HorrorGeekLife recently had the pleasure of reviewing the newly released indie film Hell Town. The film, presented by Scream Queen Debbie Rochon, is a fantastic and hilarious slasher that was co-written and co-directed by Steve Balderson. We had an opportunity to speak with Steve about getting started in the film industry, Hell Town and upcoming projects! Get to know this extremely talented filmmaker a bit more!
Be sure to check out the review for Hell Town here!
HorrorGeekLife – Thank you for speaking with us! How did you get started in the film industry? Was it something you always wanted to do?
Steve Balderson – Yes, ever since I was a kid. My grandfather had a big VHS video camera and let me borrow it to make home movies. I need to find those movies and put them on YouTube. I didn’t get started in the industry until I turned 22 and made my first real movie PEP SQUAD.
HorrorGeekLife – You absolutely should put the early movies out there; I’m sure fans would love it. Which films and filmmakers help inspire your work?
Steve Balderson – Hitchcock mostly. But I also really love Fellini and Kubrick. And John Huston’s NIGHT OF THE IGUANA is my favorite of all time.
HorrorGeekLife – You can’t go wrong with the classics. As a filmmaker, you have made films within many different genres including drama, comedy, horror and even documentaries. Is there any specific genre that you’re drawn to more than others?
Steve Balderson – I really like them all. The only two I haven’t explored yet are Science Fiction and a Western. I really think it boils down to what kind of tone or energy I’m in the mood to explore. After making something really heavy and serious, it’s fun (and relieving) to make something like HELL TOWN which is ridiculous.
HorrorGeekLife – Hell Town was a great addition to the slasher sub-genre. Do you think you’ll venture into the horror genre more often in the future?
Steve Balderson – Yes, I’d really love to make a true psychological horror film. Something with no humor in it whatsoever. But, the producers of that script haven’t found me yet.
HorrorGeekLife – As I mentioned, Hell Town is a comedy/slasher that was over the top and filmed in a really unique way. How did you come up with the premise to film as a soap opera?
Steve Balderson – Elizabeth Spear and I grew up with soap operas in our veins. We both have an instinctual lean in that direction regardless of what we’re doing. So when we decided to come together and write and direct HELL TOWN, we started with the idea of a soap opera horror flick from the start.
HorrorGeekLife – Everyone looked like they had a great time in Hell Town. What was it like on set and where did you film?
Steve Balderson – We filmed in the town I grew up in, Wamego, Kansas. I’d been living there for a while and before moving away I decided to do one last project as a nod to how it felt to grow up there. Filming was a total joy. Everyone had a ball. It was so difficult at times to remain serious during a take and not burst out laughing while we were filming.
HorrorGeekLife – I can only imagine! After seeing a film that I really enjoy, it is great to hear that filming was great experience. Of course, the beautiful Debbie Rochon is always a pleasure to see on screen. How did she get involved in Hell Town?
Steve Balderson – Debbie and I have known of each other for 20 years, but we never actually met until last year at a film festival. I knew I’d always wanted to work with her, and this was just what was happening, so we did it. She’s such a great actress and a total pleasure to be around, I’d really love to direct her again for something. Maybe that psychological horror I hinted at earlier.
HorrorGeekLife – We’ll keep our fingers crossed that it happens! Are there any other upcoming projects you’d like us to know about?
Steve Balderson – My film EL GANZO opens theatrically in Los Angeles on September 9. It’s a mysterious drama that’s really more like a foreign film in its tone and body. I also made a kitchy 70s type movie called ELVIS LIVES! which aired on Mark Cuban’s AXS TV last week and is now out on Amazon. All my other movies can be seen on Hulu, Vudu, Amazon, or by going to www.DIKENGA.com.
HorrorGeekLife – Thank you again for speaking with us! We appreciate your time!