A Horror Short With Class An Article About The Horror Short 'Candy.'
I recently had a chance to interview Jesse Kozel on his new horror short, Candy. I saw the production on Indie GoGo. That beautiful teaser poster won me over at first, and I wanted to know more.
With a touch of class, and the Halloween spirit, I decided to contact Jesse after looking at the beautiful teaser poster. Luckily, that teaser poster turned out to have the same vibe as the film, and the actual trailer for the film really reeled me in.
In my eyes, I was looking at a horror film, with a wonderful star, and a lot of class. Whether that class just oozes from Sage Hall or if it is due to the way the trailer was shot, that is the first impression I got. I received a dose of 50s noir, black & white visuals, a vintage song playing in the background, and then we see the lovely Sage Hall, taking a bite out of an apple, which she looks so cute, and ironic when doing so. I chuckled out loud, and then was very excited to learn more from Jesse.
And that's exactly what I got, and more.
Jesse is one hell of nice man, and has been working just as hard as any other writer, director or actor out there. Jesse being a very sweet, and almost seemingly like a soft spoken man in pictures, is actually very outspoken on many issues regarding film, and otherwise. He is very dedicated to many activist causes, and speaks his mind about what is going on around him, and actually is doing something to help those types of issues, as you will soon learn in the interview conducted with Jesse. Being involved in the NOH8 Capiagn any many other causes, he continually speaks out, and stands up for many human rights issues.
I am loving the content Jesse has together already. The trailer is SO my style, and, this will be Sage Hall's chance to shine on screen. Jesse is very confident in his star and himseelf as he moves along on this production.
Here is a snippet from some of our email correspondence, written by Jesse Kozel, and I quote:
“I realize it's not like you know who Sage Hall is, but I am sure that people are going to want know her after this film. She brought a new element to horror that I haven't seen before and because the story is solid, there was a way to play with the structure of the characters and give them great moments.”
This is the type of confidence Jesse has shown throughout the production of this film, and it is that same confidence that is going to make this film a success. He truly intends on bringing something new to the genre, and it seems like nothing is going to get in his way. Jesse will keep up the hard work on this film, and soon he will have breathed life into a new kind of horror film, with original concepts, great ideas, classy direction, and very good casting on the production all around, as Sage IMO is going to make waves in the horror community with this film.
This film is like many horror indie pictures, in a way that it also needs YOUR help to make this production happen. As I have repeatedly stated in previous articles, you must get out there and support Candy and films like it. Productions like Candy make it possible for horror fans to actually do something for the genre we all love so much, and puts the fan, (that's us) up to the challenge of really practicing what so many preach. It is ultimately in your hands whether films like Candy get made, or get seen by others. Do your part.
I for one have quit speaking about helping these films, and started dedicating my career to making films like Candy happen. I'm an avid, true horror fan, out there speaking about great indie horror films, and putting my money where my mouth is. People like Jesse need us, the horror community, to get behind him and Sage in this awesome new picture, that when finished, will be one to always remember.
My review of the trailer....... 5 out of 6 stab wounds. Or if you like stars, 5 out of 6 stars.
I love the music, the style, the character, the font, the colors, and everything else about it, which ultimately gives you the feel that this will be a classy horror picture; one that is much needed in the genre. Would have gotten all 6 stars, or stab wounds, if there was more about the film or if it was a bit longer in time.
I will say that as a promo trailer, it's absolutely perfect. The music, and the style puts us back into a 50s crime noir novel or film, but when she bites the apple, spits it out, and smiles, we know we will be getting some good old fashioned fun horror as well.
In that aspect, Jesse has really said a lot with the very short trailer for this film. Sending messages with small gestures by Sage, and setting the entire tone of the film, or so we assume, by showing us the style it will have, it gives us an informative idea of what to expect from the film. So with little, or actually nothing being said in the trailer, no dialogue, it speaks very loud and clear about the film's content.
My overall stance on Candy is very complex. I love the way this film is looking, and I love the people surrounding the production. Jesse is a very nice man, and shares some favorites of mine regarding horror films like Trick 'R Treat. He seems to know exactly what he is going to do with this film, is very confident about it, and he also speaks very highly of his new star Sage Hall, when after some background studies by me, is warranted. She is very, very good at what she does, and is also a film maker of her own, with a really nice, professional style of shooting. More about Sage will be coming soon, including an interview!
Without further ado, here is the interview conducted by myself, with writer, director, activist, and actor Jesse Kozel......
Something Sweet, an Interview With Jesse Kozel On 'Candy.'
Robert- How are you doing today, at this moment?
Jesse- I'm actually doing quite well Robert. I am riding high off of the fact that we have the teaser out for "Candy." and I am about to fly back to Los Angeles to begin work on a Thriller called "Ripped Memories" which I'll be starring in opposite the wonderful Debbie Rochon.
Robert- Can you tell us a little bit about your new short film Candy?
Jesse- Candy is a throwback to classic films & TV that I love to watch. Not that there were many horror TV shows on but I think this type of short could have easily slipped into an episode of the Twilight Zone. I want the audience to be confused & intrigued by what they are watching. I also do not want there to be too much of a good thing here either. Sometimes people drag out a story and with this, I've created a world that has no boundaries, for these characters it's as if they've all just stepped into a time warp and are forced to endure it.
Robert- For those of us who do not know you, what can you tell us about yourself, to become more acquainted with Jesse Kozel, the writer, director & activist?
Jesse- First I consider myself an actor. It's what I love & have loved since I was a child. But I began becoming more interested in the idea of Directing when I was in my early teens. You start to look at options for college and wonder what is a good choice. Though, I never went to college for Film, I was accepted to a few great ones, but at that time, it just wasn't in my budget, so I had to move on. I've directed a few plays before but never a film, but since I have been on so many films and have helped in different job titles while on sets, I knew this was something I would do. As a Writer, I've only written for my own pleasure, not too many people have read what I've put out, except what I've written in my blogs. I had this idea that I came up with last October and I originally wanted to shoot it in LA, but Halloween quickly approached and I was left with not enough time or people to do what I knew was necessary to complete the film. So I scrapped the idea, until I discussed it with Sage Hall. She and I had just gone through an audition for a play that she was already cast in and then I became a part of that night. I believe we were riding the "Creative" high that comes with performing, so I told her my short film idea. She loved it and knew we could do it in Florida with relative ease. The ball started to roll and here we are now.
Robert- What can you tell us about your previous achievements?
Jesse- I've been in a number of films, some that are not released yet, some that I was only working in small parts on, but all of which I am happy to have been a part of. I have worked in many stage plays and musicals as well as toured with a professional award winning choir. I have been an employee with Universal Studios for a few years and have loved my time working at their special events. It did teach me a lot about doing things in a timely manor and crowd control. I am just starting to put my foot forward in the world of cinema and wearing more hats then just the actor hat. I'm hoping for the best because at this point it's make it or break it. I'm not delusional, but I have a vision of what I want my life to be and I refuse to stray from what I think will put me there. Some people consider that to be a bit selfish but I choose to look at determination, in any career, a great attribute.
Robert- How does this short film, compare to your past works in terms of size or style?
Jesse- I have actually never acted in a short film before. I only recently, back in November 2009, worked on my first short film in Los Angeles called "RELISH ". Director Jeff Fong was actually a huge inspiration to me to just get off my ass and do it. Though I had planned to film Candy in October, it wasn't until I saw the cast & crew that Jeff and producer Jeremy Gordon had assembled and then spoke with Jeff later about all the prep work and why he wanted to do this so badly, that I finally just said to myself, "JESSE, YOU HAVE TO DO THIS!". Of course, without Sage's excitement for my project or the fact that she was sure my vision was so clear, I don't know if any of this would have ever happened. I have worked on everything from blockbuster budgeted films to no-budget films and I know there is a way to make great films no matter the budget. You just have to have the tenacity to see it through and hopefully you have some kick-ass friends and family who believe in you as much as you believe in yourself.
Robert- I see you have Sage Hall slated to play the main character, what can you tell us about Sage, and furthermore, what do you believe she can bring to this film?
Jesse-- Sage is an amazing person. She is multi-talented which a wonderful asset when working on something as time sensitive as a film can be. Working with Sage has been a highlight in my professional career and I know we'll do many more projects together because of how we relate to one another. Though many people in the film world do not know of her, I can tell you that by the time we get "Candy." out to the masses, people will want to know her. She oozes a style as an actor that you just don't find in many people. Female actors on film have fallen into a trap of dense and seemingly uninteresting characters. I knew that Sage had the ability to play this part and that once she stepped on screen people will fall for her. She is a powerful actor and I think that it's time for the film world to take notice of her talent. Plus, the fact that she owns her own production company and knows so many things about what makes a film work was an added bonus.
Robert- I have seen the trailer, and it doesn't explain much, one thing it does scream is class. Would you consider this horror short, a horror short with a lot of class, or were you being ironic?
Jesse- There is nothing ironic about my intent to set a time period and place a woman with elegance in the leading role. I wrote "Candy." as a nod to those great icons of the 1950's. I believe the lead character a little bit Marilyn Monroe, a little bit of Lauren Bacall and maybe even a tad-bit of Lucille Ball. It's an odd combo for a Horror film that is geared at today's audiences, but I have a feeling people will enjoy it because it's not something they've seen before.
Robert- Who conceived, and ultimately made, the teaser poster I am such a big fan of?
Jesse- I'm going to have to take full credit for that image. I talked to Sage in depth about what I wanted and I am not sure it ever really made any sense until she saw the final product. I know it was a stressful day when we shot it and I made her stand there, while I laid on her floor with a camera pointed at only her legs & a jack-o-lantern bucket, but I knew it would work! It was what I always saw in my mind as the poster for this film.
Robert- What does the title Candy have to do with the film's content, if anything?
Jesse- It has everything to do with the film. But what you will learn is that the word can mean something different when put into context of this film. I don't think you'll ever look at candy and not think of our film. At least that's my hope.
Robert- I see that you are very active in human rights issues and other causes. What can you tell us about Jesse the Activist, and some of the things you stand up for and believe in?
Jesse- I am a person that solely believes that Every Human Being Deserves Equal Rights. I have never seen race, religion, sex or sexual preference as something to use against a person. I am no better than anyone else, so why should I have rights in our country where we say "All Men are Created Equal" and that statement is not true. I was able to visit the National Civil Right's Museum in Memphis, TN a few summers ago. The stories and images I saw there were so overwhelming. I could almost feel my anger grow for all those who were harmed during the fight for equality. But here were are in 2010 and still a great battle for equal rights wages on. I do not think that any person should judge another for whom they love. I will not stop supporting the fight for equality. I do not think it is an equal system under the law to refuse commitment or marriage to anyone because of their sexual preference. I have many close friends who are gay, as well as my own mother, but I am not. Though people assume based on my support of a human rights campaign and that goes to show you just how narrow minded many people still are. It's 2010 people, it's time to wake up.
Robert- What other productions are you currently working on, and furthermore, what are your roles in these productions?
Jesse- As I stated before, I am about to fly to Los Angeles to begin shooting the feature film "Ripped Memories" with Debbie Rochon. I am producing and acting in that film. I also have just signed on to begin producing a new web-series for Non-Union actors & crew to have a chance to shine. I know how hard it is to get noticed or put together a good reel being a non-union actor. Most indie projects end up never giving you footage and when they do it probably is not the best quality. So this is an opportunity for those people who are trying to break in the business to shine. Work with professionals, even if we're all non-union, and put together a reel. Jeff Fong approached me about the idea last week and I was absolutely ready to jump on board. This type of project has needed to happen for quite some time. After I get the ball rolling on that, it's off to work some more on "Candy." and hopefully some other films before the end of the year. I know Jason Liquori's film "Alien Vengeance" which I have a role in should be out later this year and I will surely be promoting that. But I'm always looking for new work so that's an open invitation to anyone who has a new film in the works or even a play. Let me know.
Robert- What is the official status of Candy at this moment?
Jesse- At the moment we are in Production. The film will be completed as soon as we can raise the funds to do so. Even though it's a short film, we are looking for SAG approval and then there is the never ending post-production costs and then having it seen at Festivals & Conventions.
Robert- Who else besides Sage do you have slated to act?
Jesse- Lance Lash, Matt Walton & Korryn Hall-Day (who also happens to be Sage's younger sister) are all in our cast.
Robert- Are you thinking of anyone in particular to cast in any other roles in this film?
Jesse- No. It's a small film and I didn't want to fill it with too many faces. Right now, this is the perfect amount of people to all have a moment to shine. But there is always later on, maybe for the feature.
Robert- Where do you plan on this being shot, or rather, what do you have in mind in terms of shooting locations?
Jesse- The film will be shot in my home town of Bradenton, Florida. It all takes place inside a home so we're only going with the characters a very short distance but we're taking the audience on a tremendous ride.
Robert- Do you have a crew in mind besides the help of Sage and Star Fruit Productions?
Jesse- Wheat is our Cinematographer/DP. The guy is brilliant and I think people will enjoy his shooting style.
Robert- I see you are on IndieGoGo. How is fundraising coming along for the film?
Jesse- Fund raising is going OK. It took off with a bang the first two days and then it slowed. I think people don't think giving 20 bucks would help, but they have to realize that 20 bucks get's them a DVD & will feed some of our actors for a day. That's important. We are hoping that by putting the teaser up and slowly releasing a few other clips, we'll be able to gain the funds we need to complete the entire short.
Robert- Every time I interview someone, I ask them if they are an avid horror fan like myself, and was wondering the same thing about you?
Jesse- I enjoy horror films. Years ago I didn't really follow them as much as I do currently but I realized just how much work was put into them. Even the "bad" ones have a style and did take a lot of work to get out to the public. I respect the people who go into the genre of Horror. The filmmakers and actors are a close knit group and I think it's wonderful how everyone supports each others work. I have to say over the last 3 years, I have done my fair share of catching up on many of the horror films I've missed.
Robert- Was there any particular film that inspired you to make this film?
Jesse- Actually no films in particular. I was greatly inspired by old TV sitcoms, though I don't believe I write at all near anything that would be on a sitcom. Think of episodes of "I love Lucy" and "Bewitched" infused with new TV shows like "Dexter" and "True Blood". I'm hoping to create a new world with "Candy."
Robert- If you had to pick one horror film as your absolute favorite, what would that title be?
Jesse- Just one? I'm going to say Halloween. I know people always give me that look like "Really? how cliche." But honestly, John Carpenter created a great character, built up suspense and had a wonderful female lead actor to tie the whole thing together. But I am going to say my close second is Mike Dougherty's "Trick r' Treat". That was one of the most intelligent horror films put together in a long time. Plus for it to be centered around Halloween, well, that just made it all the better.
Jesse- Robert, Please tell your readers that HorrorBargains will be promoting the film!
Robert- Thank you very much for the opportunity for letting us get to know you and the film a bit better. I would love to announce that we are promoting the film, and will most likely be co-producing, or more, as this film comes together!!
Next we will be interviewing Sage Hall on Candy. So check back for more updates....
Jesse Kozel & Sage Hall On Set
