Standish913.com has been blessed to do an exclusive interview with...
"PHIL FALCONE"!
Let's get into some exclusive questions...
STANDISH: We last spoke in 2023, what’s Phil been up to since then?
PHIL: Wow, 2023 feels like a lifetime ago. So much has happened since then. We’ve been inundated with calls and emails… New Terrifier merchandise, movie deals, constant questions about Terrifier 4. On top of that, I’ve been trying to secure funding for two new projects, Bloodscent and Paintball: Dawn of Terror. I would’ve financed both myself, but it looks like Terrifier 4 will require a much larger budget, so that’s where my focus is right now.
STANDISH: What were some of the biggest challenges during the production of Terrifier 3?
PHIL: There are plenty of challenges that had to be met.
1- Budget trying to keep things close to the vest as far as spending. There is something that creeps up nearly every day.
2- Schedule Keeping tight with schedule which also nearly impossible on a shoot like Terrifier.
3- Keeping my cool dealing with so many different personalities and work ethics is tough.
4- Morale part of #3 trying to keep everyone in a great mood even though you often have to be the heavy.
STANDISH: What’s your favorite scene from Terrifier 3?
PHIL: That’s a tough one: there are so many. The opening scene with Chrissy Fox was incredible as was she. Damien set it up perfectly and made sure Chrissy was comfortable through every take, I did my best to make sure her safety was never in doubt. Then the shower scene was insane, the bar scene and the rats, all standouts… Oh, and of course, that unforgettable bus driver at the end There was even some Oscar talk in my house… though, admittedly, that was just me joking around.
STANDISH: Were there any moments or effects that surprised even the cast and crew when you saw the final cut?
PHIL: I wouldn’t say “surprised.” Damien, George, and I have been through this enough times to know what to expect. But the mall explosion sequence definitely stood out it came together beautifully and exceeded even our expectations.
this is how it should be
STANDISH: What’s the biggest challenge of producing a film as intense and graphic as Terrifier 3?
PHIL: With T1 and T2, we had small, tight knit crews, just passion and grit. T3 was a different animal. Bigger budgets mean more moving parts, more paperwork, and more people over 45 this time.
Some key behind the scenes players dropped the ball, which meant Jill Breeder, Mike Leavy, Jason Milstein and I had to constantly adapt.
We also had deadlines which we never really had in the past. And luckily our MVP Jason Milstein was our Post Production supervisor among many other hats.
So, the biggest challenge was juggling all that staying within budget, keeping morale high, and maintaining that same raw energy Terrifier is known for.
STANDISH: How do you and Damien Leone make sure the effects fit his vision without going “too far”?
PHIL: Damien and I always discuss certain aspects to the kills and where we feel we have come to that threshold. I think he and I have a good feel for where we should stop.
For T1 and T2, Damien and I handled the effects ourselves. For T3, we brought in Christien Tinsley, along with Ryan, and Heather (on set) incredible talents. Still, we reviewed everything to ensure it aligned with Damien’s vision.
I don’t interfere with his creative direction I offer input when asked (and sometimes when not). He listens, considers, and makes the call. I always say Damien’s the real deal Terrifier is his baby, and I respect that.
STANDISH: Any word on Terrifier 4?
There will absolutely be a T4, God willing. Damien and I talk about it often, and we’re committed to making it bigger and better so we don’t disappoint the fans. T1 was made for about $40,000, T2 for $300,000, and T3 cost me about $3.5 million. T4 will be considerably larger which is why I placed Paintball and Bloodscent on hold for now.
STANDISH: What’s your process for overcoming creative blocks when producing?
PHIL: I’ve always believed that being hands on is key. I like to be on set, involved in every part of production. That way, when something goes wrong and it always does I can react instantly. You can’t fix problems you don’t see. Sitting behind a desk, you lose that connection to the film’s heartbeat.
I thrive on problem solving and team building. When I’m in the mix, seeing everything unfold, I can adjust quickly that’s how I overcome creative blocks.
STANDISH: Do you have a project that pushed you the most creatively?
PHIL: My first film, Joe’s War, was the ultimate crash course. I was the writer, director, producer, even the set builder I wore every hat imaginable. That’s where I met Damien. My partner from Joe’s War, John Demeo, introduced us. At first, I wasn’t interested in horror, but my son convinced me to reach back out.
I told Damien, “I’ll fund the film just teach me special effects.” We locked ourselves in a house for three months building everything by hand. By T2, I really hit my stride (haha). I was doing effects I never thought I could pull off, working alongside Damien (still learning but getting better). As for set building, we had an amazing crew to build the sets with me George Steuber, Steve Della Salla, Jason Leavy, Larry Bilelo. Dressing the sets was none other than Production Designer Olga Turka. Those experiences pushed me creatively more than anything.
STANDISH: When producing, what usually sparks your first idea?
PHIL: Damien writes, I read and then we talk. I’ll ask what he sees and share my thoughts. I’m always honest about what I like and don’t like. He’s got a sharp eye and a clear vision, so most of the time, he’s spot on.
When I write, I usually start big like I’ve got $50 million to play with and then I scale it back to reality. But that initial freedom sparks creativity. You dream first, then budget later, but after working on the Terrifier franchise I think about budget much more than I would like to when writing.
STANDISH: How much of Terrifier 3 was done practically versus digitally?
PHIL: For T1, less than 1% was digitally enhanced. T2 was maybe 1.5%. For T3, probably around 58%, mainly because of time constraints and a few practical effects that didn’t perform as planned so we had to enhance. Still, the vast majority was done practically that’s the Terrifier way.
STANDISH: What new materials or techniques did you experiment with on T3?
PHIL: We tried a few new tricks a freeze gun using dry ice then the chain saw (Props to Jason Baker), which worked surprisingly well, and a mechanical head that… didn’t work as well. We also incorporated live rats, which added complexity but paid off visually. Some set pieces didn’t function exactly as we hoped, but every challenge becomes a lesson for the next film.
STANDISH: If you could collaborate with any actor or filmmaker, living or dead, who would it be?
PHIL: I’m not really a “fanboy,” but I admire the old greats Gary Cooper, John Wayne, Dean Martin, Clint Eastwood. Eastwood especially as both an actor and filmmaker, he’s timeless. Among modern names, I’d love to work with Mel Gibson. Like Clint, he understands storytelling from both sides of the camera.
As for directors Coppola, Scorsese, Kubrick, and of course, Spielberg. They’ve all shaped how I see cinema.
STANDISH: Any upcoming work we can look forward to?
PHIL: Yes Paintball: Dawn of Terror, which I wrote and will direct, and Bloodscent, written by Daryl Pennington, which I’ll also direct. Paintball is partially funded; once that’s complete, we’ll move into production. Everything’s lined up just waiting for the green light.
STANDISH: Where can fans follow your work?
• Facebook: Philip Falcone
• Instagram: @PJFalcone
• X (Twitter): @PhilFalcone
• Email: PhilFalcone@gmail.com
STANDISH: Anything else you’d like to add?
PHIL: Making a film takes a community of like minded people all pushing in the same direction. That’s what makes something truly special. To my cast and crew thank you. Your dedication means everything.
And to the fans from the bottom of my heart, thank you. Without you, we’d just have a very expensive home movie. We’ll keep giving you everything we’ve got. God bless, and we promise not to let you down. You are the best fans anyone could ever ask for.
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