Two local film producers have been working on their new project for quite some time. After the interruption of COVID-19, the duo is now set to release their latest venture “13 Slays til X-Mas” at the end of the year.
P.J. Starks (creator, producer, writer and director) and Eric Huskisson (producer, writer and director) said they had already begun making the movie when the pandemic went into full effect, so they were forced to postpone production for several months.
Since they have resumed, the two agree there have been some challenges with filming during a pandemic. Adhering to sanitation protocols as well as the mask mandate was just one new obstacle for them.
Currently, nine of 13 sequences have been filmed and they’re in various states of post-production while the other four segments are slated to begin filming in the next week.
Aside from the challenges, Starks and Huskisson were excited to include local talent and locations in the movie.
“We are filming 13 Slays all over Owensboro on this one,” Starks said. “The support we’ve seen has been incredible and very much appreciated. One sequence was filmed off Daniel’s Lane next to Henry’s Plumbing Incorporated, which is actually the same location we filmed the segment ‘Murder Death Killer’ in Volumes of Blood: Horror Stories.”
Starks added, “We filmed some segments inside people’s personal residences, so I won’t give their locations away. We filmed in an office building on Sweeney Street that doubled as a Psych Ward and we’re slated to film at Kentucky Wesleyan College. Their excitement to have us film on campus has been very cool and they’ve been very accommodating.”
Starks said the stories in the film are strong, unique and fun.
“It talks about some timely issues without being preachy,” he said. “Like Volumes of Blood, it has a structure that is a bit different from the bulk of other anthologies being produced. It’s just a fun movie that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Everything we’ve seen so far looks incredible. The narratives move at a steady pace. You never feel like you’re in the story for too long before moving onto the next and in some cases, you’re left wanting more. The quality of the performances and the cinematic visuals have far exceeded my expectations.”
Starks said he didn’t think he could be more satisfied with how the horror anthology is coming together.
“The main thing that has changed is trying to keep our cast and crew safe and healthy on a whole new level,” Huskisson said.
The duo said some of the challenges of filming during COVID-19 included were acquiring gloves, disinfecting wipes, masks, face shields, hand sanitizer, and disinfecting spray.
“It helps to have a great cast and crew to get you through it all as well,” Huskisson said. “They did what was asked of them and it was great to hear them help each other out. They were reminding people about wearing gloves and other protocols which made it easier on us.”
Starks said that aside from the pandemic challenges, there are always time constraints and unforeseen setbacks as well.
“The pandemic puts us in a position to plan for things we aren’t really used to worrying about,” he said. “Safety is always a concern on every set, but now we’re having to prep for everyone’s safety in a few different ways. It’s an interesting time, to say the least. Our production team including our cast have all been incredible to work with under this stressful time. Everyone has been very cool and made the whole process go very smooth.”
The film is set to release on Blu-ray through Scream Team Releasing in December.
