BTL Radio Show – 07/13/2026 with guest director/co-writer/actor BRITT BANKHEAD talking THE TOWN THAT TAKES

 

 

 

A new filmmaker for you today on BEHIND THE LENS!  BRITT BANKHEAD – director, co-writer, producer, and lead actor joins me talking about his narrative feature directorial debut, THE TOWN THAT TAKES.

How many of you remember some of your elementary school lessons about the early settlers of the colonies? I know I do, and so does Britt, and he is bringing us an interesting and entertaining film that blends the legend of CROATOAN with a present-day mystery-horror film that focuses on those 115 settlers in Roanoke, Virginia, who went missing in the 1500s.

Inspired by CROATOAN, the only clue left behind following the disappearance of the Lost Colony of Roanoke, the film transforms one of America’s most enduring unsolved mysteries into a chilling blend of Southern Gothic atmosphere, investigative suspense, a whodunnit, and supernatural terror, and lots of old-school action.

For generations, historians, researchers, authors, and paranormal enthusiasts have searched for answers surrounding the disappearance of the Roanoke colonists. Science and documents have shown what theoretically happened, but with no definitive explanation ever discovered, the event remains one of the most debated mysteries in American history. The only clue left behind was a single word in Algonquin:  CROATOAN.

The official synopsis for THE TOWN THAT TAKES is that this is the story of Dean Richardson, a troubled Army veteran living alone in Georgia, who travels to North Carolina following the sudden death of his ex-wife. After the funeral, he brings his estranged twelve-year-old son, Wyatt, home with him in hopes of rebuilding their fractured relationship.

Their journey takes an unexpected turn when they stop in a small backwoods town haunted by whispers surrounding the mysterious word “CROATOAN.” After encountering unsettling locals and witnessing increasingly strange events, Dean finds himself caught in a growing nightmare when a motel clerk is found brutally murdered, and he becomes the prime suspect.

As veteran Detective Douglas O’Shea and rookie Detective St. Clair investigate a series of unexplained deaths connected to the area, evidence begins pointing to something far more sinister than a simple murder case. Reports of impossible attacks, missing persons, and strange encounters spread throughout the county while Wyatt suddenly disappears.

Forced into an uneasy alliance with O’Shea, Dean races to find his son and uncover the truth behind the legend of CROATOAN before an ancient evil claims another victim.

Directed by Britt Bankhead, and written by Bankhead and Jon Blaze, THE TOWN THAT TAKES stars Bankhead as Dean Richardson, Miles Mussenden and Grace Patterson as Detectives O’Shea and St. Claire, respectively, Nico Tirozzi as young Wyatt (and he is fantastic), and Mike Markoff as Officer Adams.

And it’s not just Britt Bankhead wearing multiple hats.  Joining him is Jon Blaze, who, in addition to being co-writer, is also cinematographer and editor.  As you’re about to hear in this exclusive interview, Britt and I also pay great attention to composer Edward Antoine, sound mixer Landon Lipinski, and stunt coordinator John Moio, whom I first met some 44 years ago.  He’s now 87 and STILL knocking ‘em dead with old-school car chases and fight scenes!

In this exclusive conversation, Britt and I dig deep into the challenges and creative decisions of bringing this story to life, not the least of which is Britt’s workload of wearing multiple hats on the project.  And as comes as no surprise, Britt does admit that, while rewarding, he would likely not take on so many roles simultaneously in the future due to the intense demands and lack of sleep.  Britt reflects on the challenges of directing and acting simultaneously, the importance of trusting his team, and the need for adaptability on an indie film set. The editing process, led by Jon Blaze, was described as collaborative and crucial to maintaining tension, especially in key scenes like a powerful interrogation sequence.

We’re talking location scouting and the benefit of having an entire community on board with your film shoot, especially the police department, which allowed them to shut down intersections and perform practical stunts, including old-school car chases and fight scenes under the tutelage of stunt coordinator Moio.  Key to the film is that Britt prioritized practical effects, including a unique creature and the extensive use of makeup and blood effects reminiscent of 1980s slasher films.

A big part of our conversation deals with the collaborative relationship between Britt and Jon Blaze, especially in developing the film’s visual style, shot lists, and handling the logistics of night shoots and complex action sequences. And casting!  Britt’s got a solid cast with two amazing standouts.

Of course, I had to ask what Britt learned about himself as a filmmaker in making THE TOWN THAT TAKES.  Think perseverance, teamwork, and the importance of not overextending oneself by taking on too many roles.  Bottom line is that THE TOWN THAT TAKES is a strong directorial debut for Britt Bankhead.

Take a listen as director/co-writer/producer/ and lead actor BRITT BANKHEAD talks all things THE TOWN THAT TAKES.

 

THE TOWN THAT TAKES is now in select theatres.

 

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