Griff Furst Cold Moon Interview

Cold Moon is based on the novel Cold Moon Over Babylon by the late Michael McDowell

Cast: Josh Stewart, Christopher Lloyd, Robbie Kay, Candy Clark, Rachele Brooke Smith, Frank Whaley
Director: Griff Furst
Genre: Crime, Drama, Horror
Rated: MA
Running Time: 92 minutes

Synopsis: In a sleepy southern town, the Larkin family suffers a terrible tragedy. Now the Larkin's are about to endure another: Traffic lights blink an eerie warning, a ghostly visage prowls in the streets, and graves erupt from the local cemetery in an implacable march of terror . . . And beneath the murky surface of the river, a shifting, almost human shape slowly takes form to seek a terrible vengeance.

Trailer 

Interview with Griff Furst

Question: How would you describe Cold Moon?

Griff Furst: Supernatural vengeance that you won't forget #Beetlejuice #Psycho


Question: Did you read the book the script was based on prior to filming?

Griff Furst: I've probably read that book more than anyone.

Question: What was it like working with Christopher Lloyd?

Griff Furst: Chris Lloyd is a legend. He might be the only actor I've ever asked to take a picture with.


Question: Can you talk about the rest of the casting process?

Griff Furst: My favorite person to cast was Josh Stewart. The character of Nathan Redfield is A black belt role. And for me the key to playing him comes down to one question. when I asked Josh what happened to the bodies? He knew.


Question: What was the most difficult part about filming Cold Moon?

Griff Furst: All movies are difficult. Cold moon isn't unique in that respect. Working in the water with fans blowing on you when it's 35 degrees is never fun.


Question: In saying that, what was the best experience on set of Cold Moon?

Griff Furst: Playing with the scenes with the actors. Making a film is such a long process, but the short time I get to spend with them carving a scene makes it all worth it

Question: Where was the film primarily shot?

Griff Furst: New Orleans, Pensacola, Slidell, and Covington. We may have grabbed a shot or two in Los Angeles.


Question: Are you a horror-movie fan?

Griff Furst: Always have been always will be.


Question: What inspired you to begin directing?

Griff Furst: I have stories I want to tell. Most of those stories take a backseat to stories I get hired to tell, Which I'm grateful for, but I have big plans for the intellectual property I have purchased, developed and created over the years.


Question: Do you have a preference between directing and acting?

Griff Furst: That's a tough call. Acting is my first true love. And there's obvious benefits to the job, like shorter hours, and having enough down time to eat, go to bathroom, that sort of thing. And your present enough to truly enjoy your co-workers. The director is always thinking about the next thing. Me and my Assistant Director will have swollen feet at the end of the day, and then go to the hotel and schedule till the wee hours of the morning, but it's fulfilling in a self mutilating kind of a way. When I direct, my initial approach is identical to if I was acting in it. I breakdown the scene, and figure out what it's about. Once I've got that down, everything else comes easy (unless it's a complex sequence like the opening of Temple of Doom. HUGE). It's a similar workflow, but a completely different beast. I will direct for the rest of my life, but when I'm in front of the camera the only thing I think about is my role, and how happy I am that I'm not directing.

Question: What's next, for you?

Griff Furst: Lots of really cool stuff. Follow me on Twitter for updates and check out Cold Moon.


Interview by Brooke Hunter