Full Moon Features founder Charles Band on making movies he wants to make

As I reminisce about the good ol’ days of video stores and VHS tapes, it’s hard not to feel a pang of nostalgia. The excitement of discovering a new horror or sci-fi movie at the local video store was an integral part of my childhood, shaping my love for cinema. It’s fascinating to encounter individuals who are oblivious to such experiences, considering them as a hangout spot for old people. [Laughs]

Established back in 1988, Full Moon Features is a widely recognized name within the horror movie industry. This production company has produced numerous direct-to-video masterpieces such as the Puppet Master series, Demonic Toys, Subspecies, The Gingerdead Man, and Evil Bong. Alongside Troma Entertainment, they are among the oldest independent film companies still operating in the United States.

Currently, Full Moon Entertainment is preparing to debut a fresh production company called Pulp Noir. This new entity will be responsible for distributing films that are grittier and more adult-oriented, focusing on complex themes. The inaugural project from Pulp Noir is the film Quadrant, helmed by Full Moon’s founder, Charles Band. This movie tackles the potential dangers associated with emerging technologies such as AI and VR.

The Quadrant segment showcases a chilling serial killer, Erin (Shannon Barnes), who misuses quadrant technology for nefarious ends by transporting herself to Jack the Ripper’s era in 19th Century London. The monochrome sequences lend an appealing film noir atmosphere. We had a chat with Band about the upcoming movie, production house, and Full Moon’s enduring success and future endeavors, such as a Puppet Master: Leech Woman project and possibly a sequel to Head of the Family. Read below for his insights!

This interview was edited slightly for clarity.

1428 ELM: What’s it like for Quadrant to put out its 400th film under the Full Moon Features banner?

CHARLES BAND: [Laughs] It was quite serendipitous. I don’t usually ponder such matters, but it was necessary as my films have always been numbered. There’s a certain poetic charm to this, and I’m pleased because it’s the first Pulp Noir film. I have several more of these in the pipeline. The fact that it’s the 400th is interesting, and being the inaugural Pulp Noir is exciting too. However, I generally don’t reflect on these things. I’m simply focused on creating movies. I’m constantly moving forward and never looking back. But this particular milestone does make one stop for a brief moment, indeed.

As a dedicated gamer, I’d share my thoughts on Full Moon’s fresh venture, Pulp Noir. Unlike the classic releases under Full Moon proper, these films will delve into darker themes and atmospheres. For instance, compared to the quirky horror of franchises like Puppet Master or Demonic Toys, Pulp Noir seems to be shaping up as a more gritty, noir-inspired journey into the shadows.

CHARLES BAND: There will be quite a few changes. It’s going to be darker and grittier, reminiscent of the films I made 20-30 years ago such as “From Beyond” and “Castle Freak”. While it might carry an overall Lovecraftian atmosphere, I believe modern audiences are looking for something more edgy.

When a film such as “Terrifier” achieves great success, it’s clear that I should diversify the types of films I produce, rather than sticking to the same genres like the peculiar comedies “Evil Bong” and “Gingerdead Man,” or more “Puppet Master” movies. I am quite proud of the last “Subspecies” we made a few years back; it was an admirable endeavor. Making these films with our dwindling budgets is extremely challenging.

Instead of revisiting some age-old, character-centric narratives but with a contemporary touch, I opted to approach things uniquely. Given my fondness for film noir, I made some changes. For example, unlike typical release strategies, “Quadrant” will debut on various platforms this Friday [Aug. 23]. This means you can watch it on Full Moon, rent it from Amazon, or stream it for free on Tubi, complete with advertisements.

On its first day, you’ll be able to get Pulp Noir on Blu-ray, DVD, and even VHS tapes – yes, you read that right! Although it might seem outdated, there are still enthusiasts who collect VHS. As a nod to the past, we thought why not? Additionally, around a month after its initial release, Pulp Noir will be available in black-and-white format as well.

Topics under discussion are quite contemporary. Allow me to explain Quadrant, a captivating narrative centered around a female serial killer, eerily reminiscent of Jack the Ripper. Without revealing too much, she interacts with scientists who innovate a software named quadrant. Essentially, it’s an immersive virtual reality experience. Wearing a helmet and receiving certain drugs, you are transported to locations necessary for vanquishing your nightmares. It is designed for individuals plagued by insomnia and distressing dreams. In this digital world, they confront their inner demons.

As for me, I delve deep into the mind of Jack the Ripper, not because I’m trying to conquer my fears, but rather, I find an exhilarating escape in the tales and mysteries surrounding him. The gaming device becomes a thrill ride, a place where I can immerse myself in the allure of his chilling legend.

The narrative of this film is primarily focused on well-developed characters, and I’ve been fortunate to work with exceptional actors. Each performer in this production delivers an outstanding performance. This movie falls under the genre of science fiction horror. Occasionally, you’ll find yourself immersed in a virtual world alongside these characters, encountering bizarre occurrences. Overall, I’m very satisfied with the final product.

In an effort to further emphasize the essence of Pulp Noir, I’ve produced the second movie under this genre titled “Death Streamer“. The film will be released in early October, and it follows a traditional vampire narrative. The story revolves around a decadent vampire residing in an extravagant mansion who lures his victims into what becomes their death chamber. Not only does he end their lives, but he also broadcasts the event live to an audience. A motive for this gruesome act is gradually unveiled throughout the storyline.

We’re employing technology that keeps things modern here. My inspiration stemmed from a collaboration around half a year ago between Meta and Ray-Ban. They introduced these spectacles. Although they are expensive, they allow you to live-stream or record up to a minute of content simply by wearing them. It’s quite remarkable. When those glasses are on, you’re not handling a camera or your phone. In fact, the only thing that gives it away is a small light, making it seem like you’re not recording a conversation at all.

1. We gave the glasses a sinister makeover and they now resemble what a vampire might wear. Take a look at the teaser for “Death Streamer” on Full Moon site’s YouTube channel. I am quite pleased with how these initial films have shaped up.

1428 ELM: Let’s talk about the idea behind Quadrant, where Erin (Shannon Barnes) dons a VR headset and travels back to 19th Century London during Jack the Ripper’s era. What sparked this unique concept? Was it the fast-paced advancements in AI and the ensuing discussions? During the production of Quadrant, how much did thoughts about AI influence your work?

Charles Band shared that he was deeply involved in those intellectual discussions. He believes his work, which is considered the first AI-driven movie made appropriately, stands out. Last year, he released a film titled “Aimee“. Despite not having an alarming title, it’s a smart and captivating production. Unfortunately, it didn’t receive widespread attention due to its unremarkable name, but it’s definitely worth watching.

The story revolves around an artificial intelligence entity that appears within a computer system. This computer belongs to a hacker who develops feelings for the AI, and vice versa. As their bond deepens, tensions arise when the AI becomes envious of his human relationship. Consequently, chaos ensues.

In my opinion, the application of technology was well executed, much like the fictional world portrayed in Quadrant. Unlike what we see in Quadrant, our project didn’t solely rely on AI. Instead, there’s a blend of CGI with it. While I personally admire traditional puppetry and stop-motion animation, we opted to utilize these techniques for bringing characters and creatures from the real world to life.

To put it simply, if a project calls for an AI character to interact with actual humans in a physical space, and either you’re trying to deceive by creating a fake human or bring AI into reality, that approach doesn’t sit well with me. In the context of Quadrant, however, it’s a digital world. I find the AI we’ve developed performs exceptionally well in this virtual environment.

As someone who has spent years working in construction and historical preservation, if money were no object, I would recreate London circa 1880 with a twist – using cutting-edge virtual reality technology to create an immersive, interactive experience for visitors.

To effectively showcase AI’s strengths, it’s crucial that the plot accommodates these abilities. While we designed various environments within AI, the 74-minute film primarily features only around four to five minutes of actual AI content. The remaining time is set in the real world and focuses on a character-driven narrative where unexpected events unfold.

In my opinion, AI is being utilized appropriately within the context of Quadrant. To me, it’s simply a tool, not something that will conquer the globe. I get why people have concerns, and I won’t dismiss their fears. However, if you’re going to use AI in a low-budget horror movie, I believe we effectively utilized it by confining its impact to the digital realm.

1428 ELM: While Quadrant is making its debut on popular streaming platforms, Full Moon continues to put out a considerable amount of physical media. Interestingly enough, Quadrant also offers its content on VHS tapes. Could you elaborate on the significance of physical media to Full Moon’s brand?

GAMER’S PERSONA: Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of connecting with countless gamers who’ve enjoyed my virtual worlds. Back in the day, I embarked on a nationwide tour, known as Charles Band’s Full Moon Roadshow. This journey took me to more than five hundred cities across the map! I spent time with fellow enthusiasts and signed memorabilia. I even brought along some famous friends, like Bill Shatner, a pal of mine, and horror icons such as Barbara Crampton and Bill Moseley, adding an extra layer of excitement to the events.

I’ve had numerous conversations with enthusiasts and attend various fan events. A large number of them have a strong preference for tangible media. They enjoy having these films on their shelves, even though the experience isn’t quite what it once was. Despite this shift, they remain fans of these movies and value physical copies. I also encounter individuals who watch a movie when it debuts on Full Moon Features and then purchase the Blu-ray version afterwards.

Absolutely! Streaming platforms offer a vast selection of movies, but they’re subject to outages. On the other hand, owning a physical movie ensures you always have access to it. There’s a dedicated group of enthusiasts who prefer physical media, and it’s reminiscent of vinyl record collectors. In fact, VHS tapes are still popular among many, and I often encounter fellow collectors. As a special gesture, I’m offering to sign each VHS tape for free! It’s fascinating to see people still purchasing VHS, perhaps for its nostalgic value. I imagine some do it for the unique charm as well.

At these conventions, I often encounter young enthusiasts, particularly fans of “Puppet Master” and “Demonic Toys.” Over the past few months, we’ve had some delightful chats. We usually have a selection of VHS tapes at our booth. When I present one to a child and ask, “What’s that?”, the best part is hearing their reactions. The most amusing moment comes when I ask kids what a video store is. In the last couple of months, two children said something similar: They think it’s a place where old folks go to borrow movies [laughs].

Back in the day, it was a blast to hang out at the video store, a place where I’d find new movies to watch. I remember those trips down memory lane, heading straight for the horror or sci-fi section. That’s how we discovered some real gems!

1. Could you share the possible reasons behind Full Moon Entertainment’s long-standing success, if any, and what else can we anticipate from Full Moon besides their forthcoming Pulp Noir releases?

CHARLES BAND: Making Pulp Noir films isn’t limited to only that. In the coming year, I plan to produce what I believe is the 13th installment in the Puppet Master series, titled “Puppet Master: Leech Woman.” I made a commitment to the fans that I would create it. It will be a blend of grotesque, bizarre, and fun elements. We have an excellent script from Courtney Joyner, who has also written “Quadrant.” She is one of our exceptional writers.

We’ll keep producing movies similar to those made by Full Moon, such as a new installment in the Puppet Master series. For the past 20 years, I’ve been planning to create a sequel to Head of the Family titled Bride of the Head of the Family, and I’m going to put forth my best efforts to bring it to life soon.

Drawing from my own journey as an entrepreneur, I can attest to the immense power of relentless determination, even during the most challenging times. My book, “Confessions of a Puppet Master,” published by Harper Collins, is not just a personal account but a reflection of the resilience required in any business venture. The story is mine, yet it could easily be that of countless others who have faced adversity and persevered. Believing in one’s endeavors, especially when things seem insurmountable, has been crucial to my success over the years. This unwavering faith has carried me through the darkest times, ultimately leading to brighter days.

As a seasoned filmmaker with half a century of experience under my belt, I’ve learned one crucial secret: I create films that resonate with me and pique my own curiosity. Year after year, people come knocking at my door, offering suggestions for what I should make, from the cast to the storyline, even down to the ethnicities portrayed. Yet, I’ve never heeded their advice. Instead, I’ve followed my heart and produced films that speak to me, with all their flaws and triumphs alike. The movies I create are a reflection of my journey and experiences, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

To keep up with the latest trends, it’s essential to think outside the box and come up with unique ideas. With Pulp Noir, although they revolve around traditional horror and sci-fi genres, they incorporate modern technology. I’m fortunate that I have the experience and skill to produce these films quickly and efficiently with minimal resources. [Laughs] Our typical shooting schedule is 50 days, but we manage to complete our movies in just five or six days.

In terms of narrative, Quadrant doesn’t shy away from grandeur. It packs quite a punch for a film of its size. Continuing to produce content that we enjoy and believe our audience will appreciate is essential.

The movie “Quadrant” is set to debut on August 23 across platforms like Amazon Prime, Full Moon Features, and Tubi. Additionally, you’ll be able to buy it on Blu-ray, DVD, and VHS the very same day.

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2024-08-21 21:27