Exclusive Interview: Addison Heath & Jasmine Jakupi (My Cherry Pie)
The popularity of slasher films is undeniable and of course has inspired many people to want to leave their own mark on this very popular sub-genre of horror. What slasher films inspired you to make MY CHERRY PIE?
AH: The first films that came to mind in the writing process were Frederick R. Friedel’s 1974 video nasty classic, Axe (or Lisa, Lisa) and My Bloody Valentine. We were also heavily inspired by the greatest slasher film of all time, Friday The 13th part 6: Jason Lives.
JJ: And Pieces, of course!
What can you tell us about MY CHERRY PIE without giving anything away?
AH: My Cherry Pie is a throwback to the golden era of slasher films, the 80s. We wanted to make something that would fit right at home playing at a sleazy grindhouse theatre but also inject our Australian sense of humour into it. We liked the idea of a 70s Aussie exploitation crime film that gets interrupted by a 1981 slasher film.
Generally, when genre fans think of Australian movies (or Ozploitation as they have been coined) they will mention films such as Wolf Creek or Turkey Shoot. Are you a fan of either of these movies?
AH: I love both of those movies. Particularly Turkey Shoot. Brian Trenchard-Smith is the greatest Australian film-maker of all time and we owe a great debt to the work he did. We actually got to have dinner with Brian last year while we shot our latest film and he is the best. He told us stories of the good old days and we hung out at his amazing house in rural Oregon. It was a total dream come true.
JJ: I absolutely love Turkey Shoot, stupid amounts of love for that movie.
What Australian movies do you think genre fans should add to their watch list if they haven’t already seen them?
AH: Well everything by Brian Trenchard-Smith and Daniel Armstrong. Chopper is a masterpiece. Lake Mungo and The Loved Ones are both fantastic Aussie horror films. I guess, I just hope international audiences don’t think all Aussie cinema is super bleak kitchen-sink dramas. We still know how to have fun with cameras and a bucket of blood.
JJ: I would have to add Nitram, Bad Boy Bubby & Ribspreader.
Other than yourself, are there any other Australian filmmakers, actors, writers etc that you feel are on the rise and should be ones to keep an eye on?
AH: We love Daniel Armstrong. He made Sheborg Massacre, Tarnation, and Murderdrome. He is a film-making beast and he makes insanely creative and entertaining films. We are also big fans of Andrew McKenzie, he wrote Sweetwater and is an authority on Westerns and Hard-boiled crime films. A massive talent.
JJ: Don’t forget Dick Dale & Andrew Leavold, Aussie cinema legends.
You have done a mixture of things in your filmmaking career but when it comes to filmmaking what is your favourite part of the process?
AH: My answer was always editing but after the last few projects, it’s definitely the production. Being on set with actors and playing and creating scenes. Thats what it is all about. Working with our crew, we have a family atmosphere. There’s a deep love and respect to all involved so just getting to spend time with those people is my favourite aspect of filmmaking.
JJ: I would absolutely agree, production is always the most fun, especially when there’s blood around. Our crew are the happiest when it’s gore time!
On the flipside of the previous question, what do you find the hardest or at least is more of a struggle when it comes to filmmaking?
AH: Rejection is brutal but you get thick-skinned after a while. I would say, as an Aussie filmmaker, it’s hard to make genre films in this country. There doesn’t seem to be a high enough demand and distributors down under don’t seem interested at all in local films. I have had conversations about this with a few really great local filmmakers and unfortunately, it seems to be this way across the board. It’s disappointing but thankfully there are great international distributors that can help get our work out.
JJ: As an indie filmmaker, you wear many hats ranging from Producer all the way to Crafty. I would say the hardest part is trying to fend off burnout. You are working every part of the process from inception of the idea through to final export, it’s months, if not years of work.
What are your Top 3 horror films from any decade?
AH: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974), Audition (1999), The Thing (1982).
JJ: The Shining (1980), American Psycho (2000), Climax (2018).
For any budding filmmakers out there, what is the best piece of advice that you could give them?
AH: Just stay true to your voice. Make your films personal and be prepared to break your back for it but know that the end is totally worth it. Do it for the love of movies.
JJ: My advice would be to keep making things with whatever you have access to. Big ideas don’t have to cost a lot, just get creative with your problem-solving.
Finally, what projects do you have coming up?
AH: We are currently finishing up our latest film An American Masquerade. We shot it on the West Coast last year. It stars Elissa Dowling, Yoji Yamada, Ezra Buzzington, Trent Haaga and Dylan Heath (from My Cherry Pie). I am incredibly proud of it and can’t wait to set a premiere date for it. Hopefully before the end of the year.
JJ: We also have finally secured distribution for one of our earlier films, I can’t say too much but expect another release from us later this year.
Interview by Peter ‘Witchfinder‘ Hopkins
VIPCO & BayView Entertainment have released My Cherry Pie on Blu-ray (Region FREE) in the USA.