Indie film writer and director William Sanders has been on a whirlwind of emotions this past week as his dream of directing his vision of a Halloween spin off, "Last Supper: The Russelville Hacksaw Murders" is getting plenty of attention in the world of horror. Today we got a chance to catch up with William for a little one on one interview...

Follow up:

First things first, how did you get started in film-making and what are some of the films that left an impression on you at an early age?


I am a film fanatic and have been in and around the business in one form or another my whole life. Until recently, I was more of a promoter helping promote mainstream to indie films, horror sites and conventions. I have written many scripts and stories, none published, just for fun. Last Supper will be my first film to direct, but don’t let that discourage you. I have experienced advisors and crew. I am a firm believer, that a leader is only as good as his team. When I pitched the idea to some of the folks behind this, I was actually looking for a director, but quickly everyone I pitched it to said I have such a great description of the way the scenes lay out and so much thought has went into this that I would be the best candidate for directing it. Myself and anyone who knows me, knows that I have and will give this film my all.

Growing up I have been fascinated with horror since I can remember watching films such as Halloween, Night Of The Living Dead, Last Man On Earth; there are really to many to list. But John Carpenter and George Romero films stand far above the rest.



"Last Supper" is such a unique idea for a film and one that suprisingly hasn't been tackled already. It's such a simple line of dialouge from the film but one that perks everyone's interest. Why was that line inlcuded and what was the story behind it? Was it that question that kept haunting you to finally put it on paper and eventually screen?



Ol’ Charlie Bowles has stuck out to me since first viewings of Halloween. What did he do with that hacksaw? What ever he did it wasn’t good. I wrote a short story years back, then adapted in to a short script, That script was part of a horror anthology was was working on, but this tale consumed me and took center stage.

As I researched and found out about the real Charlie Bowles and why John wrote that name in the line of dialogue, I was even more intrigued. The real Mr. Bowles, a theatre owner and manager, was respected and a big part of Russellville Ky, Not Illinois, we can thank Carpenter for that and implying the monstrous acts he committed. Back before John Carpenter become the master we know, he was just a film fan, just like us and Bowles was one of many that helped feed that passion for films. From what I hear, Bowles was a true showman, in every sense of the word. I connect to that, as cinema palaces and multiplexes are where I come from, they are the last step of the film industry. Theatre managers and owners used to be showmen of trade and a big key to the success of films. That has changed now days, but I hope to bring some of that showman’s magic to the tale before Bowles makes his final decent into madness.



What can you tell us about the plot without giving to much away?


The small town of Russellville, Illinois changed forever that Halloween. Charlie Bowles had always been a great asset and honored member of the community. People knew him as the owner and showmen of the local theatre. He was a loving husband and father of two children, who devoted most of his free time to volunteering at ballparks and hosting community events.

As we follow the family along the month of October, we see more and more what a happy family they are, but Charlie’s change brings stress and dangerous emotions on the family.

Finally on Halloween evening as the Bowles eat dinner and get ready for the night’s festivities, Charlie takes a final downward spiral into madness and proceeds to… You will have to watch for the rest.



This is no doubt a large project that your tackling. How has putting the pieces togehter been? Does your production team consit of mainly friends wanting to pitch in or have you had to hire outside help?

Christopher Neal, friend, co-director and editor of Last Supper has been in production locally in Birmingham, Al. in all forms TV, commercials, music videos and films. Him an I go way back, we produce a short film back in 2006 “Shot In The Dark” and have collaborated on writing projects for some time. Marcus Koch from Oddtopsy FX (100 Tears, Sinners and Saints, Toxic Avenger IV) is doing props and some of the effects work on the film. I met Marcus back in 2006, we became friends and I helped on promotions for 100 Tears. Hunter Gadbois is an up and coming composer who is doing an original score for the project, based on Carpenter’s Bowling Greenesque style. Then a lot of people just heard about the project and contacted me and are pitching in, local help has been fanastic.


Budgetary issues are always a concern with any project let alone an indie film. How has funding came along for this project and has the recent publicity of the film sparked any backers for the film?

Most of it so far is self funded. We have a few contributors like, Bear Trap Productions out of Wisconsin has contributed funds as well as friends, family and associates. The 10,000 dollar budget is coming along fine.



What can we expect film style from you on this project. Will you be referencing Michael Myers? Do you expect your film style to mimic Carpenter's at all and what can we expect setting wise?

There will be a lot of Halloween (Holiday) atmosphere in the film, as well as a small Midwestern fell. I know we are filming in Alabama, but from where we are shooting it has a real Midwest feel. There are references to Haddonfield, Myers and places in the script. I have sent the first draft of the script and treatment to Trancas to get approval on some of them, but for the most part we are good to go. If Trancas wants us to take out some of the more obvious references to Myers and Haddonfield, we will and it will not hurt the story I have written about Bowles at all. I hope they let us include them because fans are gonna love them.


You mention you want to give the film a Halloween (holiday) type feel. One of our favorite films is the movie "Trick 'R Treat". What are your thoughts on that film and will that be in the back of your mind when shooting this October?

Stange you ask that. In my opinion "Trick 'R Treat" should have been in the Halloween franchise, if they would have ever wanted to do a Halloween film in the franchise like they did with the under rated "Season of the Witch", Trick or Treat" would have been it and is in my mind. "Trick 'R Treat" is in mind as well in Last Supper.


The main character of "Last Supper" and hacksaw murder Charlie Bowles is no doubt a cold, callous man. Does he have any ties to the background of Michael Myers, is he similar in the way that he just snapped?

He just snaps with no real motive. Its funny you ask that because in the original short story I wrote Charlie has a close relation to Michael.


What can you tell us about working with Trancas International on this project? Have they been supportive of your ideas?


Trancas is always supportive of their fans, but they have to protect their rights and property, that is understandable. They have been very kind and answered questions for me. I have been in contact with Trancas before so they know who I was. I have the upmost respect for Trancas Films, Malek Akkad and the late great producer Moustapha Akkad. I could only hope they join in completely on this project…maybe?



What would you like to say to all the rabid Halloween fans that are excited for this film to come out?


The team and I are setting out to make a film that Halloween fans as well as those who know nothing of it will accept. The story about Charlie, so there is no chance of Michael being in it, but I will say that it co-exist with Judith’s murder. I feel that fans will love this story as long as they remember that… Every town has a story.


When should we expect the film to hit DVD? Will you try to get this as a limited release or will there be a Blu-ray option at this point?

We are going the film festival route first from there, only time and reviews will tale. But we are hoping for DVD and BD distribution so fans and film watchers everywhere can enjoy it. That is what counts the most that people see it.



What can you reveal to us that you haven't leaked yet? Something for us to feast on while waiting for filming to start this October?


One, I am in touch with two original cast members from John Carpenter's Halloween one has been locked but we are confirming his schedule to avoid conflict the other I made an offer and waiting to hear back, but fans will be very pleased.

Two, I have written one of my idols the master behind all this John Carpenter and asked for his blessing. So hopefully Mr. Carpenter will say grace for our Last Supper.

Last but not least...Happy Halloween!



To read even more about William Sanders and this project CLICK HERE.

A big thanks to William for sitting down with us for this. It was truly our pleasure. To find out more about "Last Supper: The Russelville Hacksaw Murders" click here.

Source: HorrorBid