Arrow FrightFest – Harrison talks Horror Movies with the FrightFest Boys, Alan Jones, Ian Rattray, Paul McEvoy and Greg Day!!!
What film made you fall in love with the horror industry and why was it so special?
Alan Jones – It was the lurid posters that hooked me, always suggesting what they really couldn’t deliver, but you hoped they would time and again. That’s why I have a vast collection of the sleaziest and most shocking.
Horror is special because it can define us, for what scares each of us is so individual and personal. So when we meet someone to share that with, it’s a connection for life, the reason why FrightFest is such a tight community.
Ian Rattray – The Exorcist scared me silly when I first saw it. So much that I slept with the light on for a couple of weeks.
Paul McEvoy – It was DON’T LOOK NOW…..still my favourite horror film of all time…I watched it when I was far too young……the ending absolutely terrified me……I had to go and sleep in my parents bed that night as the ending played over and over in my mind……The film is an absolute masterpiece – but I still get terrified by that ending!
Greg Day – FROGS with Ray Milland. I was fourteen and had got into a late night horror bill at the then ABC in Hastings. I stuffed tissue paper into my shoes to make me appear taller.
I was transfixed and immediately fell in love with the horror genre.
If you could pick three films from the August 2021 FrightFest line up that defines the highest quality of Horror filmmaking in 2021 – what films would they be and why?
Alan Jones – SOUND OF VIOLENCE, THE ADVENT CALENDAR, THE SADNESS because they each move the genre into a new direction, the first two using disability in very clever and meaningful ways, the latter because just when you thought you couldn’t watch another pandemic movie, a new sexual wrinkle adds an incredible shock factor.
Ian Rattray – SWEETIE, YOU WON’T BELIEVE IT – just because it is so much fun. BOY#5 – because something so good was made for so little. PRISONERS OF THE GHOSTLAND – because it star Nicolas Cage and when he goes full on Nicolas Cage it is a sight and sound to behold
Paul McEvoy – A difficult one to pick just three from our bright bouncing babies…but of pushed..
DAWN BREAKS BEHIND THE EYES..a wonderful film that throws your expectations……this will look phenomenal projected up on that huge screen. THE SADNESS…which could / should be called THE MADNESS…absolute jaw-dropping insanity from start to phenomenal finish. THE LAST THING MARY SAW…a sombre, atmospheric tour de force from a sensational new talent.
But..can’t I have …KING KNIGHT / OFFSEASON/ THE RETALIATORS etc etc…
Greg Day – SOUND OF VIOLENCE – a film where sound is the vision, SWEETIE, YOU WON’T BELIEVE THIS – a true gory belter from Kazakhstan. (Think Carry on DELIVERANCE) and PRISONER OF THE GHOSTLAND – a brilliant Nic Cage aside, this is a surreal feast for the eye, worthy of Jodorowsky.
What adjective best describes the film festival and why?
Alan Jones – FABULOUS
Ian Rattray – Friendly. If you talk to others attending, they respond and many a friendship has resulted.
Paul McEvoy – EXCITING! Because as our audience have learnt overt years ..there is NOTHING better in the world than sitting in a dark room, surrounded by your friends and like minded souls watching and experiencing something together. And to any folks coming for the first time…we hope you enjoy the experience!
Greg Day – Shared. Everyone shares their experience, their warmth, their passion for the films.
Choose one aspect of the festival for why youngsters age 18-25 years love being at FrightFest?
Alan Jones – Because you always meet the genre stars of tomorrow today.
Ian Rattray – Discovery. Take a chance on some of our discovery Strand films, which are often the best films in the festival and who may just discover the hidden gem.
Paul McEvoy – Similar answer to the previous question, the atmosphere is unique, electric and SO very different to any other festival or film going experience. And we hope that it proves inspirational to young people to go out – be creative in any field and have fun doing it. Oh…and the free promo stuff!
Greg Day – The buzz. And Ian Rattray swearing on stage.
Arrow Video FrightFest Halloween 29th-30th October Programme CLICK HERE!!!
If you love the Back To The Future Trilogy – you will really love the Musical. This is a massive treat for fans of all ages. Its Back To The Future as you’ve never seen it before – Highly Recommended!!!
Con with the Legendary Back to the Future composer Alan Silvestri!!!
Con at ‘Graham Humphreys – The Colours of the Night’ Exhibition Launch Night!!!
Con with Artist Graham Humphreys!!!
Con with The Rocky Horror Picture Show Legend Patricia Quinn!!!
Con with Artist and Orbital Art Gallery Proprietor Billy Chainsaw!!!
Con with Resurrection Joe!!!
The Colours of the Night Art Show open from 3 September – 1st October at the Orbital Art Gallery, London. Click Here to see many of Graham Humphreys iconic movie Paintings and Posters!!!
The Drive-In Club – Being the Young Rocketman. Harrison talks to Matthew Illesley!!!
What were you thinking the moment you finished your first scene playing Reggie? Harrison age 15
Matthew Illesley – My first scene was acting with Bryce Dallas Howard. She is one of my favourite actors because I love Jurassic World. I just thought it was awesome to be acting with her.
When researching the part what did you find most interesting about the childhood of young Elton? Harrison age 15
Matthew Illesley – I thought Elton was quite cool because he didn’t mind what other people thought. I was very sad that all he wanted was a hug and love from his dad, and he didn’t get either.
If you could go back in time and write one of Elton’s songs which song would you choose and why? Harrison age 15
Matthew Illesley – If I could write one of Elton’s songs it would probably have been Your Song as it had a great feeling and it’s such a great song to sing.
Before meeting Elton John were you nervous about meeting such a big rock star and how did those feeling change after meeting him? Harrison age 15
Matthew Illesley – I was quite nervous meeting Sir Elton as the first time I met him was at the Premiere. Having met him and talked to him I thought he was awesome and very friendly. I had met David Furnish (his husband) a few times before and he was awesome too.
This was your first big movie role – what was the biggest lesson you learned? Harrison age 15
Matthew Illesley – I think the biggest lesson I learned was that you have to keep trying. Eventually if you keep trying and working hard, you may well succeed.
The Drive-In Club Blockbuster Movies Hosted by Alex Zane – Rocketman with Dexter Fletcher CLICK HERE!!!