‘Stream’ Director Michael Leavy on Why Fandom Helps Indie Filmmaking and ‘Assembling the Avengers’ of Horror for His Hyper Gory Slasher

As a filmmaker with roots deeply embedded in indie horror, I can wholeheartedly relate to the journey this director has embarked upon. The balance between horror and humor is a delicate dance that requires a keen sense of timing and an unwavering trust in one’s instincts. It’s like juggling chainsaws while walking a tightrope – exhilarating, terrifying, and absolutely thrilling when you pull it off.

As a devoted horror fan, I can’t help but rally my fellow movie enthusiasts to check out “Stream,” the latest chilling masterpiece by director Michael Leavy. From sharing its thrilling trailer across social media platforms, to buying tickets for complete strangers, we’re creating quite the small army dedicated to supporting this must-see horror film currently showing in theaters!

Fans of the genre have been ardent supporters of Leavy since his debut in “Terrifier”, but their importance was amplified for his recent independent gore film. During the struggle to keep the production afloat amidst COVID, Leavy solidified their roles within the team by bestowing producer credits upon them as a token of gratitude.

“During production, COVID-19 struck us unexpectedly, depleting our resources on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and HEPA filters. With no more funds left, we decided to approach the horror community. We offered producer credits and various incentives for anyone interested in joining our project.”

A family of four embarks on a vacation intended to resolve their squabbles, only to find themselves trapped at their hotel. Unbeknownst to them, they are unwittingly thrust into a lethal game of cat and mouse that is being televised globally.

Prior to the unveiling of “Stream” on August 21st, Leavy took a seat with EbMaster for an engaging conversation about independent filmmaking, his passion for gory scenes, and the process of gathering the all-star team in the horror genre – often referred to as the Avengers of horror.

Where did your love of gory, transgressive horror come from?

It’s funny — that started for me later in life. Growing up, I was a huge horror fan, but it was more of the classic stuff like “Halloween.” I like fun movies. I’m a big comedy guy as well. But it wasn’t until I met Damien Leone, director of “Terrifier,” when I was in my mid-20s that I was exposed to this more graphic, gory subgenre. Working with him and being a part of “Terrifier,” I got to really appreciate it and see how much fun it can be. Because it’s gory and it’s crazy and it’s absurd, but really it’s fantasy. It’s not like the Dahmer stuff where you feel like you need to take a shower afterward. You can have fun with it and I got to see how our fans had a great time with the kills. So it was later in life that I really got an appreciation for this kind of horror.

The trailer got tons of buzz, especially for an indie production. What was your reaction to the attention? Why do you think the response was so strong?

The experience was incredibly dreamlike. You never truly predict success. As enthusiasts of horror and cinema, our aim is to create content we love and wish to watch ourselves. We always remain true to this, and I believe if you’re sincere in your filmmaking, audiences will be drawn to it. So when this project began gaining momentum, it felt remarkably similar to what occurred with “Terrifier.” Our “Terrifier” followers are extraordinary. There’s a grassroots movement happening online where our fans are purchasing cinema tickets for people who can’t afford to watch “Stream” in theaters – for total strangers. This just demonstrates the immense, powerful, and passionate nature of our fanbase. Yet, it also highlights the demand and necessity for fresh, creative, enjoyable, entertaining films that some feel the studios aren’t currently providing.

How did you come up with the story for “Stream?”

My brother and I planned on creating a contemporary slasher film, emphasizing my desire to revamp the slasher genre. You’ll find it evocative; it blends elements from the ’80s and ’90s while also incorporating technology, a novel aspect. We pondered over what made those beloved horror films effective: for “Jaws,” it was a beach day turned on its head, exposing safe spaces; for “Halloween,” it was the neighborhood; for “Nightmare on Elm Street,” dreams and sleep cycles; and for “Friday the 13th,” it was campsites. So, we asked ourselves, what is universally accessible and frequently utilized? The answer: technology – phones, computers, the internet. Thus, the foundation of our story emerged. However, we aimed to preserve the essence of a traditional slasher and avoid relying excessively on technology. Instead, we wanted to craft a timeless film that evokes nostalgia from the ’80s while addressing contemporary themes.

You brought together an all-star crew of horror filmmakers for “Stream,” reuniting with Damien Leone and David Howard Thornton and recruiting Jeffery Combs and Danielle Harris for the cast. How did this team come together?

As a long-time horror enthusiast with a deep appreciation for the genre, I can confidently say that our movie has been affectionately referred to as the “Avengers of Horror” or the “Expendables of Horror.” However, we didn’t aim for such lofty comparisons when we first embarked on this project. Our goal was simply to find the most talented actors for each role, with a keen eye towards horror icons that would resonate with fans.

You’ve directed, written and starred in several indie horror features. How do you balance out the fun, schlocky, camp moments with the horror so that the film is still taken seriously?

As a film aficionado, I firmly believe in surrounding myself with reliable allies who offer wise counsel when needed, but also knowing when to trust my gut instincts. In my filmmaking journey, I’ve discovered the importance of maintaining a balance between horror and comedy – always infusing a touch of humor into our creations. However, there’s a crucial rule: Characters must treat their situations with gravity, or else the scares and jokes won’t resonate effectively. If they’re self-aware, it risks becoming overly satirical. If you prefer to create spoofy films, that’s fantastic! Just isn’t my style.

How did you come up with the kills for “Stream?”

You aim to create unique or unconventional versions of familiar concepts, and collaborating with Damien Leone can be an exciting process due to his imaginative mind. Damien’s creative process for “Terrifier” involved delving into macabre subjects such as medieval torture or serial killers. To put it another way, you must find a balance between immersion in the bizarre and maintaining a sense of tastefulness. Although the content can be gruesome, an underlying respect is maintained to ensure that we do not cross any boundaries.

So once you have the kills planned out, what is it like actually executing them on set?

It’s at this stage where professionals such as Damien, Phil, and Steve Della Salla with their cameras come into play. Everything aligns perfectly: lighting, camera work, special effects, and all the intricate details. It truly is an artistic endeavor. Few people realize the challenges involved in creating such content. The process includes refining the pieces, and as it starts to take shape, excitement builds because you think, “This is really working!” Editing is another crucial step, deciding if things should move faster or slower. However, the most rewarding aspect of it all is witnessing the audience’s reaction. When they respond in the way we intended, there’s a sense of fulfillment and we can say, “We did it.”

In what ways does the indie horror scene differ from the mainstream movie industry?

Our productions stand apart from typical big-studio films because they require a more hands-on approach. They’re quite organic and community-driven. We find great joy in engaging with our audience, hearing their thoughts, and being inspired by their passion. This interaction is crucial since we don’t have vast resources to reach a wider audience. The only effective way to do this is by building strong connections with them, having meaningful conversations, and understanding their perspective. To us, they are just as much fans as we are. I believe the studios sometimes overlook this fact, viewing them merely as sources of revenue or statistics. We, on the other hand, make a point to be approachable to our audience, listen to their feedback, and strive to reflect it in our work.

2024-08-22 03:17