Revelations: The Series interview with Robert Michael Ryan

After the Biblical Rapture has taken place, those left behind must learn to survive in the new apocalyptic hellscape as the city crumbles around them. Society has devolved into anarchy as people have turned on each other, desperately fighting for the few remaining resources. Most have fled the cities, leaving only the bravest to battle against Satan's army — marauding packs of demonic creatures from the deepest pits of hell, who are cutting a brutal and savage swath of destruction as they attempt claim the planet for their Dark Lord.

Christine Caprilozzi caught up with writer/director, Robert Michael Ryan to talk about Revelations.

Horror News Network:  "Revelations" isn't the usual apocalyptic scenario people have been feeding off of lately (no pun intended).  This is more based on the Biblical end of the world.  What was the inspiration for using that as the basis?

Robert Michael Robert Michael Ryan:  I've always loved good post-apocalyptic stories, and having gone to Catholic school for 12 years, I felt that the Bible's Book of Revelation and concept of the Rapture presented a unique angle on the "end of the world" scenario.

Horror News Network:  Tell us a bit about the demons, and their origin and role?

Robert Michael Ryan:  According to the Bible, after the Rapture takes place the planet is left in the hands of the Antichrist. Of course, he can't just take over in a day -- there are still all the non-Christians around the world to deal with. So, the Antichrist is building an army, and the demons are his foot soldiers. Brought up from the pits of hell, their job is to infiltrate the cities and clear away the one's "left behind" so the Antichrist can assume world domination. As the story unfolds, we will learn that there is a distinct hierarchy within the demon army, much like a regular military.

Horror News Network:  In the first episode, we get a bit of background about the characters.  Can you give us some insight on how "Jeremy" and "Dana" will develop under the extreme pressure of the situation?

Robert Michael Ryan:  I've purposely left their relationship vague in the first episode. Their backstory will reveal itself over time, bit by bit. I will say that they met after the Rapture, and have come together out of necessity in order to survive.  And, of course, they each have their dark secrets.

Horror News Network:  Tell us a bit on how the casting came together for you?

Robert Michael Ryan:  Very early on, when I was still writing the first episode, I asked a friend of mine, director Dennis Devine, if he knew of an actress who could play the character of Dana. I wanted someone who was not just a great actress with the right look, and also easy to work with (being very low budget, no one wants a diva on set). He recommended Marlene Mc'Cohen right away. I had seen her work before and already knew of her, and I thought she would be a perfect fit. I contacted her and gave her an early draft of the script. She loved the concept and thankfully came on board. She has been an invaluable part of the team from the beginning.

For the roles of Jeremy and Darius, I held regular auditions. Cuyle Carvin was the first person to come in to read that day, and he blew us away. For the role of Darius, we saw quite a few people, but no one was quite right. Marlene called Wil Gelin, whom she had worked with before, and he came down to the audition. Without any prep, he read cold and did an amazing job.
I really got lucky with this great cast.

Horror News Network:  You've obviously worked in horror before (2009's "Necrosis").  How would you compare working on a feature length project, compared to an episodic one?

Robert Michael Ryan:  Working as a producer on a feature film, even a low budget one, is a full time job. Necrosis' director Jason Stephens and I worked for over a year putting that movie together. A web series, made up of short 5-7 minute episodes, offers much more freedom to try new things. Also, since it's only meant for the web, we can shoot much quicker and more guerilla style.

Horror News Network: When can we expect the next episode to be up on the "Revelations" website?

Robert Michael Ryan:  Episodes 1 and 2 are now online. I am hard at work getting ready to shoot the next batch of episodes.  I don't have a hard date for episode 3, but you will be the first to know when I do.

Horror News Network: Where can our audience find out more about the series and watch the webisodes themselves?

 Robert Michael Ryan:  The episodes are online at www.RevelationsTheSeries.com. Stop by, take a look, and let us know what you think!

Horror News Network: Thanks for your time, Robert. Have a comment? Post it here.