Standish913.com has been blessed to do an exclusive interview with...
"PHIL FALCONE"
Born in Brooklyn, New York. I am the fourth of seven children from a loving Italian family. My parents instilled a deep sense of values and morals as well as a close bond with my siblings and I. The Falcone Clan has always been most important to me.
I began working at age 13. I wanted to become an actor, but that was not in the cards and I set out on many different roads. I have always been a person that took chances and have had many jobs and many experiences. I began a brokerage company employing approximately 20 people on the New York Mercantile Exchange , which I consider friends to this day. I was happy but not fulfilled, but in 2012 it all came together… I always had a passion for the film industry and at that time in my life felt it was time to do something I always wanted to do, so I co-wrote, produced and directed a full-length feature film called Joe’s War. During the research, development and filming of Joe’s War, I became passionate about seeking opportunities to help veterans, it is also where I met Damien Leone. After that chance meeting we have undertaken two films that have hit home with the fans.
Let's get into this awesome exclusive Interview...
STANDISH: I just interviewed David Howard Thornton AKA "Art The Clown" and he mentioned "Terrifier 3" was a go, my question for you is, are you going to be doing special effects for this film?
PHIL: Although I love doing special effects and I am sure Damien and I will be jumping in from time to time, I believe this go round we may have a bit of help… And by that I mean we are going to do our best to have a company come in and do the heavy lifting, but ensuring that we keep it the way we like.
STANDISH: Tell us a little about your overall mission, Phil -
PHIL: To be honest my mission has been complete for years now. I am no spring chicken. I often paraphrase my favorite singer Elvis when he said “Every dream I ever dreamed has come true a hundred times” his quote is longer if you look it up, but I can tell you it was like he was talking for me (I am not saying I am having his career, but I think you understand)…
STANDISH: How does it feel to be apart of the horror community?
PHIL: If you would have told me 6 years ago I would be hanging out with the people in the horror community, I would have said you are nuts…. I was more main stream Hollywood type.. Comedies, Action and Adventure, but I cannot tell you how much the fans have taught me that they are the real deal. Their knowledge about film is un-paralleled not to mention they are the nicest people I have ever met.
STANDISH: How did you first get involved with the "Terrifier" films and or Damien Leone?
PHIL: I began to answer that in my brief Bio. I met Damien on the set of Joe’s War. It was my first film and I needed some blood work.. I talked to my partner in that film and he had just finished a short where Damien had done the effects. I told him to reach out to him and see if he could help us out. I wish I had done some homework on him to see what he could do, because once I met him he was soft spoken and I asked him if he could do a few things he nodded, but I had no idea of his talent or Joe’s War would have been different, Trust me…, but that’s neither here or there. Once we met I took a liking to him. He was a very talented man sure, but more than that, he was a decent young man. So when I wrapped filming and was ready to work on another project I was writing (an action film “Paintball”) I reached out and mentioned I was going to raise money for a film, if he wanted to piggy back his idea of that clown movie, maybe I could generate some interest. I said just tell me what you want to do it. When he told me I said, I will lay it out just teach me how to do special effects.
STANDISH: What was your favorite effects scene you guys did in the "Terrifier" films?
PHIL: Wow, that’s a tough one. There are quite a few. I would say Dawn (Catherine) hanging upside Down. You do not have to cut away from that effect, it looks that good and Catherine was amazing in that scene that was not any easy stunt.
Allie (Casey) the bedroom scene… Making that animatronic was insane…The give and take with Damien for this one was intense and remember I am only on my second film doing effects with Damien and he says you think you can make it move.. I said I don’t know let’s see.. It worked …
Another was the Abracadabra scene when the cleaver goes into Ricky’s neck (Jonath) it gives me the Heebie jeebies still. P.S. that cleaver was from my fathers tool box. Most of the tools used were. I love that fact..
STANDISH: Your film "Joe's War" is great, how long did it take to make?
PHIL: Joe’s War took me about eight months to complete once I was done casting. It was the first time I ever tried to do anything in films. I am proud of the work. I wish I had done at least a few small projects before. I think that would have given me a chance to make it much better, but I am proud and I have met so many people in the armed forces and have seen the plight of so many that I have tried to do what I can to help out when possible.
STANDISH: What can we look forward to in the future from you?
PHIL: I hope you can look forward to a lot. I am excited for Terrifier 3 of course. I still have plans to do a movie I wrote, “Paintball” someday and I am excited about a project titled “Bloodscent” Which I will be Directing and Producing, written by Daryl Pennington. And I am hoping to do a lot with Damien and George as well as the Fuzz On the Lens boys.. We truly have a great group of young talent here.
STANDISH: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
PHIL: Hopefully still standing erect. I would love to have 5 more movies under my belt and a bunch of fun times to talk about. I do not have an extravagant lifestyle and my wife (whom happens to be a big part of why Terrifier even exists) and I have our children and grandchildren that live nearby, so it will be a lot of memories and good times ahead.
STANDISH: Who are some of your mentors?
PHIL: Honestly, I give most of my credit to my mom and dad. Mom showed me the softer side and dad taught me to be a man. He not only taught me how to work with my hands, he let me know if I am going to do a job, make sure I do it to the best of my ability. Also taught me that I shouldn’t turn in work if I am not willing to put my name on it until I am willing. He taught me to be honest whether it hurts or not and not to bury my head in the sand. He also told me not to start any fights, finish them. I have taken those lessons into the film world. I guess you are looking for mentors in the industry, so I am big on Scorsese, I like how he is deep in his characters, Spielberg of course and there are a bunch more. I think there are so many talented people in the industry it is hard to narrow it down. Not to mention thee old-timers, I still look at John Ford Westerns and love them.
STANDISH: During COVID, we all faced struggles, what was one of your main struggles?
PHIL: I am not one that works themselves up over things like that. I know it was bad, but I am not going to let that put me in a bad place. You do what you can to make sure you and your family is safe. You control your surroundings the best you can, but you cannot stop living otherwise what is it all for? I guess my struggle was worrying about family members and friends.
STANDISH: Where can fans find your work?
PHIL: I do not have a laundry list of works… I have Joe’s War, Terrifier and Terrifier 2 and they are on most streaming platforms…
STANDISH: Anything you'd like to include?
PHIL: I want to say that I am having a blast talking with people about movies and life. I love meeting everyone and discussing anything.. I have been blessed many times over and I pray it continues… I want to give a shout out to all Military, Firemen and Police. You people put it on the line everyday for us to be able to do what we do freely. Thank you.
STANDISH: What are your social links?
Facebook - Philip Falcone
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Thanks so much for your time!!!
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