By Ryan Grulich
In the upcoming horror film STREAM, the Keenan family's simple weekend getaway truly turns into a vacation to die for, as four deranged killers playing a sadistic game lock down their hotel and compete for the most creative murders of all the guests.
For the release of STREAM, Creepy Kingdom's Ryan Grulich spoke with director Michael Leavy. During their chat, they discussed everything from the film's dark web-inspired storyline and classic horror influences to the challenges of casting iconic horror actors and filming during the height of the pandemic.
To start things off, tell me about the world of STREAM.
Michael Leavy: Well, STREAM is basically a modernized slasher with a gaming twist. In it, we utilize the unknowns of technology and exploit them on the dark web.
What films or directors influenced the style and tone of STREAM? Were there specific horror classics or contemporary movies that inspired you?
Michael Leavy: It's funny. Of course, there were some modern films, like SAW, Vacancy, Hostile, or even the Poughkeepsie Tapes, that helped inspire STREAM, but it was really the classics like Halloween, Friday the 13th, and Texas Chainsaw Massacre that really drove the essence of our Players. It was about updating them into a cleaner, less grungy vibe.
How did you go about casting such an iconic group of horror actors? Were there any particular qualities you were looking for in each role?
Michael Leavy: We were looking to cast the best possible actor or actress who fit the role. Being huge horror fans, we definitely wanted to bring well-known horror and genre stars together in one film. We got lucky. Everyone who was cast really resonated with the script and got what we were trying to do. It was very easy to get everyone on board because of that, but that all starts with a great concept and, of course, follows through with a good script.
Fuzz on the Lens Productions is known to be a close-knit team. How does the family-like atmosphere of your production company influence your filmmaking process?
Michael Leavy: It makes things very smooth. We have a sort of second-hand shirt way of communicating with each other, and things get done very quickly because of it. We have a great team and I'm extremely lucky to work with people I know I can trust, who have my back and I theirs and we all have a great working and social relationship as well.
What should those who haven't seen STREAM yet expect from the film? Are there any particular themes or experiences you hope will resonate with viewers?
Michael Leavy: I want audiences to be entertained! It's one heck of a thrill ride, and this movie is truly made by horror fans for horror fans. I hope everyone has fun with it!
Lastly, could you share any particularly crazy or memorable stories from the set during the production of STREAM?
Michael Leavy: You know, the craziest thing was we made this entire movie during the height of the pandemic. COVID was running rampant, there were no vaccines or anything, and we were one of the first films to be approved to shoot. It was great to be able to create again, even though it was under very different circumstances, and we had to have safe zones, PPE, and masks with a COVID compliance officer. We were making a movie and doing it with people we idolized watching growing up and surrounded by our best friends. There was something special in the air, and I'm truly proud of the silver lining in something so dark that was happening around the world. We didn't let it stop, we figured it out and continued focused on the end result which was making people happy and entertained.
STREAM will premiere on August 21 across theaters in the U.S. and Canada. Click the link to buy tickets: https://www.iconicreleasing.com/events/stream/tickets/
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