PopHorror Let's Get Scared
The indie film, Harlow’s Haunt, has won over 100 international awards and is a tribute to slasher movies of the past. We had a chance to sit down with the film’s director, Terry Jarrell, and ask him some questions about Harlow’s Haunt.
PopHorror:How long did it take to shoot Harlow’s Haunt?
Terry Jarrell: That’s a tough one to answer since the production has so many phases. Officially, I started diving into writing Harlow’s Haunt around September 2021. I had so many stories, elements, characters, and ideas about Harlow’s Haunt that gravitated around the movie’s core. With pre-production, casting, and a million other things coming into focus, we finally called, “Action!” on April 23, 2023. We worked around everyone’s schedules to fit stuff into 18-19 days of location time. Of course, editing, marketing, festival appearances, and many other things are involved. Honestly, I still work on Harlow’s Haunt every day in one way or another.
PopHorror: How was it working with John Dugan [Grandpa from Texas Chain Saw Massacre]?
Terry Jarrell: Wow! Just no words about John! I Love John and consider him a dear friend and mentor. Of course, he is a horror royalty because of his iconic role as Grandpa in TCM, and I am still amazed that he became Harlow Greer. Fun fact: I wrote the role of Harlow with John in mind even before I approached him about it. I was terrified, but I asked him anyway, and he was more than gracious. I knew at that moment that Harlow’s Haunt would be something special.
PopHorror: Did you ever think your movie would win 100 awards?
Terry Jarrell: It’s been surreal… a dream! I was utterly nervous when the movie first made some of the festival rounds. Of course, it’s when it’s getting out there when you get real-world feedback. Then came the first award… then the next one… and then came multi-awards, more Official Selections, and more different awards for different categories! Harlow’s Haunt was shown in film festivals in the U.S. and through Europe, Busan, Singapore, Kuwait, Dubai, and more. All told, I think the total was 100 awards, Official Selections and Best Of awards. I am so grateful for the audiences who enjoyed the movie in their corners of the globe!
PopHorror: How do people take to the film’s retro vibe?
Terry Jarrell: That’s a funny question. I have been asked about the vibe, look, feel, or whatever. I guess I have my vision of things, and they form in their own way. I grew up on classic Hammer, Hitchcock, David Lynch… films like that. I guess you could say that their style of storytelling has always spoken to me and, in turn, comes through in my work. I adamantly prioritize the story first over anything else. After speaking with some viewers who have watched Harlow’s Haunt 2-3 times, they told me how they picked up different things they missed the first time. That makes me smile since that is how I used to feel watching some of my favorite films over the years.
PopHorror: Where was the movie filmed?
Terry Jarrell: Harlow’s Haunt was shot mainly on location at Old Town in Kissimmee, Florida, and at Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail in Plant City, Florida. Old Town is a top-rated attraction near Disney, with a fantastic little amusement park, restaurants, and shops. It has an excellent car show on the weekends. Of course, you must stop by Mortem Manor, the creepy haunted house that runs year-round!
Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail is well known as one of the top haunted attractions in the country. The sets are top-notch, and there are always new scares each season. Sir Henry’s owner and staff could not have been more hospitable and supportive of our filming needs. Working there was a wonderful time, and we have become good friends. Massive thanks to them for their help and support!
PopHorror: Did you create the sets or find local places?
Terry Jarrell: Sort of chirping back to the last question… Most sets were based on real-world places to maintain the organic feel. Of course, we added lighting, some set pieces… At Sir Henry’s, they almost read my mind when I went over the initial details. The combination of existing pieces and the flaming adds came together wonderfully to give the feel—there’s that word again—of the creepy cabin or the haunted maze.
PopHorror: Are you currently working on any new projects?
Terry Jarrell: Yes! I have been working on a new direction to expand the Harlow Universe, if you want to say it that way. Actually, I have not even released any details about this new project yet, but just let’s go ahead and put it out there… the scoop!
The Tales From Harlow’s Haunt The Series – Legends and Nightmares podcast is prepping now and is planned to be released in July 2024. The audience for podcasts and short-form content is terrific. The media preview listeners have responded with fantastic feedback, and I am thrilled! The movie is impressive, but what you see in the Harlow’s Haunt movie is just a tiny sliver of the dark world, even beyond Harlow. The audience will meet many new characters facing terrifying nightmares that go well beyond what you have seen – or heard, more accurately. The fun will be unleashed very soon! The podcast will be available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and other channels as we work through all the logistics. “Hold on t’ya’ hats, folks! It’s showtime!”
PopHorror: What is your main inspiration when making films?
Terry Jarrell: So many greats… Hitchcock, Lynch, Kubrick, Spielberg, Hooper, Romero, Rodriguez. Again, it’s all about a captivating story for me. Of course, I love horror, but I love the relationship between thriller and comedy. There are similar mental triggers for those genres that can instill fear but then leave the audience in a safe place after the end. I love Dexter, and some seasons layer on top of the story. I am re-watching Six Feet Under, and again, the duality of so many things from the stories and episodes draws you right back in… outstanding writers and direction.
PopHorror: Where can we watch Harlow’s Haunt?
Terry Jarrell: Harlow’s Haunt is EVERYWHERE!
That said, the movie is distributed globally by BayView Entertainment, who also brought you Skinamarink. Viewers can watch the movie on Tubi, Screambox, Chilling, Amazon Prime Video, XumoPlay, Fandango At Home / VUDU, Plex, FlixFling, and CultFlix. Countries include the United States, Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, Italy, France, Spain and Australia. Devices include Roku, Android, Apple iOS, Vizio, AndroidTV, Apple tvOS, FireTV and Samsung, with more possibly being added down the road, so stay tuned!
PopHorror: What would you say to someone passionate about creating a film but afraid to get started?
Terry Jarrell: Excellent question! There is that feeling of being gun-shy, especially for your first project. The first thought starter would be to be confident in you. You may be faced with a million things telling you why not to make your project. Then, politely nod and do it anyway! It’s your idea… it’s your vision… It is part of you if it has kept you up at night thinking about it. Running through the story or camera angles or locations, or music… You can see it in your mind all the time.
See what I did? You’re not even thinking about the distractions anymore, right? Your thoughts are filled with ideas – your ideas – and that is the launch pad for your movie or podcast or art. Just relax; your story, photo, or ideas will appear when you give them space to develop. You can find some wonderful videos from David Lynch on fishing for ideas.
We want to thank Terry for his time. You can catch Harlow’s Haunt on almost all streaming platforms, including Tubi and Amazon Prime.
