Horror and comedy often go hand and hand but few really do work. Scared Shitless from Vivieno Caldinelli perfectly balances both so we chatted to this creative about this hilarious gorefest before its premiere at FrightFest 2024.
NYX: Did you know from a young age that you wanted to work in the film industry?
VC: VCI knew when I was 5 years old. The first movie I fully remember watching in the theatre was Raiders of the Lost Ark. I had no idea what I was about to watch, just that the theatre was packed and bustling— Electric. Then what unfolded on the screen was the most incredible and epic adventure. Not since that night have I experienced an audience reaction to a movie like I did that night. I knew then and there I wanted to be a director.
NYX: Are you a fan of creature features?
VC: Definitely— I like monsters a lot. In all forms. Something scary and fantastic that a hero need to kill. There is something about that simple yet epic conflict that speaks to me.
NYX: How did you come to direct Scared Shitless?
VC: Unfortunately it’s not the most intriguing or sentimental of stories… Brandon and Lewis, the writer/producers needed a director. The original director had a scheduling conflict and they contacted my agent. I’m not sure if they saw Portal to Hell before— I think my agent gave it to them. They liked what they saw and we met after I read the script. It was a perfect fit and the rest is history!
NYX: Was it a tough movie to cast as its plot is, shall we say, way out there?!
VC: Ha! Yes— It was. It’s cool cause we all championed one of the main actors. Lewis was the one who really brought Ogg to our attention. Brandon’s was Chelsea and Julian Richings. Daniel Doheny was who I was adamant about. It was a cool and very collaborative process, but quite long. A ton of thought went into it!
NYX: Talking of the cast they all play this totally straight making it even funnier, did they have much time to rehearse and what sort of “motivation” did you give them for each role?
VC: We had very little rehearsal time. As for motivation, the situation spoke for itself. It was just more managing tone and consistency with emotions, since we were block shooting. Our cast is wildly talented— They came prepared and didn’t need extra motivation. The real fun is finding and crafting stuff on the floor. Adapting to changes on the fly. There is an intensity in that pressure that’s really exciting and fun.
NYX: The creatures look fab, did you design them, and did you have much budget to play with?
VC: Steve Kostanski pretty much had free rein with the creature. We definitely had many discussions before and during the process— Along with Brandon and Lewis. I will say, he didn’t have much of a budget and did an INCREDIBLE job with the time and money he had.
NYX: Which sequence was the hardest to shoot?
VC: Ms Applebaum’s kitchen. So many actors. Plus a dog— And creature effects and blood. All with a massive page count and different locations within a location. It was nuts and I dreaded it from day one. It all worked out in the end, but dear God it took years off my life.
NYX: Comedy and horror are very difficult to balance, how hard was it for you to get it so right?
VC: Thanks for the kind words. How I do it… I don’t quite know. It’s quite natural to me I guess. I always find some humour, no matter how dire or serious a situation is. Plus it’s in the casting. Each of the performers are quite versed in both drama and comedy— They’re quite sophisticated and understand that less is more.
NYX: I feel there’s an anti-pollution message underneath the plot, or am I reading too much into it?
VC: Haha— Maybe a tad. But honestly, it’s really just a simple story about a mad scientist who brings home a top secret government project that gets loose in the pluming of his apartment complex and a father and son plumbing team need to save the world from total extinction… Pretty cut and dry :)
NYX: Will you be nervous when the movie has its International Premiere at FrightFest 2024?
VC: I always have a bit of nerves. But truly, I’m super excited. I’ve never been to London and it’s gonna be a ton of fun!
NYX: So, what are you working on at the moment?
VC: Many things— Few other films: A sequel to Scared Shitless and the Portal to Hell!!! feature, and another creature feature that I want to keep secret. An animated show… I’d also like to come up with a series idea too! Lots to keep me busy :)
NYX: Vivieno Caldinelli, thank you very much.
