One of the most prolific (and nicest) independent film producers working today, DAEMON HILLIN and I get together for yet another chat, this time about gthe action-horror film THE FLOOD.
Daemon never ceases to amaze me with his diversity as a producer. From horror to action to western mythology to historical action and now to a tension-driven action horror film with gators galore, I am convinced that there isn’t anything that Daemon can’t bring together and make happen.
Directed by one of Daemon’s longtime collaborators, Brandon Slagle, with script by Chad Law and Josh Ridgway, THE FLOOD boasts an impressive cast led by Casper Van Dien, Louis Mandylor, and Nicky Whelan. Joining them are, among others, Ryan Francis, Bear Williams, Eoin O’Brien, Randall J. Bacon, Mike Ferguson, and Devanny Pinn.
SYNOPSIS: “After a massive hurricane floods Louisiana, it unleashes a threat even deadlier than the rising water level: a relentless horde of giant hungry alligators. When a group of in-transit prisoners and their security guards seek shelter in a local prison, they become prey for the flesh-eating attackers. To survive, the prisoners and guards must fight together in this action thriller packed with slithery scares and jaw-clenching suspense.”
With a solid film team established in Thailand, or “film family” as Daemon likes to refer to his core group of collaborators, Daemon tapped Brandon Slagle to bite into this tale, a task which director Slagle does quite successfully.
With gators, gators, and more gators, the gator VFX is exceedingly well done (only 250 VFX shots in the entire film, and not all is for gators), most notably in scenes with gators rolling in hallways in ever-rising waters with a victim or two in its mouth and rotating like a vortex. Attention was definitely paid to the movements of gators both in water and on land in the design for THE FLOOD. Exceptional is the sound design, particularly the gator sounds with roars and the chomping of human bone, all of which are then beautifully mixed into a soundscape with thunder, lightning, torrential rain, multiple types of gunfire, and dialogue.
Also reteaming with cinematographer Niccolo De La Fere who worked with Daemon and Slagle on the historical action feature “Battle for Saipan” (which also starred much of the same cast as THE FLOOD), De La Fere develops a perfect color palette that is complemented by an innovative lighting design that makes excellent use of the confined space of the jail, not to mention constrictive water tanks.
Surprising about THE FLOOD is that there are only 9 1/2 minutes of gators on screen. However, thanks to James Kondelik’s keen editing and effective quick pacing, we get the sense that the gators have a lot more screen time than they do.
With no holds barred, DAEMON HILLIN dives deep into the “making of ” THE FLOOD in this exclusive interview as we discuss, among others:
- putting the film together so quickly and then a fast turnaround time from script to screen
- casting and performances (Ryan Francis is a real standout)
- character development
- building the set from scratch
- challenges of water, water, and more water
- dealing with mud and dirt
- costuming and quantity given that the actors are in water for approximately 90% of the film
- armaments on set
- Nico De La Fere’s cinematography; lighting design; refraction and reflection and viscosity of the water; aspect ratio
- VFX process for the gators
- James Kondelik’s editing
- selling the gator moments, especially with a limited budget
- challenges of boots-on-the-ground producing
- the importance of having a team you can trust
- getting everyone in sync
- shooting in Thailand and why it’s a great place for filming
- and more!
TAKE A LISTEN. . .
by debbie elias, exclusive interview 06/16/2023
THE FLOOD is currently in select theatres and available digitally and On Demand.
