INT: Chris Shadley

Last Updated on July 26, 2021

Second unit director CHRIS SHADLEY
just graduated to the top of the filmmaking food chain via his feature
length directorial debut NINE DEAD which stars Melissa Joan Hart and the
great Daniel Baldwin. And if I go by its

TRAILER, the flick
which is slated to be released early next year, look promising! Chris
recently got kidnapped by a couple of AITH goons and was then slapped in a
dark room and forced to answer a series of questions at gun point. Here’s
what came out of it.

What was it about the NINE DEAD screenplay that made you say; I want to
direct this?

It was the kind
of script that once you started it you couldn’t put it down. It wasn’t the
same old story just revisited. It was nice to find a script that focused on
story and acting instead of effects.

You’ve worked as a video assistant, a production assistant and as a second
unit director in films before; was directing a feature always your ultimate
goal or did it just kind of happen?

I actually
started out wanting to be an actor. It wasn’t until I started working behind
the scenes that I really found my passion for directing. I wanted to learn
all aspects of the process. As a PA you kind of get to work with all
departments and see what everyone does. It is a great place to start. I went
the route of Video Assist because you get to work directly with Directors.
You record everything the camera sees so that you have it for them to watch
instantly or refer back to. Honestly, for me it was like going to school and
getting paid. The experience I gained was invaluable.

You cast Melissa Joan Hart as the lead in your film. Not the most obvious
choice taking into account her past work. What was it about Melissa that
made her your “it” girl for this?

I kind of grew
up watching Melissa as did a lot of people my age (30’s). When we started
looking for money we used all the resources we had made while working in the
industry. We had a connection to her and I believed she could bring this
role to life. I also felt she might be up to the challenge of something
different than she had done in the past. A more serious adult type role. We
got her the script and the rest is history.

The forever underrated Daniel Baldwin is also in the movie; how prominent is
his role and how was he to work with?

Daniel was
great. He was a professional. We had mutual respect for each other. His role
in the original script was much larger than what ended up in the final edit.
During the edit the story took a little bit of a turn and his role was cut
down.

NINE DEAD was your directorial debut. What would you say was the most
challenging aspect of the production?

It was getting
the money to get the film made. We spent a little over 5 years searching for
financing before it happened. When we finally got into filming the hardest
part was making sure we shot everything we needed. We had such a tight
schedule – we didn’t have any time to waste.

What kind of style were you aiming for visually on your film? Do you feel
that you’ve accomplished it?

I wanted
something kind of dark but still compelling for the audience. I wanted to
make you feel as if you were in this situation with the characters. In the
end I feel proud of what we did. I believe that it will grab your attention
and hold it all the way through.

How many days did it take you to shoot the picture?

We had 15 days
to shoot it but what actually ended up on the screen in the end is only 11
days worth. It was quite challenging, we were shooting on average 6 to 9
pages a day. We lucked out and shot on a sound stage in Baton Rouge LA.

Did you improvise a lot on set or did you mostly keep to the script?

I tried to keep
to the script for the first take or so, then give the actors the freedom to
bring themselves into as well. I was always open to suggestions. You never
know where genius is going to come from.

What would be the most valuable thing that you’ve learned as a director on
this gig?

Make sure you
have a vision and a plan to reach that vision. The most important part of
the plan is to surround yourself with amazingly talented people. My DP Mark
Vargo ASC. was my saving grace. Also, that there is a lot more to making a
Movie than everyone thinks there is. It’s over a year later and I am still
working on things for this film.

Watching the NINE DEAD trailer I couldn’t help but think of SAW. Was the
latter an inspiration? What are the differences that make you film stand on
its own in your opinion?

We hear that a
lot. The truth is we started shopping this script back before the first SAW
ever came out. This film is about revenge and morality. It’s not about the
most creative way to kill someone or how disgusting it can be. It is
completely story driven and I think everyone will be able to identify with
one of the characters.

Where is the film at in terms of worldwide distribution?

US DVD will be
out sometime in February through Image Entertainment. The rest of the world
is still be worked out, we had our “World Premiere” at the American Film
Market on the 6^th of November and there was a lot of interest so
we will see. Fabrication Films has the rights to all non US.

A NINE DEAD sequel. Feasible? Would you be interested in returning to it?

The way this
one ends there is a possibility for a sequel. I’m not sure if I would want
to do it. I think I personally would be more interested in doing a Prequel
if I were to revisit “Nine Dead”

What’s next for you as a director, anything else lined up?

I am working on
a few new scripts and am always on the lookout for more. I plan to have
another project started by the end of this year or the first of next. It
will either be another Thriller/Horror or an Action Adventure. I will keep
you all in the loop.

What was the first drink you guzzled down at the NINE DEAD wrap party?

It started with
a Dr. Pepper, then moved to Corona followed by I can’t really remember.

VISIT THE NINE DEAD OFFICIAL SITE HERE