Jill Gevargizian burst onto the scene a few years ago with the superb shocker The Stylist and now she's back and this time its all paranormal in Ghost Game. We chatted to her just before its International Premiere at FrightFest 2024.
NYX: We last chatted when your superb psychological chiller The Stylist was released, what have you been up to since then?
JG: Working my day job as a hairstylist, directing Ghost Game and living life! Going on more adventures in the wilderness, hiking, camping, etc!
NYX: Because that movie was so critically acclaimed did it put pressure on you for your next feature?
JG: Oh yeah. But then the decision was made for me when I was hired to direct this film.
NYX: How did Ghost Game come about?
JG: It was written by Adam Cesare (Clown in a Cornfield novels), who I had already worked with on prior script of his. Executive produced by Eduardo Sanchez (director of The Blair Witch Project) was making this movie with Epic Pictures and they reached out asking if I’d be interested in directing the film. I loved the script and the whole thing sounded like a dream come true.
NYX: Was it a difficult movie to cast?
JG: Not really, thankfully! It was a mix of me reaching out to specific actors I thought would be good in the roles and going through auditions that were submitted. We had a great cast!
NYX: I have to point out, even though the whole cast are great, Vienna Maas who plays the young daughter Sam is wonderful. How do you direct someone so young in such a production?
JG: I agree, Vienna is such a talent. And such a natural talent. I had worked with her prior in The Stylist. She played the Flower Girl in the final scenes. She impressed me so much then, I knew I would work with her again someday. And then I read Ghost Game, it has a lead young character and she was the first person that came to mind. I knew our history would make this challenging role and performance easier. With directing someone so young, I kept the directions very simple. Didn’t tell her anything she didn’t need to know. Made she to protect her from anything upsetting. But I will say, she was very very excited to see one of the very gross special effects created for the film!
NYX: The location for “Halton House” is amazing, where did you find the home?
JG: I love that house! It’s an old mansion dating back to the 1600s in Hagerstown, Maryland. It was a dream to be able to shoot in such a place.
NYX: Was it all shot on location?
JG: Yes, it was! It was a dream to be able to shoot in such a place. I miss that house.
NYX: How hard is it setting up jump scares and ensuring they will work?
JG: It is challenging. I think it largely happens in the edit. But you have to plan how you’re going to edit it, typically by storyboarding, in order to shoot exactly what you need.
NYX: The masks are really cool, who designed them?
JG: Thank you! Our costume designer, Kathleen McAteer, and her assistant, Tanner Ortiz-Ingold, designed the masks. That was a daunting project. I love how they turned out. Especially the devil mask and how it glows in the dark.
NYX: Is playing “Ghost Game” an actual thing and if so, did you have to research into it?
JG: It is not. There are cases of people secretly living in homes. Which is horrifying. I found a true crime series called Frogging and I couldn’t event finish it - the stories were terrifying.
NYX: Do you believe in the paranormal and if so, would you stay in a haunted house?
JG: I don’t know if I do. I haven’t personally seen anything. And yes, I would and have! If any house is haunted, the house we shot it must be.
NYX: Will you be nervous when the movie has its International Premiere at FrightFest 2024?
JG: Yes! I am always nervous at a screening, but it also a blast!
NYX: So, what are you up to at the moment?
JG: About to board my flight to London for FrightFest!
NYX: Jill Gevargizian, thank you very much.
