Horror movie producers scare up more than money.
Lati Grobman and Christa Campbell talk about the true cost of Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
They also produced the documentariesThe ResortandBrave Miss World.
Campbell played Mrs. Leitner in the 2008 film.
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Lati Grobman and Christa Campbell spoke exclusively toDen of Geekabout their growing film catalog.
LATI : Each film demands a different amount of time invested.
On other movies, we are there from conception to birth (likeTexas ChainsawandStonehearst Asylum).
Not on all movies do we go to set.
We have our executive producer Rob Van Norden who we trust with closed eyes.
So to answer your question: it is team work.
We should never get soley credited for any of our work.
We knew they would be the best to do aTexas Chainsaw Massacre.
Gore is not always the point in horror movies (although there will be plenty!!
), it needs to be psychologically challenging and twisted.
Looks like we got it in this one.
What is it about TheTexas Chainsaw Massacrethat we keep going back to it?
CC: Its one of those iconic horror franchises that we all love.
Is horror any different from producing, say,Killing the Warwicks?
CC: The biggest challenge withTexas Chainsawis the obvious one.
We have added pressure to check that the film comes out good.
We are rebuilding the Sawyer house and that is not easy.
From the house to the look of the film, to the characters, its challenging.
LATI: Horror is not different from any other movie in the way that the story has to work.
Its a wonderfully sick movie.
Adam Rifkin did a terrific job.
Is there a different approach to producing a remake of a film than producing an original work?
Its very different in the freedom that you have.
Are there any properties that you are personally hungry for?
CC: If we tell you then we would have to kill you.
Every producer knows not to discuss their projects until they actually own it.
In this business once people hear youre in negotiations on a film they come in and make an offer.
So our lips are sealed.
LATI: Yes, sadly its a back stabbing business.
A la Gwyneth Paltrow snatchingShakespeare in Lovefrom Wynona Rider.
Julien Maury and Alexandre Bustillo are pretty hard core directors.
What level of scary do you thinkLeatherfacewill be?
CC: We are so excited to work with them, we lovedThe Inside.
They are really talented and are having a great time already.
Its really nice to work with directors that are truly happy and passionate and excited.
They are ambitious and have so many great ideas.
What was the first horror movie that excited you growing up?
Did any keep you up at night?
CC: I use to watch films over and over.
I think I owned three.
ButNight of the Cometis my all-time favorite.
LATI: I had never seen one horror movie until I met Christa.
LATI: To me its all about the story.
That is what connects everything.
Documentaries are a bit different because the story happens while you shoot, but the same rule applies.
What kind of contact do you have with the directors?
What kind of input do you have in the creative process?
LATI: We respect our directors.
Some movies we are more involved creatively than others.
We give a shot to come up with scripts that are good enough for directors to go an shoot.
So we dont get stuck in development hell.
How difficult is it to sell an unknown cast to a big studio?
LATI: Very difficult.
The audience knows what they are going to get, the franchise is the star.
It was just announced that youve got Shut In opening at the LA Film festival in June.
Where does this rate on the terror scale?
CC:Shut Inis a great film.
This is psychological horror at its best.
The schedule was tight and the pressure was on.
All we can say is Adam and Brian Netto delivered.
