An in-depth exclusive interview with writer/director PETER “DRAGO” TIEMANN who makes his feature directorial debut with the edge-of-your-seat thriller THE STAIRS.
Best known for the past two decades as a stuntman and stunt coordinator, PETER “DRAGO” TIEMANN now makes his movie up the cinematic ladder with THE STAIRS. Together with co-writer Jason L. Lowe, Drago delivers a tale that blends horror and a bit of sci-fi that is compelling with well-constructed and defined characters. As a director, Drago surprises with THE STAIRS as his feature debut, focusing on characters as the driving force of the film over action.
We first meet young Jesse and his grandparents. It’s easy to see he is the apple of their eye. Out on a hike to do some hunting with Grandpa, Jesse wanders off and stumbles upon a pristine white dual staircase just sitting in the middle of the forest. As with all 11-year olds, he just has to investigate. Ignoring the shouts of his grandfather, Jesse is more interested in the stairs. But things suddenly take a turn for the worse when Jesse is grabbed by a pair of long thin white chalky arms. Hearing his grandson’s screams, Grandpa races to the stairs, and in a flash, he too is gone. Fast forward twenty years and we meet up with Rebecca, Jordan, Josh, and Nick who are out for a week of hiking and camping in the wilderness. Little do they realize the very trail and forest they are entering is where Jesse and his grandfather disappeared. As the group proceeds with their hike, it doesn’t take long before it becomes obvious that Nick is not cut out for this outdoor life. Bringing along plenty of creature comforts, including 10 cans of chili but no can opener, Nick becomes our point of view for the film. And what a point of view it is as all hell starts to break loose with an unknown evil blanketing them from all directions and no one knows if they will survive the night.
Starring John Schneider, Kathleen Quinlan, Stacey Oristano, Tyra Colar, Brent Bailey, Adam Korson, and Thomas Wethington, the cast is exemplary, most notably Adam Korson as Nick and Thomas Wethington as Jesse.
Drago’s direction is sure-footed. He focuses on the characters and story which elevates the film and his storytelling. Working with cinematographer Ryan Purcell, who has an extensive background with short films peppered with some features, the cinematography is rich, celebrating the forest tones of browns and greens. Night shoots with bonfires and a flaming creature are killer. surprisingly, where most horror films and thrillers might lean into the black of negative space as a storytelling tool, Drago and Purcell avoid that, opting to give us shadows and pallor that are chilling. Thanks to his work as a stunt coordinator and stuntman, Drago understands the cinematographic dance between camera and character and using visual metaphor not only as exposition, but to build tension and fear. Working with editor Michael Tang, THE STAIRS has a perfect pacing that ebbs and flows, finding that sweet spot to not only ratchet up the tension but then holding those beats just long enough to scare and intrigue us.
I spoke at length with PETER “DRAGO” TIEMANN about the making of THE STAIRS, delving into:
- the inspiration for and story of THE STAIRS
- crafting the characters
- purposefully designing a film that is driven by characters and not action
- casting
- editing
- action sequences (of which there are a few)
- the importance of practical effects and stunts
- cinematography
- working with a colorist
- scoring
- directorial learning curve
- the collaborative nature and spirit of filmmaking
- and more!
TAKE A LISTEN. . .
by debbie elias, exclusive interview July 29, 2021
THE STAIRS is screening one night only on Thursday, August 12 at one of 700 theatres across the country! August 27th it will be available on digital and VOD platforms. But trust me when I say – see it on the big screen if you can!!
