We recently sat down and talked with filmmaker George James Fraser, director of the short horror film, Happenstance. We talk about his start in the film industry, his short film, and upcoming projects!
Horror Geek Life: What inspired you to want to work in the film industry?
George James Fraser: Honestly, I can’t remember a time that I didn’t want to work in movies. As a kid, I wanted to be a movie star. The hero, the cool kid, the funny guy, and the badass in the leather jacket with an earring. Endless possibilities. But as I got older, it became more of a pipe dream than anything else, with the exception of the leather jacket, I got that, and quite a few earrings.
It wasn’t until a couple of years ago that I discovered the world of Twitter. I got on there and discovered all these independent directors like Mike Flanagan, Jessica Cameron, Gigi Saul Guerrero, and the Soska Sisters. I got to talking to them and learning their backstories. I was shocked to learn that some of them have only been at it for 5 or so years. And I thought, “Well shit. I need to get started.” So I did.
Horror Geek Life: Who are your favorite horror directors?
George James Fraser: Oh man, there are just too many to list. I loved the old Cronenberg films as a kid, such as Scanners and Videodrome. His stuff was so far out. Kubrick is another who liked to break the rules. As far as more modern directors, I would say I always look forward to new stuff from James Wan, Robert Rodriguez, and Quentin Tarantino. Again, rule breakers.
Horror Geek Life: If you could work with anyone in the business, who would it be?
George James Fraser: The team at Luchagore Productions. Gigi Saul Guerrero, Raynor Shima, Topher Graham, Shane McKenzie, and all the others. Their style is so gritty and effective. Gigi, as a director, was a big inspiration as far as getting me started. Though their type is far off from my more romanticized style, I think the combination of the two could be something beyond beautiful. Yeah, that would be amazing if it were to happen.
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Horror Geek Life: Where did you get your idea for the short horror film, Happenstance?
George James Fraser: As my first film, my biggest concern was the budget. Money. I didn’t have any. Like most of this country, my wife and I work ourselves to the bone to pay the bills and provide for our children. So planning a movie had to begin in the writing.
First thing was location. Where could I film that wouldn’t cost me any money? Then, what could happen there? Plus, a lot of shorts come across as scenes from a film rather than a film itself. I didn’t want this. I wanted an entire story to be encompassed within these 12 minutes. So, I went beyond the shock and gore. I wrote a love story.
Horror Geek Life: Are there any horror movies that have influenced your passion?
George James Fraser: So many! Every drooling monster, every love-struck stalker, every messed up person in a mask, every punk or outsider who faced the forces of darkness. All of them. I am the combination of Brundlefly, Ben Hanscom, Jack Torrance, Rudy from Monster Squad, Dracula, and Van Helsing. They are all a part of me. And I am forever grateful.
Horror Geek Life: Do you have any upcoming projects?
George James Fraser: Yes! My company, Stained Glass and Blood Bath Productions has teamed up with Dark Comedy Productions to produce a film I wrote called Nail Polish. It is another sexy, bloody story of karma and good things that can come when you stay on your path. It is just about done with principal photography, so keep a lookout for that! You can get updates on our Facebook page.
Horror Geek Life: Do you always plan to stay in the horror genre, or would you like to expand?
George James Fraser: As of right now, I plan to stay within the realm of horror. It’s what I know, it’s what I dream, it’s what I bleed. But who knows? I may have a nice coming-of-age movie in me. Though I bet a werewolf would find its way into it.
