Hellter interviews director and cast for LGBT Horror film The Small Woman in Grey!!
Hello Grue-Lings,
In honor of Gay Pride Month. We have a great interview for you all. The director and some cast for the LGBT camp horror film The Small Woman in Grey. I am so happy more and more LGBT horror films are being made and people aren’t scared to make one now. People used to be afraid to make a LGBT film and actors afraid to be in the films because the society wasn’t ready for that or open to it as much as they are now. You see more and more freedom and acceptance for the LGBT community and the films are coming more. Small Woman In Grey is a really good LGBT horror film. A must see. Written and directed by the very talented Andrew Eltham-Byers. Alot of amazing hunks for eye candy to. These actors nailed it. The film is about:
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A group of teenagers go for a partying weekend in the woods. Unknown to them the woods they have chosen is home to a legend. The legend of a young girl who was bullied and then committed suicide. Are the woods haunted by a peaceful spirit or a spirit hell bent on destruction? Or is everything not quite what it seems? Watch as our teenagers fight with all their might to survive until morning.
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Here is my interview with the director and some cast of The Small Woman in Gray:
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HELLTER: First question is for the director Andrew. What made you decide you wanted to write a gay horror film and where did you pick up some of your ideas at? Any influences to help you get the script going?
ANDREW: Myself and my partner (both in life and creatively) both had a love for film. We both enjoyed making short things and supporting other independent films – but we never seemed to take the leap into making our own movies. I am good friends with Felissa Rose (Sleepaway Camp), and I was talking to her about my desire to actually venture into making a full feature. I had reservations, thinking I didn’t have a budget, experience and personal commitments. It didn’t seem like it could ever be a proper opportunity for me / us to do it. Felissa encouraged me and offered lots of support; Felissa is a very kind and giving person – and basically said, “go for it” there is nothing that can go wrong. So with some motivation in my step – curtesy of Felissa, I did. When writing it, I just drew from all the films I had adored so much. I am a big lover of 80’s horror and it was a thought process of let’s make a film that I would want to see. I wasn’t concerned about breaking new ground, being the most original film ever to be created; I wanted a fun, horror – that had things that would interest me a viewer. I scoured the internet for inspiration, a starting point. Then I came across an urban legend [The Small Woman in Grey] which was a short piece and it made my mind think about expanding the short story and giving it a history to its events, and a post event story with characters that were interesting. I wanted it to be in a format I liked watching; using similar formats to Friday 13th and Sleepaway Camp. And the rest is history… we did it!! I am proud of the film, and what we achieved on the equivalent of pocket change in terms of film-making budgets.
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HELLTER: For Jesse, Matt, and Josh. What was the audition process like for The Small Woman in Gray and what made you want to make a Gay horror film?
MATT: Well I saw the advert on a casting website and immediately I was drawn to it as it was a feature length and not a short which is rare to see in this day and age. Location wasn’t to far and the plot sounded enjoyable so I applied. Now this is probably the part where I should say a vigorous and challenging audition was held and he Andrew made me work for my role in the movie but infact it was the complete opposite which I loved. A couple of successful brief chats regarding scheduling and what was required and the role was mine. Personally I think Andrew wanted a token ginger in his movie and this is his words not mine “He knows talent when he see’s it”.
JESSE: I applied for the film on a website called star now where performers/ creatives can go to look for jobs in the area that your wanting to be in! A few days later I got a message from Andrew talking about the film and and saying that he thinks I’d suit a role! I sent some links of videos of myself acting and we got to talking! Originally I was cast as jack but character wise agreed that Richard might be a better fit!
JOSH: The audition process was pretty simple stuff really! Saw a post about it online and applied then Andrew got back to me and we had a bit of a discussion both to do with the film and just general chat and from there Andrew decided the role for me! I think it was almost a natural decision as to who I was going to play, it just fell into place nicely. I wanted to do it because it was something I hadnt seen before to be honest! I thought it would bea great thing to be a part of. Plus I’m as gay as a rainbow so you know, it fits!
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HELLTER: I am glad more people are making Gay Horror Films. Horror is really big in the LGBT community and there really isn’t alot of gay horror films being made or made in the past. How do you all feel about the future of gay horror films and do you think more film makers will start doing it?
MATT: I think it’s fab. It gives the audience a refreshing change to the normal expected charactistics likely in a standard indie horror movie.
JESSE: I think there’s definitely still room for growth in the future and feel that more and more will get the chance to be made as time goes on.
JOSH: I think its definitely something there should be more of, for sure. It can add a lot of depth to a horror film I feel. Particularly in this film, it makes the whole situation feel a lot more human. People like the characters not just the scares!
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HELLTER: Andrew, tell us what The Small Woman in Grey is about?
ANDREW: The Small Woman in Grey is a combination of things; it is a classic slasher format (young adults alone without adult supervision, being in the woods with something wanting to harm them). We blend classic slasher with more recent trends and introduce supernatural elements and hauntings alongside revenge. It is a low budget indie movie with big aspirations, we have central LGBT characters and I hope a story that people enjoy following through and character that people care about.
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HELLTER: Josh, Jesse, and Matt. Tell us who your characters are in the film?
MATT: I play Stevie, he’s just your loveable BFGG ( Big Friendly Ginger Giant ) that everyone gets along with. Though not sure if that’s the description you want in a horror as they tend to not survive.
JESSE: I play Richard, Richard is your typical controlling, jealous, lousy boyfriend! With some serious anger issues! He goes on the trip just too keep and eye on his girlfriend (Laura) not to have a good time with everyone else! It was never revealed why Richard is like this or became this way but maybe we just need a Richard back story stand alone film to get these answers… 🤔
JOSH: I play a character called Jack who is the nice guy of the group I feel. He’s pretty shy around new people but he is good fun to be around and always has peoples best interests at heart. No spoilers but he definitely has a real emotional journey throughout the film, particularly through meeting Alex.
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HELLTER: Any funny stories to tell about being on set for the film?
MATT: A Small Women in Grey appeared from the bushes and stood in the middle of the set and just watched us for 10 minutes. Highly amusing but oddly creepy too.
JESSE: When filming one of my scenes I had to have this fake blood and I thought it’d be a good idea too put some in my mouth and spit it out as if I was choking on it but the blood was soo think and as I was laying down it didn’t spit out of my mouth, more just dribbled my cheek and into my eye.
JOSH: Oh we had a lot of funny times of set! The whole shoot was so much fun start to finish. I think one of the funniest (maybe less funny more terrifying) moments was on the first day. We found a small doll hanging in a tree. It was dirty and creepy as fuck, so naturally we decided to take it and use it as our film mascot! I believe it actually made it into the film, so eagle eyed viewers, keep an eye out!
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HELLTER: This is for everyone. What is your favorite scene and favorite scare in the film?
MATT: I love the unexpected double twist at the end which covers both scene and scare. #NoSpoilers!!
ANDREW: My favourite scenes are the end of the film, we have an eerie setting, and the voice of the legend that is Scream Queen; Brinke Stevens. I think the acting is amazing and for what we had looks great. I think my favorite scare is Matt’s death (SPOILERS). Think it is well timed and looks great. Poor Matt!!
JESSE: I quite like the arguing scene between Richard (me) and matts character ( stevie) that was a fun one to get into and film .
JOSH: My favourite scene, without any spoilers being given, was probably the final scene in the scout hut, I shall say no more…
Favorite scare for me is the very last one, again no spoilers! Just watch right to the end…
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HELLTER: Favorite kill?
MATT: Mine #NoSpoilers #Oops. My death scene was ace. Considering this is a low budget movie, I thought Darren did an ace job with all the deaths but mine just tipped it for me. Nothing better than filming at 1am in the woods.
ANDREW: There is a splitting in half that I enjoy, it makes me smile – we also have one final arrow in a death scene (I will say no more) as it brings a smile to my face!!
JESSE: Splitting in half! Can’t really top it I guess.
JOSH: Spoilers galore! Lets just say someone gets to die in a way that looks like “that scene” from Alien, and its great!
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HELLTER: Who is the best kisser, Matt Josh or Jesse?
MATT: (Laughs), well my character was to love blind not to even pick up on Stacey’s advances until she was dead (#DamnItAnotherSpoiler #SorryNotSorry) and Jesse’s character was too much of a knob (can I say that) to get any action on the trip so by order of elimination well done Josh!!
ANDREW: I never kissed any of my actors…nobody seemed to want to kiss me either – sad times.
JESSE: Didn’t really get a chance to see the others technique so can’t really judge (laughs).
JOSH: Me? Obviously…
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HELLTER: Andrew, if you had to pick Matt Josh or Jesse to protect you in the woods if you were being haunted by a ghost, who would you want with you and why?
ANDREW: Hmmm….I wouldn’t pick Matt, as he would make me laugh, or sing or do something to alert the ghost – so he is out. I wouldn’t pick Josh as he could out run me, leaving me for dead. Maybe Jesse as he is built like a terminator so might be able to fend off the evil spirits. Or at least keep it busy long enough for me to run away!
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HELLTER: Have any of you did a weekend party in the woods and if so, did you have fun?
MATT: (Laughs), no I’m far to much of an old man at heart, plus at 6ft 2 there’s no way I’m fitting in that tent.
ANDREW: I am not a camper; I did it once a rock festival – never again. I need a bed in my elder hood..
JOSH: Shooting this film was the most time I’ve ever spent in the woods (laughs). I’m not exactly one with nature, I much prefer the comfort of a bed! Plus have you seen what happens in the woods?!
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HELLTER: For Matt and Jesse. Being the straight actors of the film. How did you react to being in a gay horror film? Were you nervous if the director asked you to do a male on male kissing scene or male on male sex?
MATT: I didn’t see it as any different to being on a normal film set. We are here to do the job we signed up for and hopefully create something people of all genders, ages, sexuality’s and races will enjoy.
JESSE: To be honest I didn’t ever see it like that! It was just a film! We all just had a great time and got the work done!
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HELLTER: Andrew and Josh, have to put you on the spot. Who would you want a night of wild sex with, Matt or Jesse? (laughs) sorry guys. Have to ask this.
ANDREW: Umm…I don’t know – I am a married man, so nobody…. I don’t see me and Matt in a night of passion, as he makes me laugh too much I don’t think we would ever get anywhere. And Jesse is too young for me. (laughs) – dodged that bullet. Both are very handsome though!
JOSH: I mean, I’m not one to be unfair. So lets call it a threesome and be done with it!
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HELLTER: Did anyone pull pranks on the set?
MATT: Actually we were all quite on it with a busy filming schedule. Though we had a laugh in between takes etc it was a professional yet really relaxed time on set.
ANDREW: I didn’t, minus throwing the odd stone or stick at 2am in the middle of pitch black forest and creeping out some of the actors. Small things amuse me. There was a whole recorded incident of Josh being a dinosaur and Matt pretending to be his handler…the things that happen on set!!
JOSH: There were a few! As Andrew mentioned, mostly involving throwing things in the darkness of the woods. Which definitely freaked one actor out, naming no names!
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HELLTER: Jesse what was your work out routine? You have a great body.
JESSE: (Laughs). Well when I watch the film back I’m not actually too crazy about how I look, come a long way since then aha! My routine is normally 5-6 days a week in the gym 2-3 hours each time and I train each body part 2 a week.
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HELLTER: Andrew, will there be A Small Woman In Grey sequel?
ANDREW: You know what, I would love too. I have a mapped out the idea for one. Set 12 months later. I have it mostly all worked out. I guess if there is interest from people, and it is something people want to see, then of course I would be happy to revisit that world. Maybe I could start a campaign because I would love to go bigger and better with the 2nd one. What do you think? Should I?
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HELLTER: Andrew, I think you should make a sequel and start a kickstarter or something like that. I’ll help promote it as well. We need more LGBT Horror films out there. For the fans out there who haven’t seen this film. There are so many Ghost/Possession films. What differs A Small Woman in Grey from the rest of them?
MATT: It has something for everyone and offers twists and kills that are impressive for the low budget movie watching audience.
ANDREW: I think what stands us out from the crowd is, we are British – we are LGBT themed and focused and our main characters in the film are gay and that is rare. We have icons involved (Brinke, Felissa). We made it out of love, and though it isn’t a polished studio production we tried our best. We also have a lovely cast, and some funky deaths. And I will gladly speak to anyone about it, and signs dvds, etc. I think we are an accessible film which is important. More personal. Also we have an incredible soundtrack; songs from Matt Fishers debut album which are awesome. We also enlisted the incredible talents of Sam Hodge who is a filmmaker in America. He just finished his first film called “Twelve Pole” – check it out if you can its amazing. But his sounds and creations are pure stunning and really made our film come together and alive. I can’t thank him enough for that it is insane how talented Sam is.
JESSE: If you’re looking for a horror film that have gore and blood, and relationships, friendships and is story based instead of looking for the cheap scares then this is probably the film for you!
JOSH: I think the characters. There’s a lot of background there and its good to have a subplot to the whole “scary ghost coming to kill you” thing! It makes it actually quite relatable, which is rare in a horror I feel.
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HELLTER: For everyone, if the straight guys don’t know any, its ok (laughs). Besides A Small Woman in Gray, what is your favorite Gay or gay themed horror film?
MATT: Andrew and Darrens new movie in Post production “7 Boxes”. I know it as I am also in the movie alongside Josh again. Myself token Male ginger ( As there’s two gingers in this movie – not only appealing to the gay community but the ginger community too ) and Josh because he is outstanding performer. What I personally love is seeing the major progression in the writing and also the filming and editing ideas in Andrew and Darrens “SWIG” which i though was ace to “7 Boxes” which I think is gonna smash it out the park.
ANDREW: Hellbent is a goodie! Or Nightmare on Elm Street 2 (that counts right?)
JESSE: I dunno man the only that comes to mind is broke back but I haven’t seen it (laughs).
JOSH: This is where I put my hands up and say I don’t watch horror films hides face in shame I am happy to be in them but I am an absolute wet wipe when it comes to scary films (laughs)!
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HELLTER: Anything else anyone here wants to promote?
MATT: I was buzzing that Andrew asked if he could use some of my music on the soundtrack of the movie which I gladly accepted. He used 4 tracks “Devil Inside”, “Come Alive”, “Through It All” and “Don’t Fade Away”. The Album “Lifeline” is available on all streaming sites and you can also follow my music on social media @mfishermusic.
ANDREW: I am currently nearing the end of production on our second movie, it is called “Seven Boxes” [please insert a link to Facebook page]. Matt and Josh both are returning to work with me and Darren playing new characters. I am really excited about the new film, I think we have created something people are going to enjoy.
JOSH: I think I’ve heard there’s another film on its way??? Called 7 Boxes? Maybe? Just a feeling its gonna be a great film with twists and turns and emotions running high. Oh, and I’m in it! But this time with less hair and more beard. So its a win. Cannot wait to see it!
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HELLTER: Thank you all so much guys for joining Gruemonkey for our Gay Pride Month interview.
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ANDREW ELTHAM BYERS INSTAGRAM
ANDREW ELTHAM BYERS FACEBOOK
ANDREW ELTHAM BYERS IMDB
JESSE JAMES REYNOLDS FACEBOOK
JESSE JAMES REYNOLDS IMDB
JESSE JAMES REYNOLDS TWITTER
JOSH BODACIOUS BODEN FACEBOOK
JOSH BODEN IMDB
MATT FISHER FACEBOOK
THE SMALL WOMAN IN GREY IMDB
THE SMALL WOMAN IN GREY FACEBOOK
BUY THE SMALL WOMAN IN GREY ON AMAZON
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