Director Jason Mills Talks 3 Hours Till Dead
David Gelmini
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3 Hours Till Dead is an interesting new zombie film about a soldier who returns home only to find that a zombie apocalypse has broken out. If you are a zombie fan (who isn’t?), then you can contribute here to help the film get made, and check out our interview with Jason Mills below!
Dread Central: So I understand that this is your third feature. Can you talk about your first two?
Jason Mills: My first movie was Above Us Lives Evil (aka They Came from the Attic), which was bought by Lionsgate UK and now is in distribution with Chemical Burn Entertainment in the U.S.A and Canada. Above Us Lives Evil starts when an accidental death takes the life of a young boy, the family moves to a country home for a fresh start, only to discover there is something much worse than their memories and guilt living in the attic. Creatures were the main theme of the movie, and since it was my first, I was able to put my imagination to the test.
My second movie, Changing of Ben Moore, was a completely different approach to filmmaking. Changing of Ben Moore had the lost footage approach. I wanted to make it as realistic as possible, and with some inspirations like Paranormal Activity to branch off of, I was able to create an original spin on the found footage style movie. Changing of Ben Moore is about a young man with no recollection of his childhood starts on a journey of self-discovery. While living alone in his aunt’s house, Ben starts experiencing blackouts and health issues. His friends are concerned and start a video diary and soon realize that things are not as they seem, and they become entangled in a demonic nightmare.
DC: How does it feel to now be making your third film?
JM: It is honestly an amazing feeling being able to create something from nothing. I always wanted to be a filmmaker and to tell my story, and having the opportunity to make not only one, not two, but now three feature films in the horror genre is a great accomplishment. As I progress as a filmmaker, I am able to look back at my past experiences on set of my other two films and grow as an artist.
DC: The Indiegogo campaign describes 3 Hours Till Dead as “a modern twist of the zombie genre, with a nostalgic feel and respect towards cinematic details.” Can you elaborate?
JM: From the start of the movie, the action begins. I wanted to incorporate the classic zombie feel that all horror fanatics love, but add a hint of new aged realistic sense of “what if something like this could happen to us?” I wanted it thrill-seeking, on the edge of your seat, and of course, wanting more zombies!
DC: I understand that 3 Hours Till Dead is about a former soldier?
JM: Yes, It tells the story of a young A.W.O.L soldier, along with his brother and close friends, who find life turned upside down when they come across a farm with hidden secrets. An outbreak from the city is heading their way, transforming people around them into “Passers”. It’s up to the survivors to band together to fend off the living dead.
DC: So just why are zombies so damn cool?
JM: Zombies are classic, they’re gory. It’s always a blood-filled occasion when zombies are around!
DC: Can you talk about the cast and crew?
JM: Having a vision to make a film is one thing, but being able to be surrounded with an amazing team of hard-working committed filmmakers, digital storytellers, artists, actors, musicians, writers, and horror film fanatics is a privilege. Each person on set had their own unique set of skills and knowledge to bring to the movie. Without them, none of this would have been possible.
DC: How did filming go?
JM: Filming went extremely well. It helps when you have a great cast and crew to work with. Being so involved with every step of the process, it was hard to find time to prep shots, sleep, eat in the midst of directing, shooting, set decking, planning, etc. With such a short time frame to get cast/crew/materials ready to shoot, I was surprised we were able to pull it off. But even with some hiccups, we were able to work as a team and make it the best possible movie it could be. I am so grateful to have these opportunities in life to share with my fans.
Categorized:News
