d be more than happy to do it. I would have also been happy to do that last one, too! But those are things that are not in my control.”

Let me first congratulate you on your part in Walking Distance. I and a lot of fans are really looking forward to finally seeing you on the screen again! But how did you get started in the business of movies in the first place?
 
Believe it-or-not, I started acting in commercials at the tender age of 6 months old. So I laughingly respond now: it’s not like I had a lot to say about it back then! I must have enjoyed it though because I kept on working as a child model and actress on and off throughout my school years. Of course, by the tender age of 8, I was incredibly clear on what I was doing & that I was indeed enjoying it & wanted to do and learn more! I studied with some wonderful teachers as a child and gained incredible experience performing in New York City. I even landed the role of Melinda in INHERIT the WIND for the Hallmark Hall of Fame series & worked with some extraordinary actors: Ed Begley, Melvyn Douglas, Dianne Baker, Murray Hamilton…. Directed & produced by George Schaeffer: a full summer of rehearsals & taping with the best of the best in the 60’s. I was hooked for life after doing that riveting play within a television show.
 
 
How did you get involved in the first Friday the 13th?
 
I auditioned with every other young actor and actress in New York in the summer of 1979. Ask Sean Cunningham, the director/producer & he’ll tell you that they saw everyone! I was signed to a commercial agent at the time but you really needed (still do) a theatrical agent to get an audition with the movie’s casting directors. In this case it was the legendary Barry Moss & Julie Hughes.
 
I’ve always been a firm believer that if you can’t get in through the front door then try the back one & if that doesn’t work, then try the side window; and in this case a very good friend of mine, Bill Love, had a boss, who’s good friend’s girlfriend, Pat, worked in the same office as Barry Moss! We were all over the possibility of making my audition happen. It’s all about tenacity & networking! So, I got to audition for Barry, which led to an audition with Sean Cunningham which led to call-back after call-back and reading with several different potential cast members and then a screen test! I’m pretty sure I nailed it with my scream!  And the rest is history!! Incredibly, I was to become the heroine, Alice, the sole survivor of Friday the 13th!
 
 
Next year the world-famous horror franchise will celebrate its 30th anniversary. What is in your humble opinion the enduring appeal of Friday The 13th?
 
I think a lot of it has to do with the believability of F13 cast as “regular kids”; we were “the teenagers next door”…everyone can find someone there to relate to and the actors, well, we truly did a lot of personal work on our own back-stories because there was very little on the page itself. We developed our characters and therefore the audience cares what’s happening to them.
Friday the 13th & I  (astonishingly) have three (3) going on four (4) generations of fans now & I’ve asked a lot of my young fans; especially the ones I’m surprised are so into the original F13 because they’ve grown up with the latest technology, video games & CGI & I can’t imagine how they connect with our little movie. But they sure do & they’ll most often reply because “it’s real!” I think that says it all, doesn’t it!
Of course, Mr. Savini’s special effects seal the deal.
 
Betsy Palmer left me a phone message 2 weeks ago from a convention she was attending, saying “They made me watch the movie & I can’t believe how really good it was! And you, Adrienne, were wonderful and oh, my, how fabulous was our fight on the beach?…” She went on and on; astonished at how solid the movie was and how it held up & about “our” chemistry on film and the calibre of acting!
That was incredibly special to me because that’s the first time Betsy’s watched Friday the 13th on the big screen in ages and realized that it was something to be proud of. I am so happy she’s finally embracing our Friday the 13th!
 
 
You look to me a big supporter of the Jason-series. Can you explain us why?
 
I’m more a big supporter of the Jason-series fans than the series itself. I like 1-4 the best and then they sort of lost me. I’m eager to rejoin the ranks, though.
 
 
Were at the time of shooting the first one aware that the movie would become such a classic in the genre?
 
We all had this “dig-in deep & work hard” independent attitude that this movie was something special right from the beginning. There was an amazing amount of energy & talent which permeated throughout the entire cast & crew. No egos; no money, night shoots… low-budget; everyone’s there for the right reason: the passion of making a movie and it translated onto our film in this case.
 
 
You were the first (and still my all-time favourite) ‘final girl’ of the franchise. You are also one of the only actresses that appeared in two Friday The 13th instalments. How does it feel to be an important part in horror movie history? And how did you get involved in the sequel?
 
Thank you very much, Steve! It’s been an interesting ride… I’m getting to enjoy it now.
 
Well, Alice was the sole survivor… so after Friday the 13th opened May 13, 1980 as an immediate blockbuster Paramount got busy on the sequel right away.
 
 
Why did they kill off your character in the first fifteen minutes? Was this always the case or had it anything to do with the tragic happenings of your stalker?
 
So here’s the coolest thing…. Alice isn’t dead after all! 
The producers decided to leave it open-ended for many reasons, including my personal scenario, but it was decided that Jason was to become the villain.
 
Unfortunately, my stalker emerged soon after the release of F13 and slowly escalated over the next year and continued into 1982! Stalking wasn’t taken seriously by the authorities until after poor Rebecca Schaeffer’s death some years later.
It was a tough time for me so “open-ended” sounded good which means Alice could still come back! There are some clues in the top 15 minutes of Part 2 that point to it all being Alice’s “dream within a dream”. We should do a top 10 list of why Alice is still alive!
 
For that same tragic reason your promising career was cut-short. You are a very strong woman and get through these harsh events through your paintings. How do you look back on all these events?
 
Well, it definitely turned me upside down for awhile.
Fortunately, I had been blessed with two passions: my acting and my art. I had a degree in fine arts from FIT in New York & I sought refuge in my paintings. They turned dark & layered & deeper… I probably did, too. My art became my therapy. I have some of these paintings on my website. They say what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Well, that’s the truth but it took some time.
I had an awesome career in voice-overs & looping (see my credits on my website: www.adrienneking.com) and attended the 1984 summer session at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London studying Shakespeare which probably wouldn’t have happened without this “turn of events”.
Bottom line: We’re all survivors in one way or another. And I’m so thrilled to share with you that I am, indeed, a happy camper!
 
 
Do you have some memorable stories about shooting the two Fridays?
 
On of my favourite memories was while the crew was setting up for the “camp counselors playing on the beach” I was sketching them from up in the lifeguard’s chair looking down on Kevin Bacon & Harry Crosby doing push-ups; pumping up for the next scene. Everyone was so happy to be there and be part of something that we were all sensing was very special. It was one of those freeze-frame moments: sunny and warm and I remember it like it was yesterday! I hope to find that sketchbook someday.
 
As far as Part 2 goes; it was done in one torturously long night which happened to be the last night of shooting for the entire film so the crew wanted to go home desperately. One of my least favorite memories has to be when the props-man forgot to check the “retractable” ice-pick before the scene and needless to say: it did not retract: “OW!!!”
 
 
How was it like to work with directors Sean Cunningham and Steve Miner, FX-wizard Tom Savini and your esteemed fellow cast members?
 
Sean was like an older brother to me; a brilliant director who knew what he wanted and did whatever he had to in order to make it happen! He encouraged his actors & knew when to leave us to our own devices. He’s the reason that Friday the 13th still holds up! We did the final canoe scene on 3 different occasions with 3 different camera set-ups over the course of the 7 weeks… the last time it was 28 degrees Fahrenheit… but he got the shot that remains engraved in each & every F13 fan for eternity!! We’re still friends to this day.
(I had limited interaction with Steve.)
The rest of the cast was amazing, especially Harry Crosby.. so charming & talented.. he’d play the guitar for us during takes AND of course, I adore Betsy… she’s finally forgiven me for her decapitation! Now she’s asked to check out my infamous limited edition Friday the 13th poster!(www.officalfridaythe13th.com with Sean Cunningham’s original “13” notes that I found in a dusty F13 box when we moved five years ago)  We refer to our final fight scene on the beach as the “Ballet of the Machete”. I’ll be sending that poster out to her soon as a belated birthday present. Betsy is proud to admit to turning 84 this past November 1st!
 
Tom Savini allowed me to witness his magic in his on-site studio at the camp. To this day I can’t watch a horror film without scrutinizing the special effects thanks to Tom. I saw him recently at Boston’s Rock’n’Shock convention! He’s still a blast!
 
There’s a 30th Anniversary Convention supposed to take place in Texas this summer: August 13th  2010…. I heard that they’re trying to get everyone from the cast/crew to appear; hope they’re able it pull it off. That would be fun to reconnect after all this time!
 
There’s also a show in Germany that’s trying to get a Friday the 13th reunion put together. It would be amazing to meet my European fans.
 
 
At the top of the interview I already mentioned your first acting part in 28 years in the horror flick Walking Distance. Can you shed some light on this new movie?
 
I’d love to! First of all, I never would’ve been interested in coming back on-screen if it hadn’t been for the encouragement from my fans. So I want thank all of you for resurrecting me from the dead. I am now officially one of the “GRATEFUL UNDEAD”.
 
I read so many scripts over the course of 2 years before I found something original & brilliant in the horror/sci-fi arena. I knew that my fans would never forgive me unless I came back in something phenomenal and worthwhile. WALKING DISTANCE is an independent and mind-blowing; I’ll always be a strong supporter for the indie; where passion and art prevail.
My role was originally written for a man, Lou Strack and when the writer/director Mel House offered me such a strong challenging role I asked him if he was going to change anything. He said “Just her name. You can handle the rest!” How could I say “no” after that referendum. So I’m Louise Strack and I’m back!! 
 
WALKING DISTANCE is about a walled community where nothing is as it seems. Everything is within walking distance. Bizarre things are happening though.  People are disappearing… strange illnesses, disfigured human spectres in the shadows. The story focuses on several people & how their lives gradually unravel as the layers of reality are slowly peeled back to reveal the dark truth that lies beneath.
The movie’s in post production. We have a great cast including Reggie Bannister (PHANTASM) and Katie Featherston from PARANORMAL ACTIVITY just happens to be one of our young co-stars so it’s very possible we may get a theatrical release! Check out the trailers on www.walkingdistancemovie.com
 
 
I’m looking forward to that one. Thank you very much for taking the time to answer my questions and I wish you all the success in the future!
My pleasure, Steve. 
See you back at camp!
Adrienne

First the Friday the 13th remake and now My Super Psycho Sweet 16, looks like you’re on your way to becoming a regular scream queen.
Julianna Guill: (Laughs) It’s funny the way it’s panned out I’ve been so lucky to do these 2 great horror films, I don’t know about a scream queen but that does seem to be the way it’s shaping up right now. I mean, horror is such a fun genre it’s been really great to work on those two movies.

Was there any hesitation jumping on board My Super Psycho Sweet 16 after Friday the 13th?
For me it wasn’t going right into it, it was a year and a half since we shot Friday the 13th, in my mind it was spaced out with a big gap between. And the films are so different, almost a different genre. Friday the 13th is such an iconic horror film and My Super Psycho Sweet 16 is more a comedy horror film.

Any second thoughts along the way, was anything really difficult to shoot?
The chase scenes were something I didn’t get to do before; in Friday the 13th I didn’t have any chase scenes. It was such a great first experience to be chased by a killer and film that and feel that adrenaline rush. I mean, I felt like I wanted to do an action movie right after this because it was so much fun. It was challenging and exhausting, especially when Lauren and I are running around in 3-inch heels (laughs).

The other scene was the scene with Lauren when we’re in the basement of the Roller Dome being held captive, it was a very emotional scene, but was so fun to shoot.

Read the Full Interview at FearNet

Check out the full interview over at the Props Museum and I wanted to thank Mario again for letting us submit questions for his interview.

Now, Mario has been nice enough to take any questions we may have for Koen and ask him directly before he concludes his second part of the interview. So, if you are curious about any part of how props were prepared or created for the most recent movie, post your questions here and Mario will be sure to get Koen your questions. Please post your questions with the next day or so in order to have them answered. Thanks for contributing to the interview!

During the interview, Mario finds out that 17 machetes were created and only one bear trap made for production. Check out Mario’s full interview to learn some great information about what went into the production of Friday the 13th.

Check out the interview if you’re a fan of radio interviews and enjoy all of the information!  http://www.blogtalkradio.com

Actress Betsy Palmer has had a long and incredible career working along such established actors as Henry Fonda, Jack Lemmon, Anthony Perkins, Joan Crawford, and many, many more. She’s worked on every medium from TV to stage to movies, but most genre fans will always recognize her as the mother of Jason Voorhees from the Friday the 13th films. We talked to Betsy about her huge body of work, her experiences on the original Friday the 13th, and her recent convention experiences.

Check out the interview and find out all of the interesting tidbits of a true horror icon.
Betsy Palmer Interview

I am a little disappointed that AMC isn’t running any Friday movies this year for Fearfest. I have always enjoyed the TV edited movies.

“One funny thing that did happen during our takes was at the point where I am supposed to crush Jason’s head with a rock,” Kagen said. “We had been using wind machines because of the storm going on around us and the rock I was using was made out of Styrofoam. So during one of the best takes, I hit Jason, throw the rock down and instead of staying put, the rock starts to blow away. Needless to say, that take wasn’t used in the movie.”

Read the rest of his thoughts at Dread Central and don’t forget, The New Blood and Jason Takes Manhattan are being released on DVD September 15th.

Steve De Roover is back with a brand new interview with legendary composer Harry Manfredini. Read Harry’s thoughts below and don’t forget to check out www.moviepulp.be and www.dvdinfo.be for great information on all things cinema.

Read the full interview and give us your take on Diana. Although I have never met her, people that have talked to her have said that she is a smart and talented individual and very gracious. Maybe she will be appearing at the the 30th anniversary reunion next year. Also, if your interested, check out her website or read our profile page to learn more about Diana Barrows.

To some, he is simply known as Jeff. To a legion of online folk as well as convention attendees, he has grown into somewhat of a legend known simply as Wickedbeard! The man with the very fitting name, given that you never know what shape or form his beard will take on next, has carved his niche amongst the massive crowds that turn out at various horror conventions, and even appeared on the 2009 Friday the 13th part 2 Deluxe Edition DVD. Just as unpredictable as the fashion of his beard, is the mystery as to what costume he will don on any given day of these conventions. Wickedbeard has put together some of the most detailed and screen accurate recreations of horror movie (and beyond) costumes that have ever been on display at conventions. Known mostly for his absolutely incredible recreations of Jason Voorhees from the Friday the 13th flicks, these amazing costumes have led to him becoming a staple on the convention circuit as well as a very popular online figure. Wickedbeard’s work has even gotten him the chance to don these costumes in the upcoming TV commercials for Lexington, KY’s upcoming Scare Fest! . Always willing to pose for pictures with eager fans at horror conventions, Wickedbeard drops in to tell us about his costume work and much more!

TONY C: What would you say is your favorite Friday the 13th film?

WICKEDBEARD: I love ‘em all, but Part 8,” Jason Takes Manhatten,” has always been my favorite. Sorry, to all the part 8 haters, but for some reason this version of Jason has always been my top pick.

TC: Which costume have you made do you consider to be your favorite?

Wicked Beard poses with Benevolent Street's Michael "Avenger" Portman and I at Scare Fest 2008

WB: My favorite costume has got to be my part 7, “New Blood” suit.It has been a labor of love for quite some time, and has become quite famous.

TC: Your costumes are the most elaborate that I have ever seen. You obvious put a lot of time into piecing them together. Which costume have you put together that you have found to be the most challenging?

WB: The most challenging costume would have to be my über suit (from “Jason X”), which is still in progress.This suit is going to be my crowning achievement when it is finally completed.

TC: What type of places (stores, online merchants etc) do you hit up for materials and parts for your costumes?

WB: Oh my! Lots of places! Most of my clothing is from my local thrift shop, but I have purchased items off e-bay and online clothing stores. I do metal work so a lot of the metal parts I wear, I make myself. Sometimes my shopping cart can look a little unusual.lol

As far as my undermasks and some of my hockey masks, I have to give special thanks to Crash Cunningham, Paul from Darkside, Bob from MMFX, Erich Lubatti, Deadguy for my awesome machete, Steve Bellamy, Rahl(he is repsonsible for the VS coat), Kornbredd, Jeremy Bohr, Ken Tarallo, Bob at fiberglassmasks.com, ELS studios, and lastly, Shawn from Twisted Visions.
These creative individuals have played a huge role in my transformation.

TC: You are becoming somewhat of a staple on the convention circuit, appearing at numerous conventions in costume. What can you recall about your very first horror convention? (when and where) Did you go in costume? If so, what did you wear?

Wickedbeard and Derek Mears at Horrorhound 08

WB: My first convention, in costume, was Horrorhound 2008. I wore my very first remake suit, and my part 8 suit. The remake I wore was very crude as there were only a couple reference images to go by and I think I was the first to actually do one, as well. Derek was impressed with it, though, and that made my day.

TC: How many different horror conventions have you appeared at in costume?

WB: I have actually only worked 3 conventions in costume.Twice for Horrorhound, and also for last years Scarefest. I am working this years Scarefest as well as the Horrorhound show, in november.

TC: Which conventions do you do your best (or would like to) to drop in on every year?

WB: I am involved with Scarefest and Horrorhound every year now.These shows are my priority, but would love to eventually be a part of the Frightnight Filmfest, and Monster Mania, in the future.

TC: As a fan yourself, what do you think draws fans to these type of events?

WB: The excitement of the shows, and my love of horror is enough for me to be there, but i think the right choice of celebs,and vendors is key for most folks. Proper advertising is also a big factor. Jeff at Scarefest and Aaron at Horrorhound really know how to draw a crowd with their awesome promotions, and it is always a pleasure working with them.

TC: Attending a convention in a decent costume can draw a lot of fans to ask for photographs with you. I even had a few hit me up last year and thought it was awesome! Do you enjoy taking pictures with the fans? How does it feel to get asked to pose for pictures with people at conventions as much as the horror guests themselves?

Posing with a young fan at Horror Hound 2009

 

WB: I absolutley love posing for fan pics. After all, they are the reason the show goes on. They deserve a wonderful experience while they are visiting, and I try to give it to ‘em. I actually get more attention than even some of the celebs, and believe me…that is an awesome feeling!!!

Looking into a mirror? Wickedbeard vs. Kane Hodder!

 

I have also gotten to know some of the actors very well, especially Derek Mears, and Kane hodder, and…to be friends with your all time favorite horror icon is amazing.
I truly have been living my dream!!

TC: I remember being close by at Scare Fest 2008 when Betsy Palmer was going in and out of character when you approached her table in costume. It was a wild moment! How have many of the horror celebrities themselves reacted to your costume? Any other cool stories about meeting horror celebs in full attire?

My special boy!

WB: Betsy was a sweetheart.I enjoyed meeting her very much, and our photo together has become a very popular pic. Adrienne King was also a joy to talk to, and pose with.
Almost every celeb has praised my costumes, especially Derek. He knows it’s me almost immediately.

Wickedbeard, His girlfriend Angela, and Derek Mears - Horrorhound 2009

When he saw me at the last Horrorhound,he yelled “Hey, it’s Wickedbeard!” That was just the coolest, that he remembered me.

 

Another great meeting, was with Chip Coffey.   He was truly frightened to even talk to me at first, but after he warmed up to the costume, he was pulling me by the chain, around my neck, through the convention hall. lol
I gotta say though, out of everyone…meeting Kane Hodder was a dream come true for me. He has always been my favorite Jason.
There have been a ton of good times, and hopefully many many more to come.

TC: Though you are probably most known for your amazing Friday the 13th costumes, tell everyone about other costumes you have put together. What is your favorite costume outside of Friday the 13th that you have put together?

WB: Well , there are only 2 others that come close to the quality of my jason suits, and those are my Predator, and Vader suits.

TC: You seem to have a supportive group of people around you being as though many of them pose as victims when you take pictures to show off your work. How do your family and friends react to your talents as a costume maker? Do the people around you often ask for your help come Halloween time?

WB: I have a close knit crew, which consists of: my girlfriend Angie,my buddy Mike, and his wife Allison. Without them, I would not be where I am. If I have a show to attend, they go with me, simple as that. We are a package deal.
My family could not be more proud. They are not really horror nuts but they love what I do and are extremely supportive.
I get asked for tips and suggestions on costumes all the time, and I am always happy to help out, if I can.

TC: You have really began to grow into more than a convention attendee. You are flat out participating! Earlier this month, you were on the set of the Scare Fest commercial shoot! What was that experience like and what is it like to be INVOLVED as opposed to simply attending?

On the set of the 2009 Scare Fest commercials

WB: At this point, I no longer just want to be an attendee. I am at a level, now, where I think I have earned a spot at these shows, and I work very hard to give them an outstanding performance. I am always willing to do what I can to help promote the shows and bring more people through the doors.

Hopefully, one day, my pic will be in one of those little guest boxes.
And, as for the Scarefest commercial shoot; It was Amazing!!!! I loved every minute of it, and hope to do more in the future.It was an awesome experience!!
It was quite an honor to have been asked to participate, and I sincerely thank Jeff for including me in this endeavor.

TC: As both a fan, and even a participant of the convention circuit tell those thinking about attending, what makes Scare Fest a convention worth attending?
WB: Great celebs, great layout, lots of walking room, great vendors, and lots of really cool events. It is just a weekend filled with fun and awesome activities!!
What sets this show apart from the rest is the combination of the paranormal and horror. They do go hand in hand, and it is nice to have such diversity.

Jeff and Patti go above and beyond to put on one hell of a show for all fans of horror and the paranormal.

TC: You have a lot of fans of your work and are a very approachable person when attending these conventions. What would you like to say to those who are constantly looking to see what you will do next as well as those who will probably be keeping an eye out for a photo op at the conventions you drop in on?

Posing with a fan at Scare Fest 2008

WB: I am on all the popular horror forums, so if you wanna keep up with what is in store come visit, Frightforum, Nightowl, and Horrorbid forums. I am always posting new and improved costume pics on these boards. They are a great place to hang your hat and meet a ton of great people!!!!
You can also drop by my page at myspace at.. www.myspace.com/wickedbeard.

Thanks so much for the interview, Tony. I look forward to seeing you at the next show!
And a huge Thanks to all my wonderful friends and fans!!!!
Jeff
(Wickedbeard)

To see more of Wickedbeard’s awesome costumes, be sure to check out his myspace page! Be sure to get your Scare Fest tickets now! The Scare Fest takes place in Lexington, Kentucky at the Lexington Center!

For complete coverage of The Scare Fest, check out Benevolent Street!

Steve De Roover of  www.moviepulp.be / www.dvdinfo.be caught up with Ari and asked him about all things Friday.

First of all I want to give a warm greeting to you and all of your readers
from over here at CAMP CRYSTAL LAKE!…Now, when I was 13 years old I was
interested in both Music and Film, and I wanted to find out what it was
like to be in a movie. Coincidentally, Film Director Sean Cunningham
happened to have his offices in the sunny, suburban town of Westport,
Connecticut where I grew up. I heard that there was to be an audition held
in the town YMCA, so I devised a plan. I arrived with a clipboard and a
pen, and asked “Where is the audition?”, “Upstairs”, was the reply, so I
wrote that down in an official manner, and proceeded to walk upstairs,
read for Sean and his casting director, and land an 80-line role in
“MANNY’S ORPHANS” a comedy about a bunch of inner-city kids who play
Soccer. The film was not a success, however, perhaps due to the fact that
in 1978, most Americans were not familiar with Soccer.

Director Sean Cunningham came up with an idea to make up for this setback
after seeing the success of the film “HALLOWEEN”. His idea was simply the
now-famous name: “FRIDAY THE 13th”. When Screenwriter Victor Miller said
that there was a child needed for a drowning scene in a lake, the first
suggestion was Sean’s son Noel. However, Mrs. Cunningham would have none
of that. Producer Steve Miner, remembered me from “MANNY’S ORPHANS”, and
said, “Hey, why not Ari?”. So, one Summer day, Sean Cunningham calls and
says, “We’ve got another role for you – can you swim?”, “Yes.”, I replied,
“Great – you got the part!”, said Sean, and the rest is Horror History.

2) Next year Friday The 13th will celebrate its 30th anniversary. The
Franchise is still going strong. What is the enduring appeal in this franchise?

The dedication of the fans is what keeps Jason alive, and the “Friday the
13th” series is still going strong 30 years later. The original “Friday
the 13th was released at a transitional time for Horror in America. Movies
like “THE EXORCIST”, “ROSEMARY’S BABY” and “CARRIE”, which focused on
demonic possesion and the struggles of the human psyche, were all the rage
in the 70’s. However, when “JAWS” was released, the effect was phenomenal,
bringing about a change in course. “JAWS” reminded film audiences how much
they are drawn to simply brutal Monsters, because the shark is reminicent
of The Creature in “CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON”, and other Monsters.
Meanwhile, “JAWS” also took a usually festive location, the beach, and
turned in into a place of sheer terror.

The original “Friday the 13th” is a bridge between the female-character
driven Horrors like “EXORCIST” and “CARRIE” and the later Slasher Genre
Films. Betsy Palmer masterfully portrays a good woman, Pamela Voorhees,
sadly deranged by the drowning of her only son, Jason. Like “JAWS”, she
turns usually placid location of a Summer Camp into a killing field, right
in broad daylight. During the chilling scene in which she confronts the
final survivor, Alice (Adrienne King), Pamela begins to speak to a vision
of Jason drowning, revealing that she is an insane murderess. This is very
much in the style of many Horror Films of the 60’s and 70’s.

It is in the final scene, however, where Jason comes up out of the water,
that the NEW ERA of the Monster was truly born. Very reminicent of “JAWS”,
this scene was in fact not in the original script, and was written much
later, after Sean Cunningham saw “CARRIE”, and wanted a similar surprise
ending. For one shocking moment Jason re-emerges, seemingly bursting out
over the heads of the audience, filling the theatre with slime, decay and
vengance! After this moment Jason ceases to be a vulnerable child and
bcomes an indestructible Monster, one that we were all waiting for since
our childhood films filled with Frankenstein, Dracula, The Wolfman, The
Mummy, The Creature, Hunchback Of Notre Dame, and the evil Mr. Hyde.

Thanks to Crystal Lake Jason, Hockey Mask Jason was brought to life, and
this rekindled infatuation with Movie Monsters brought us Freddy Krueger,
more Michael Myers and Leatherfaces, and a slew of similar brutes. Fans
enthusiastically defend their favorite Monsters, and their favorite
actor’s portrayals of those Monsters, just like I used to debate who was
better: Bela Lugosi’s Count Dracula or Christopher Lee’s? True Horror fans
will always flock to see films created in this grand tradition of
Hollywood Monsters, pioneered by Greats like John Barrymore and Lon Chaney
and championed by Boris Karloff, Vincent Price and Lon Chaney, Jr.

3) Were you aware at the time that you were working on something special
and how does it feel to know after all these years that you were the first
who played the iconic Jason?

My interaction with the friends and fans of Jason Voorhees and “Friday the
13th” at Horror Conventions and FIRSTJASON concerts is extremely
gratifying and rewarding. In 1980, we all had no idea that this film would
capture the audience’s imagination with such success. Now, it is clear to
me that each film in the series has essentially been created as a direct
response to the dedication of F13 fans worldwide. I have heard hundreds of
stories from fans about where they were when they first saw “Friday the
13th”, as if it is a historical event. The reactions are so diverse: some
get nightmares, while one little girl told me she calls upon Jason to save
her from the bad Monsters in her dreams. I am honored to be the 1st Jason.

4) Did the huge success of Friday The 13th open doors for you?

Ultimately, after doing “Friday the 13th”, I decided that I wanted to be a
musician, largely due to all of the waiting around one does as an actor on
a movie set. Truly, I live for the thrill of being at the edge of the
stage in between a kickass band and a screaming audience. I now front a
Monster Metal Band here in Chicago called FIRSTJASON, and we just released
our debut CD, “JASON IS WATCHING!”, and did a successful 11-city tour of
the MidWest. FIRSTJASON is a musical experience that channels the inner
workings of the mind of Jason Voorhees. Jason is silent: FIRSTJASON is The
Voice Of Jason Voorhees. (http://www.firstjason.com)

5) You were only four days on the set, but do you have some special
memorable story’s about shooting the movie? How was it like to work with
director Sean S. Cunningham, actress Adrienne King and FX-wizard Tom
Savini?

Most of my experience working on “Friday the 13th” was directly with Tom
Savini, and his assistant at that time, Taso Stavrakos. It was the 1970’s
still and there was a LOT of wild times going on, both on the set and at
Tom’s studio in the Connecticut woods. This is just before Savini did
“KNIGHTRIDERS”, the Motorcycle-Jousting movie, and he a Taso would ride
motorcycles and practice stagefighting with fencing sabres all over the
set. I had to learn to defend myself! One funny tale is how there was so
much joking around that there were actually laugh lines on one of the
molds for the original Jason head. Tom came up with a plan to get me to
sit still for the half hour it took to set the alginate. He asked me, “Do
you know Jim Morrison and The Doors?” “I have heard of them”, I said.
“Well, listen to this,” said Savini, and he put on “People Are Strange”
from the “Strange Days” album – I was instantly entranced, and remained
motionless throughout the entire LP, so we got a perfect mold!

6) Friday The 13th was the first in line of many gory horror films. How
did you experience are the bloodshed, because you were very young at the
time of shooting?

Having been working for months together with Tom creating the Jason masks
in his studio, I had already seen all of the setups for the effects, and
was mainly interested in watching how they worked. I was on the set for
the scene where Kevin Bacon’s character is killed in bed, and also when
Harry Crosby’s character was pinned to the cabin door. Harry Crosby was a
hero, by the way, and insisted that they continue shooting even after his
eye was in great pain. He was rushed to the hospital immediately after.

7) How did you prepare for the part of were you just following
instructions of Mister Cunningham?

In fact, I did make an effort to “get into character” by staying away from
the other actors, and staring down into the waters of “Crystal Lake”.
Imagining what it would be like to survive underwater like the “Creature
From The Black Lagoon” or “Swamp Thing”. Kevin Bacon happened to see me
doing this and asked, “What are you doing Ari?”, “I am getting into
character…” was my reply. He just about fell down laughing as hard as he
could, then went and got Harry Crosby and asked me to tell him what I was
doing. They both laughed even harder when I asked them how they “got into
character”, and Kevin commented that he was more interested in “getting
into” the pants of the female “characters”! Funny stuff…

8. What do you think of the direction of the character Jason in the
following pictures?

I feel that each actor who portrayed the grown-up Jason brought something
new to the role, starting truly with Steve Dash, who established the walk
and gestures, to Richard Brooker, who was the first to wear the Hockey
mask, to Ted White, a legendary Hollywood stuntman who added an element of
sheer brutality, to CJ Graham, who showed how Jason could withstand
anything. Kane Hodder is perhaps the most well-known, having played Jason
in four separate episodes, but more than that, I feel that he truly
embodied the role, mentally, emotionally and physically, setting the
standard for all future Jasons. Freddy vs. Jason focused on other aspects
of Jason’s power, and Ken Kirzinger convinced us all that there was room
for new interpretations and collaborations, and brought the character to
new heights. Finally, Derek Mears has won over all of us Jasons, as well
as the fans and the critics, playing the role with a blinding ferocity,
maintaining Jason’s rightful place in the legacy of Great Monsters.

9) You were involved in the “Crystal Lake Memories” book, in Daniel Farrand’s
great documentary “His Name Was Jason” and in some of the new Deluxe
Editions of the first three films. It looks to me that you are a huge supporter
for the franchise. Why is that?

First of all it is because of the friends and fans all over the world who
are dedicated to Jason and F13. I am an entertainer, mainly a musician,
and as such, I go where the audience is, and bring them music and theatre.
This is my role in life, and I do not take it for granted when I am
invited to appear. This conviction has it’s rewards, and I am glad to
report that FIRSTJASON will be performing at the Festival de Cinema de
Terror de Molins De Rei(http://www.terrormolins.com), in Spain, later this
year. Another reward for me is how the most wonderfully surrealistic
moments ocur at Horror events. To walk into a room where others perceive
you as a representative of a legendary Hollywood Monster is always a
thrill, and sometimes even more. I have found Horror fans to be the most
interesting and warm people, and FIRSTJASON has been welcomed with open
arms by the Horror scene and the Metal scene all over the world. The fans
of Jason, F13 and Horror in general are the last vestiges of the darkly
romantic American literary movement exmplified by Edgar Allan Poe.

10) After Friday The 13th you stopped acting and you did start with a
successful musical career. That is completely different than acting. Can
you tell us more about that and how did that come about?

Actually, as explained above, I was a musician all along, and chose music
due to the immediacy of the experience. Filmmaking takes massive amounts
of time, and you get no audience reaction until about a year later. I am
very glad to be touring the Horror/Metal scene with FIRSTJASON. The band
is a trio, that features the Bassist, “Nefarious”, who also plays with
MACABRE, and Drummer, “Cleaver” who tours with THE CRO MAGS too. I have
also had some success composing, performing and recording soundtracks for
several independent films, including VAMPIRA THE MOVIE, about the original
Horror Vixen, Maila Nurmi. This film got the Rondo Hatton Classic Horror
Award for Best Independent Film of 2007. I am now working on another
soundtrack for VAMP FILMS, for a Horror-Musical Comedy about Shirley
Temple as a slasher with Hip-Hop and Tap dancing called “BLACK SHIRLEY”.
(http://www.myspace.com/blackshirley)

11) What will the future bring for you? Can you shed some light on some of
your upcoming projects? Because you started back with movies and you have
some Friday-related music projects lined up. Please shed some light on
those.

FIRSTJASON goes back on tour in the US in September and October, peforms
at the Film Festival in Spain in November, and California in December. I
am hosting a Theatrical Horror/Goth/Metal event called FIRSTJASON’S FEAST
OF FLESH at The Viaduct Theatre in Chicago on October 17th as a part of
the FIRSTJASON tour. Also, I have been cast to play a Cab Driver in
“HAUNTING KIRA” and a Demonic Angel/Pimp in “MASTER’S DEVILS” two
independent Horror films. I also have a lead role in “THE GIRL” opposite
Playboy Playmate Lisa Neeld, which is nearing completion, to be released
in early 2010. “BLACK SHIRLEY” is one of the most exciting upcoming
independent Horror projects, and I have been working on the soundtrack all
Summer with Southside Chicago DJ Risky. I am also writing a screenplay to
be produced by myself and one of the other more famous Jasons…because as
we always say in the Voorhees Family, “Blood is Thicker Than Water!”…

12) Thanks for your time and success in the future with your music!

MANY THANKS FROM CAMP CRYSTAL LAKE!!!…and remember…

JASON NEVER DIES!!!!!!!!!!!!! – Ari Lehman/Jason The First

Steve De Roover of  www.moviepulp.be / www.dvdinfo.be recently interviewed Shavar Ross who played Reggie the Reckless in 1985’s Friday the 13th: A New Beginning. Shavar discusses his expreriences in the film, what the film did for his career at an early age and what he currently is doing now.

My father was the actor.  My parents separated and my father took off to Hollywood to become an actor.  He was a well known stage actor in New York and was signed with the prestigious William Morris Agency.  He guest starred on television shows like Lou Grant, Police Story and MASH.  I got discovered by an agent when I was seven while visiting my dad in California during my school’s Christmas vacation.

Next year Friday The 13th will celebrate its 30th anniversary. The Franchise is still going strong after all these years. What is the enduring appeal of this little horror film and the following franchise?

I have no idea (lol).  The blood and the gore, I suppose.  People are fascinated with death, blood and gore–and of course, the masked man called Jason, lol.

At the time of Part V there was a lot of controversy about the gore in the previous Friday the 13th films. Was there any kind of pressure on the set about this? And how did you experience are the bloodshed and scary Jason/Roy, because you were very young at the time of shooting?

I just remember seeing a dummy (mock up) for the torso and legs for Violet’s (Tiffany Helm) character.  It was gross, man.  I was like, “They’re gonna show that in the movie?”  I remember people on the set being upset ’cause they couldn’t use it, lol.

Some fans and critics call Part V one of the worst in the entire franchise, due to the fact that Jason isn’t the killer. Other enjoys it for sleaze, the kills and the nude scenes. Do you understand the backlash and what is your personal point of view?

I can understand the backlash but I thought they were tryin’ to be different with this film.  They already knew they would continue the series so this was the one film that would be different from all the rest.  Gotta admit, it was different.  We’re The Black Sheeps of the series, lol.

The movie is almost cut to shreds due to the courtesy of the MPAA. Everybody at Paramount claims the footage is lost, but aftert he release of the first box set there is again some new footage found for parts IV, VI, VII and VIII for the new DVD’s. Do you think it’s true that all the footage for Part V is gone or is it always a way to promote the new DVD’s? And how did Danny Steinmann and you/the cast react on the cuts imposed by the MPAA?

I’m not aware of any lost footage.  If there is, I’d like to see a blooper reel.  They should’ve had blooper reels from all the films in the series on the DVDs.

You were involved in the “Crystal Lake Memories” book, in Daniel Farrands documentary “His Name Was Jason” and in the new Deluxe Edition of Part V. It looks to me that you are a huge supporter for the franchise. Am I wrong about that?

Well, I’m a pretty down-to-earth guy.  I’m very approachable and most people sense that from me.  I’ve also matured to appreciate all my accomplishments in my career thus far.

You were a famous child-actor in the eighties thanks due your work in some successful sitcoms. How was that like?

It was fun and respectable times.  People respected those shows back then.  I don’t think they respect people like Gary Coleman nowadays.  His attitude isn’t the best but fans don’t understand the psychological effects and trauma a child actor experiences after a show gets cancelled, after he/she is considered “washed-up.” Gary Coleman is still a genius to me, no matter what people say about him.

How did your own production company come about? Now you are CEO and you also produce, write, edit and direct. That is completely different than acting. Can you tell us more about that?

I just got tired of going on auditions.  I don’t like to wait on people.  So far, I’ve produced, wrote, directed and edited two short films and a feature film that is in stores on DVD.  From now on I’m gonna start writing myself parts in my own films.  I’m actually interested in making a horror film now so you horror film producers hit me up.  I hope you guys support it if I produce one lol!  You guys can even help me with the storyline, lol, just give me one of the lead roles.  No red suit though!!

What will the future bring for you? Can you shed some light on some of your upcoming projects?

I would like to continue my directing career.  It’s not easy making independent films but I think I will eventually become very successful at producing them.  I’m just realizing that I can do much, much more than I’ve done in my past.  Unlike other former child actors, I don’t sense that I’m through with my career.

Special thanks to Steve De Roover for bringing us this inteview

In an interview premiering soon at www.moviepulp.be, Steve De Roover asked Daniel Farrands (producer of the special features for the new Friday the 13th Deluxe Editions) about his passion for horror, the friday the 13th series and what it took to bring the fans the the current deluxe editions as well as what is in store for the new editions of The New Blood and Jason Takes Manhattan. Daniel answers very candidly, his thoughts on how Paramount assisted in the process of creating the special features and also what he thinks about the fan reactions of conspiracy theories to keep cut scenes away from the fans.

I would like to thank Steve De Roover for bringing us this interview as well as www.dvdinfo.be for helping make this interview possible. Enjoy!

1) Next year Friday The 13th will celebrate its 30th anniversary. The franchise is still going strong and the new DVD’s and Blu-rays are selling like hotcakes. What is the enduring appeal of this little horror film and the following franchise and how did you get involved in the new Deluxe DVD’s and Blu-rays?

I think “Friday the 13th” is timeless because it can constantly be reinvented for the next generation. There will never be a shortage of teenagers who want to go to the movies for a safe thrill ride, and Jason seems to fulfill that need. He has become iconic in the way Dracula and Frankenstein and the Wolf Man did in the 1930s and 40s. I just think horror movies have always been a rite of passage for young people, and of course there are those of us who grew up with the original series in the 1980s that love the films for more nostalgic reasons. Either way, Jason is here to stay!

Shortly after “His Name Was Jason,” I was approached by Executive Producer Tim King, who had just delivered the Deluxe Editions of Parts 1, 2 and 3 to Paramount. Tim felt he needed a producer with a strong handle on the “Friday” films to create the bonus features for the next three films in the series and my name was suggested to him by Geoff Garrett, who is now a producer on the TV series “Psych” but who also used to work for Sean Cunningham at Crystal Lake Entertainment. Geoff was also our third partner (and largely unsung hero) on Peter Bracke’s book “Crystal Lake Memories” which we published as a trimverate. Peter wrote, I edited and Geoff handled all of the marketing aspects of the book. Ironically, Geoff’s production offices for “Psych” are right down the hall from King Media … so the stars really kind of aligned. As they say, in Hollywood it’s always who you know!

2) Why weren’t you involved in the first three? Because a lot of fans will agree that the first three are lacking in the extra features department.

At the time Tim’s company was creating the extras for Parts 1, 2 and 3 I was deep in the trenches on the documentary “His Name Was Jason.” I had been in touch with Tim during that period as he was looking for contact info for some of the people we’d interviewed for the book (and “HNWJ”). I was happy to help him out, which is what I think led to him contacting me when it came time to produce the features for Parts 4-8.

3) Apparently you have a lot of affection for the genre, because you were also involved in documentaries about Halloween and of course His Name Was Jason. How did these projects come about?

I absolutely love the genre and feel tremendously touched and honored that I’ve gotten to leave my mark on these classic franchises. It really is a childhood dream come true for me, especially since the very first acknowledgment I ever received from Hollywood was when I was 14 years old and I had written a letter to Frank Mancuso, Jr. Frank responded in a way that not many busy young Hollywood producers do — not only did he tell me that I was “special and ambitious” but that my letter impressed him because it seemed to be written by someone “20 years my senior.” I still keep Frank’s letter framed in my office — it’s a daily reminder to me of how I started in this business and the fact that it is really important to “pay it forward” whenever possible. A few simple words of acknowledgement just might inspire the next generation of filmmakers to follow their dreams. I’m eternally grateful to Frank for that letter.

“His Name Was Jason” simply started out as a love letter to the series and the timing couldn’t be more perfect as the torch was being passed from the old franchise to the new. It was an amazing experience editing the book, but getting to actually sit down and interview so many of the stars and filmmakers from the entire “Friday” series was just an incredible thrill. The documentary was a natural next step after the book, and it was great that so many of the people from the franchise who had already given us their time were willing to come back and do it again.

4) Some films in the Friday The 13th franchise are almost cut to shreds by the MPAA. Everybody at Paramount claims the footage is lost or destroyed for the most parts, but after the release of the first box set you did find some new footage for parts IV, VI, VII and VIII for the new DVD’s. Do you think it’s true that all the footage is gone or is it always a way to promote the new DVD’s? As you understand some of the fans are sceptical! Please tell all you know about the cut scenes.

I can tell you without a moment’s reservation that we were given complete access to everything “Friday the 13th” contained in Paramount’s archives. No stone went unturned in our search. There was even a specially-appointed representative brought on by Paramount to specifically supervise the search for this material. No one wanted to find this lost footage more than me and Andrew Kasch, who edited the bonus features. Everything that existed in the archives was shipped to us and we went through all of it painstakingly and totally by hand. We were extremely lucky to find all of the negative from Part 4 — it is purely dumb luck that those boxes survived where some of the other films (especially Parts 5, 6 and 7) did not fare so well. In our search we uncovered a memo dating back to 1991 and signed by a former Paramount executive ordering the destruction of the “trims and outs” (that means the cut footage) from Part 7. Andrew and I almost fell to the floor crying when we got that information (and I’m pretty sure John Buechler actually did!). What you have to realize is that no one saw the advent of DVD or the day that scraps from the editing room floor would someday have a whole new life of their own. It just didn’t exist, so when studio storage rooms became full they would randomly toss boxes of old “trims” to make room for new ones. There was no rhyme or reason behind which films were chosen over others. As I said, it’s just dumb luck that we were able to find everything (other than the sound elements) from Part 4. Who knows? In a couple more years, those boxes may have been destroyed as well. Parts 5 and 6 had some boxes but there was nothing in terms of trims or excised scenes. All that was left from Part 5 was a single box containing some promotional materials and questionnaires given out to the very first test audience. Part 6 had even less. We did searches not only under “Friday the 13th” but under the code names that the films were produced under (”Birthday Bash,” “Aladdin Sane,” “Ashes to Ashes,” etc.) Everything that was logged under those titles or “Friday the 13th” was sent to us, no questions asked. Paramount did not withhold anything and I personally inspected every log sheet from their inventory database. One box did survive the Part 7 “holocaust” and we included those trims on the new DVD (to be released in September). Fortunately, Tom McLoughlin gave us his VHS transfer from an early cut of Part 6 and we pulled all of the scenes that did not make it into the finished film. And on Part 7, John Buechler gave us his VHS dub of his director’s workprint and composer Fred Mollin graciously provided us with his scoring masters, which had a few clips and scenes that fans haven’t seen before. Part 8 was well-preserved and we included tons of lost scenes, alternate takes and an entire “gag reel” that I think fans are really going to love. As I said, everything that could be found was included in these Deluxe Editions. Paramount is well aware of the fans’ interest in “Friday the 13th” and gave us access to everything and anything that still exists in their vaults.

5) I understand that you weren’t involved for part 2 and Part 3, but I find it uncanny that you can find online contact sheets of cut scenes of Part III, crystal clear photo’s of the famous impaling in Part 2 and cut gore scenes of Part VII and VIII. You can even see in the featurette on the Blu-ray of Part 2 that somebody is checking out a box of Part 2 and shows slides of cut out scenes of the first sequel. How is that possible then?

There’s really nothing uncanny about photos of famous scenes. Photos are entirely different elements from actual film. Photos are stored in a completely different area, by a completely different department, and have nothing to do with film archives. Photos are taken by and archived by the studio publicity department. Film stock is usually boxed up from editorial when a show is wrapped and sent to studio film archives. Two totally different worlds. So just because there are still photos of a particular scene in publicity doesn’t mean that film archives have kept the actual negatives or prints of those scenes. Trust me, there is no great conspiracy to hide footage here. I can’t speak to anything that may be in Paramount’s archives for Parts 1-3 as I was not involved in those projects. But if there is a new edition or box set and Paramount wants me to produce the bonus material, you can bet your bottom dollar that I will go searching for any and all trims from those films. High on my list would be the alternate dream sequence ending to Part 3. If those trims exist, I promise I will find them if I am asked to work on any future editions of Parts 1-3.

6) Is there a chance that you will revisit the first three? Did you also dug out material for Part 2 and Part 3 out of curiosity when searching for everything for Parts VI, V, VI, VII and VIII?

As I said above, I would be thrilled to work on Deluxe Editions or a box set of the entire series. It all depends on how well these next versions sell that will drive any future editions, but I am hopeful that these editions will prompt another box set somewhere down the line.

7) Bitter fans always claim that Paramount isn’t very proud about the Friday-franchise. Do you feel the same way, because it seems that they were very forthcoming about these new releases?

Maybe back in the day the old Paramount regime wasn’t proud of the series, but times have changed and like most studios things are being run by a whole new group of people, many of whom grew up on these films as we did. I can tell you that David Kenny, the creative executive in charge of the “Friday” reissues, loves the series and wants to give fans all of the things they have been wanting to see. David’s enthusiasm and support is the main reason these Deluxe Editions exist, so please thank him and let him know that you love what he was able to bring you.

8. Fans seem to be very happy with the Deluxe Edition. It amazes me that the slashed scenes are in incredible shape. Wasn’t there a possibility to add them back in the film? I am aware that there wasn’t any sound, but there are fan edits out there that did a great job adding sound effects and music.

There was some discussion about adding the lost scenes (especially in Part 4) back into the picture, but there are a slew of legal issues surrounding a revised version. It mainly has to do with the guilds — the Writers Guild and Directors Guild — who have strict rules about making changes to director’s and writer’s work. That said, of course there could be a way to create a new or alternate version if the director and writer were to come to terms with the studio, but that is a long road and we honestly thought it would be best to show fans all of the trimmed gore sequences with multiple angles and director commentary than trying to reinsert pieces of these trims into the actual film. If we had done it that way, we would have been accused of not showing everything that exists — so really, can you ever win?

9) How did the “Crystal Lake Massacres Revisited” come about?

That was an idea I’d had when we did “His Name Was Jason” but didn’t have time or money to do. Essentially I wanted to create a sort of “Curse of the Blair Witch” style documentary chronicling the legacy of Jason and Pamela Voorhees as seen through the eyes of the residents of Crystal Lake. I always felt there was more to the story than what we were told in the films, and the idea of interviewing relatives of Jason’s victims seemed to me to be a way to humanize the “Friday” films in a way we hadn’t seen before. It was just amazing when so many amazing people stepped up wanting to be a part of our little “Jason Voorhees Project” — especially friends like Tom Holland and Stuart Gordon who just tore it up and made us believe that their lives were forever changed and impacted by what happened at Crystal Lake. It was just a lot of fun to do and it’s neat to hear that some fans have already adopted it as part of the “Friday the 13th” canon. I have to give a special shout out to Don Crandall, who not only kicked ass playing the part of “Deputy Buz Dorf Jr.” but who also really helped me shape the narrative and figure out how to condense the plot lines of the first six “Friday” films into an engaging and informative “mockumentary.” I loved sort of pointing out the inconsistencies of the series yet embracing them as part of the lore and mystery of the Crystal Lake Murders. And it was a total blast getting to recreate the crime scene at the actual Jarvis House from Part 4! The owners are the same people who owned the house when they made the movie, and fortunately the house is more or less the same (though I know there are fans who will point out the fact that there is different furniture in the living room and a new refrigerator in the kitchen — to which I say with great affection, “deal with it!”).

10) Are you going to be involved in the Blu-rays of Parts IV, V and VI and are we going to see some different features than on the DVD’s?

I haven’t heard that the Blu-Rays for 4, 5 and 6 have been announced but if that happens I hope I will get a chance to add some additional bonus material.

11) As said before the Deluxe editions of Parts IV and VI are a dream come true. Fans can and will thank you for that. Does that make you proud and why does it seem that Part V has lesser extra features then the others?

Of course I’m proud of these editions, but it does bother me a little if I’m going to be completely honest that fans on one hand say “Thank you for finally giving us the special editions we’ve always wanted” and then say, “But I really wish it was better.” Part 5 doesn’t have more features simply because, as I stated before, the trimmed footage doesn’t exist, at least not in Paramount’s archives. Danny Steinmann was great to work with and I was thrilled he was willing to give of his time and fly to California to take part in the commentary and “Making Of” interview. We talked about doing an entire bonus feature dedicated to Reggie’s red jogging suit but the “mockumentary” more than addressed that. We would have loved to interview more people from all of the films, but the ones you see are the ones who were available and willing to come in during our production period. It’s just not humanly possible to interview every single person from a film that is 20+ years old, as much fun as it would be to run around the country gathering snippets from each and every one of them. Tiffany Helm was terrific and at one point we discussed a bonus feature that would essentially be a “dance class” where she would show how to do her famous robot dance. Unfortunately, we just didn’t have time to do everything we had on our wish list. That said, I hope fans are happy that a film like “Part 5″ was given its props and treated with a bit more respect than it usually gets from critics and many die-hard fans.

12) Can you tell us what we can expect for the Deluxe Editions of Parts VII and VIII? I know what the extra’s are going to be, but can you tell us something more about the new featurettes, commentary’s and off course the slashed scenes? Will these the same as on the box set for VII?

Unfortunately, until Part 7 and 8 are released in September I can’t really talk about them. Suffice it to say that there are some fun and never-before-seen features that I hope the fans of those films will really enjoy. And to set the record straight, the commentary for Part 8 features Jensen Daggett, Scott Reeves and Kane Hodder — they were a terrific team and did a great commentary together.

13) It looks to me that you are a huge supporter for this franchise. Why is that?

I grew up with “Friday the 13th” and credit the series (and producer Frank Mancuso Jr.) for giving me the courage and convictions to follow my dreams and pursue a career in Hollywood. Plus, I think that the series is underrated in the sense that there is more to it than simple hack and slash. It’s easy to put that label on the films if you look at them from a purely superficial standpoint, but I believe that there is a core of humanity that resonates in the “Friday” films, especially Parts 1-4. I think they speak to young people in a very primal way — not so much as cautionary or morality tales about the perils of drugs or pre-marital sex (although those themes are probably in there as well) — but I think they are about finding the inner strength to fight back against adversity, to confront that masked, faceless evil that lives in our world, and ultimately to conquer death and survive. I think that’s a message that’s universal and I think that is part of “Friday the 13th’s” enduring appeal.

14) You are also a successful screenwriter and producer. How did you get involved in the movie business and can you tell us a bit more about your involvement on Halloween 6, the controversial “Producers cut” and off course the successful The Haunting in Connecticut?

I got in the movie business probably more by determination and hard work than through any famous friends or connections (of which I had none). I moved to Los Angeles right out of high school with something of a vision (although looking back it was probably a pretty foolish and naive one) that I would find my way into the business. Somehow it worked and I am grateful every day for the opportunities that have come my way. But I think that’s what it takes — vision and drive. Tenacity is the way to succeed in any business, Hollywood or otherwise. “Halloween 6″ was a true fan’s dream come true and despite the fact the movie bore little resemblance to my script, I am eternally grateful for the chance to be a part of that series. It truly opened the doors for me and gave me a chance to work on more and more projects. “The Haunting in Connecticut” was an idea I came up with, optioned with my manager at the time and developed along with the creative team at Gold Circle Films. We’re all very proud of its success.

15) Will you be involved in the sequel of The Haunting in Connecticut and was the success of the film a surprise?If there is a sequel to “The Haunting in Connecticut” then I hope to be involved. It’s always a surprise when a film is successful — but I think all of us involved in this project felt this one was sort of special. I just finished producing all of the bonus features for the “Haunting” DVD/Blu-Ray, which comes out here in the U.S. on July 14th. There are some great special features on the disc, including extensive interviews with the actual family whose story provided the inspiration for the film. I hope fans will enjoy it.

16) What will the future bring for you? Can you shed some light on some of your upcoming projects?

I just plan to continue my work as a producer, writer and perhaps director. There are a couple of new projects in the works now, including a 3D horror film I’m very excited about as well as a TV series that’s in development and another couple of Friday-related projects that I’m working on with Barney Cohen and Harry Manfredini. I’m also developing another supernatural thriller based on a true story. At the end of the day, it’s just great to be able to live out a childhood dream … and to be able to do it with some of the very people whose names just flashed across a movie screen when I was this wide-eyed kid sitting in the dark imagining that one day I’d see my name up there, well, that just makes the journey all the more meaningful.

Thanks for your time and looking forward to the new DVD’s!
De Roover Steve