Idyllwild Film Festival - Dark Roads 79
Dark Roads 79 is a horror thriller set in 1979, about a southern rock band known as Dark Roads, whose time in the spotlight has come to an abrupt end. To find a new sound and regain their fame and fortune, they head to a secluded cabin. until they discover that the front man of the band sold his soul for the fame and fortune and now the time has come to collect!
Interview with Writer/Director Chase Smith
Watch Dark Roads 79 on iTunes
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Thank you! The simple answer is I made this film for the same reason I made our other films: I am a storyteller! I have more stories to tell than I will likely ever be able to write, much less actually make. But with Dark Roads I wanted to bring my love of music, classic southern rock and the time period of the 70s/80s to the screen in a story that was unique. When I first pitched the idea to producers all I had to say was that the movie is a big dose of Friday the 13th meets Almost Famous with a dash of something you've never seen before! The concept just worked and we couldn't be happier with the outcome!
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
You should watch this film because it is truly different, interesting and unique. As I mentioned, it has all the heart, southern rock, period nostalgia and realistic interpersonal relationships, human wants and drives as Almost Famous wrapped up in the unsettling high stakes of a horror film. It really is a genre bender with something for everyone and if that is not enough, it is loaded with outstanding original music, southern-style classic rock, country and blues from some talented artists such as Benton Blount of America's Got Talent, HK Jenkins, Chris Rakes and myself (Chase Smith). The movie sucks you in and takes you on a ride you won't soon forget!
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
I think the most common universal themes people can relate to in this film is the inherent want and in some cases "need" of people to be a success in something they love and have all of the fame, fortune and notoriety that comes along with it. In this case, that need causes some to cross the line because they feel as though they would do absolutely anything to make their greatest dreams come true. I think people can relate to how easy it may be to cross the line when your ultimate dreams are within your reach and the problems that could cause with all of those around you and that idea is the foundation of the film.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?
The idea and all of the characters were created in my head before I sat down to write the script. However, I started working with a friend and former writing instructor on the script and Richard Krevolin kept pushing me to add things or take things out or send new versions of scenes that would make me think of other ways I may go at a given scene etc. Some of it worked and some didn't but the process made the script and the film all it could be. It was also the job of my right hand man and partner Edward Boss to keep me on track and not let me get bogged down with too many possibilities that could have kept us from completing the script on time! It
What type of feedback have you received so far?
The feedback has been amazing so far, Right now we are two-for-two on festival acceptances and the film has garnered a total of 13 awards and/or nominations. It is also gaining more attention in the press and with distributors. We are very excited about the response to the film so far and believe it is in for some great things to come!
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
In some ways maybe. I was worried that because the film can't be strictly classified as a horror or drama or thriller that some people may not "get it" but nothing could be further from the case! The feedback has been 100% positive and that is highly unusual and surprising in and of itself!
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
In short, I am hoping more and more people will find out about the film and that its not some run of the mill "indie" or slasher film or drama and see that it is something "different" that is worth their time. I am hoping that people will see the effort and love and attention to detail that was put into it right down to making the color and texture of the film look like it was shot in the 70s. It was a bunch of talented creative people coming together to make something original in an era of remakes, sequels and reboots that get all of the attention and I hope that shows through!
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
With the film complete and several of our films available worldwide already, another one in the can and pre-production about to start on our biggest project to date we are looking for all of the above! We are hoping this film and our past success will bring us more investor/producers, buyers, larger distributor interest, and more press coverage that is integral to exposing more people to our work!
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
Winning awards, great distribution, etc all of that is great and we'd love that no doubt but I think it is so easy this day in age to think everything is owed to us or that nothing we do has real consequences but in addition to just wanting people to enjoy this movie, I'd like it to serve as a reminder that there is always a "cost" or consequences for the choices we make. It doesn't matter if you are a good or bad person, a single choice can change your life forever and I hope that message comes through in the film.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
How far is too far to go for what you want and is it ever okay to do a little evil for a greater good?
Would you like to add anything else?
I hope that audiences will go into the film with an open mind, look at the complexities of the story, get immersed for 98 minutes and enjoy themselves!
What are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Right now, in addition to marketing this film, Spirit World Productions is in post productions on a psychological horror/thriller called "Bring Me A Dream" starring Martin Kove (The Karate Kid, Rambo II etc), Tyler Mane (Halloween, Troy etc), April Bogenschutz (Dark Roads 79, Penance Lane etc) and we are seeking investor/producers as we begin pre-production on our biggest film to date which is a spin off of our critically acclaimed throwback comic book style horror film "Creature Feature."
We are also busy promoting our already released films such as the aforementioned "Creature Feature", our award winning drama "Buried Cain", our thriller "Hollywood Nightmare" and our first release "Realm of Souls".
Interview: January 2017
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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series and music video. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
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Dark Roads 79
Length: 98 minutes
Director: Chase Smith
Producer: Chase Smith, Jason Anderson, Edward Boss, April Bogenschutz, Darlene Lanier
Writer: Chase Smith
About the writer, director and producer:
Chase Smith is the writer/director and producer of the film. A graduate of the University of Georgia, he is also the founder and owner of the independent film production company "Spirit World Productions." In 6 years under that lable the company has successfully completed 7 feature films, 3 music videos, 5 short films and 1 commercial.
Key cast: April Bogenschutz, Bill Moseley, Eddie George, Chase Smith, David Flannery, Chance Kelley
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists):
Funders: Jason Anderson, Chase Smith, Richard Krevolin, Darlene Lanier,
Made in association with: Spirit World Productions
Release date: Official Premiere is 1/7/2017 Idyllwild Film Festival
Where will it screen in the next month? Days of The Dead of Atlanta