"The Night Shift" is a supernatural-adventure-comedy about Rue Morgan, the undead night watchman at Pinewood Oaks Cemetery. Rue, along with his buddy Herb, a limbless corpse, spends his nights trying to keep the cemetery's cantankerous residents in, and his days dreaming of a date with hard-nosed day-shifter, Claire. It's an okay afterlife until a scourge of supernatural occurrences leaves Rue not only watching the cemetery, but also watching his back!

We caught up with writer/director, Thomas Smith to talk about the film.

Horror News Network: How did you come up with the concept for The Night Shift?

Thomas Smith: The concept came from wanting to do something a little different in the genre; something that had elements of pulp action/adventure mixed with fantasy and horror. I wanted a pulp hero but didn’t want to deal with the trappings of modern life, so we ended up with Rue Morgan, the undead night watchmen of Pinewood Oaks Cemetery, of which he’s a resident and can’t leave. I wanted plenty of monsters and creatures, but knew the film had to have some heart. That’s when Rue gained a sidekick in the form of Herbie, his skeletal partner in crime, who gave Rue someone to talk to; and Claire, one of the only humans in the film, who is a day-shift worker at the cemetery and the film’s romantic foil. The film has a very unique feel and concept, which audiences have really responded to so far.

Horror News Network: Can you talk a bit about Khristian Fulmer’s performance as Rue Morgan?

Thomas Smith: I’ve worked with Khristian since 2007 and he’s has been part of almost all of the short films I produced, which goes the same for Erin Lilley (Claire/co-producer) and Soren Odom (director of photography/music). He originated the role in 2008 for the short film version of the film. He brings a lot to the role, especially in the physicality required, as he has a background in stunt coordination. He also is able to make the audience believe that what’s happening onscreen is real, even if he’s interacting with a malfunctioning skeleton whose lines were dubbed in post. Khristian brings a credibility to the role and the world Rue inhabits.

Horror News Network: How long did it take you to complete this movie?

Thomas Smith: From preproduction to the completion of postproduction, about two years. I started writing the script at the beginning of 2009, with preproduction ramping up later that year. Principal photography started on May 1 and wrapped in mid July 2010. Post production was completed in mid April 2011.

Horror News Network: What did you find to be the most difficult about creating The Night Shift?

Thomas Smith: Being a micro budget film, most everything posed a challenge on some level, most of which were easily solved. One of the most worrisome aspects was the creation of Herbie. A talking skull on a limbless torso, Herbie was created through practical effects and animatronics. Keeping Herbie fully functioning and believable was always a challenge.

Horror News Network: Where can our readers find out more about The Night Shift?

Thomas Smith: They can visit the film’s official website (www.thenightshiftmovie.com), the Fighting Owl Films production site (www.fightingowlfilms.com) or follow the Fighting Owl Films page on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates.

Horror News Network: In closing, what would you like to say about The Night Shift?

Thomas Smith: I’m very happy with the finished film and hope audiences find and respond to it. The film is suitable for all audiences and is a supernatural adventure/comedy. R-Squared Films has acquired the film for distribution and it will be released to DVD on October 25. It’s currently available for preorder at many large retailers such as Walmart, Amazon, Best Buy, and others.

Horror News Network: Thank you for your time, Thomas. Comment on this interview here.

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Published on: 2011-09-28 (278 reads)