John Ward
Greetings gory ghouls and welcome back to another FearTabulous interview with a real screamer on the horror tour guide. I am your She-Wolf horror host Slaughter Cin and I’m here with my latest victim…I mean tasty guest (smile).
Please Introduce yourself, where you are from and what you do?
My name is John Ward. I live in Las Vegas, NV. I'm a filmmaker. I produce, write and direct. I also work crew on other people's films.
How long have you been writing, directing and producing films?
Around 3 years, more than a decade ago, while living in Northern and Southern California I went to film school/s and made some student films. I worked on some music videos, indie films, short films and TV pilots. I never took it seriously until 3 years ago. Once I worked on a few SOV micro-budget films I realized that I can make films on my own with a very small crew and an inexpensive camera.
Tell me about Axemas and Axemas 2?
Axemas 1 is finished. Axemas 2: Blood Slay is almost finished. It's actually a four part trilogy, if that makes sense – LOL – Axemas 1-3 have one containing story-line. Axemas 4 is a clip movie, like Silent Night, Deadly Night Part 2, but the story-line from Axemas 1-3 bleeds over to it. It's kind of a bonus film to wrap everything up.
How did you get to be a part of the Meat Hook Massacre franchise? You’re set to direct Meat Hook Massacre 4 am I right?
Yes. I am writing and directing Meathook Massacre 4 for Dustin Ferguson. He watched the first Axemas film and asked me if I would like to write and direct the fourth film. I'm a fan of the series and I said yes.
Can you tell us about some of the projects you are currently working on now?
We're finishing editing Axemas 2: Blood Slay. Starting to edit Meathook Massacre 4. I'm location scouting for my Tales from the Grave episode. And, if I have time I'll start writing Axemas 3 and 4.
What challenges have you faced as an indie writer/producer/director?
Mostly money and locations. I'm now using crowd-funding. Everything was coming out of my own pocket. Plus, I like crowd-funding. I've donated many times myself to other people's projects. I really like that people can donate and be a little part of the film and get some rare perks too.
What was your most memorable experience on set or working in the horror genre?
Meeting different actors and filmmakers is also fun. But, there are two that personally stand out; the would be the first day on my short film, Axemas and the second would be the first day on my first feature film, Meathook Massacre 4. I thought to myself, “I'm actually doing this! I'm making a movie!”.
Can you share some of your future projects?
Axemas 3 and 4, and my Tales from the Grave episode will take my to the end of the year. Next year I want to focus on a “...from Hell” film. I don't want to say the title because that will give it away. It's like The Roommate and Single White Female. This project will most-likely take up all of 2019.
What attracts you to the horror Genre?
Horror is a very creative genre. Horror series like, Friday the 13th and A Nightmare on Elm Street have to out do the last film and not just repeat what the last film did. It might not always work, but at least the studio tries. A filmmaker, for the most part, can be as creative as they want to be to thrill the audience with the camera, story, sets, effects, etc. In my option, horror is the most creative genre out there. A filmmaker can get away with a lot more in a horror film than lets say a drama.
What is your definition of Horror?
Pure art, or maybe bloody art, but it's also a business. Horror should scare the audience not turn them away. There's a balance that needs to be found between story and money. Art can make money. Horror should scare the crap out of people, but at the same time make a profit.
If you can choose a horror character that you identify with most, who/what would it be?
John Kramer, Jigsaw, minus the cancer. I'm a firm believer that there are consequences to a person's actions. The whole cause and effect thing.
What’s your favorite horror film?
George A. Romero's 1968 zombie classic, Night of the Living Dead. It's a perfect film.
Care to share your biggest fear? Say it again slowly, I’m taking notes.
I'm not a fan of scorpions – LOL – Business-wise my fear would be not being successful. I love film-making. I don't want to work a retail job and make little SOV horror films. I want to make Star Wars or Jaws or Goodfellas. My films are a little more commercial to appeal to a wider audience.
If someone wanted to contact you or see your work, where can they find you?
They can look me up on Facebook and YouTube. Also, on FB these two pages; 'Axemas Trilogy' and 'Meathook Massacre 4'. My personal FB page covers everything. I just started the YouTube, so there's not much there. I'm also on Instagram, but I don't use that as much.
Special thanks to all my spooksters for joining us today on the Horror Tour Guide and thank you for your time John.
Thanks for having me. It's been a pleasure. :)
Okay John it’s time to go now. Too late to run, you’ve had your chance.
