PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Writer, director and producer Jill “Sixx” Gevargizian is just as passionate about indie horror since the first time we spoke (read our interview here). Last year, we caught up with the filmmaker as she returned from the Chattanooga Film Festival where her two award-winning short films, BFF Girls (read our review here) and 42 Counts (read our review here), were shown. We were lucky enough to catch up with Jill once again. This time, we spoke about her recent experience at the FrightFest International Film Festival in London where her recent short film, One Last Meal, was shown. We also discussed her short, The Stylist, which was included in the anthology film, Watch If You Dare and has won 9 awards and garnished 5 nominations to date, as well as a very exciting announcement regarding her next big step in filmmaking.
PopHorror: Hi, Jill! Thank you for speaking with me.
Jill Gevargizian: No problem!
PopHorror: Last time we spoke, you had just returned from the Chattanooga Film Festival where your short film, 42 Counts, had its world premiere. You’re always on the move, because this time, you’ve just returned from FrightFest in London where your short, One Last Meal, had its international premiere. What can you tell me about this new film and how did you become involved with production?
Jill Gevargizian: It’s a satire/black comedy about how far a Warden and his Captain at Missouri Penitentiary are willing to go to fulfill a prisoner’s extreme request for his last meal. It was written by Eric Stolze, and I was so drawn to the script, because it tackles a lot of important topics while being funny and disgusting. It comments on toxic masculinity, corrupt authority, blindly following tradition, the death penalty and so much more! I was in love with it. And, once I found a prison, I knew we were meant to bring it to life.
PopHorror: Was this your first time at FrightFest in London? What were some of your favorite moments from the festival?
Jill Gevargizian: It was my second time! I first went in 2014 with my first short, Call Girl. That was an amazing time, too. This year was FrightFest’s 20 year anniversary, and it has grown so much! It is such a welcoming festival. My favorite memories are roaming all over London with Najarra Townsend, the lead actress in The Stylist, and recording promo videos for our Kickstarter campaign.
PopHorror: That sounds like an exciting adventure! Since you just touched on the topic, I’m aware that you have a special announcement regarding one of your earlier short films. You have taken the first steps towards turning the award-winning short, The Stylist, into your first full feature film! Before we get into how horror fans can become involved, let’s talk a little about the film’s origins. What inspired you to write this dramatic horror film?
Jill Gevargizian: I’ve been a hairstylist for over 15 years now, and, back in late 2012, the thought dawned on me, “How is there not a slasher film about a hairstylist serial killer?!” That stayed with me, and I turned it more into my favorite type of story… a character piece.
PopHorror: Hairstylists do deal with sharp objects and are in a perfect position for murderous intentions. It makes me not want to piss off my barber. (both laugh) What was the biggest challenge in filming The Stylist?
Jill Gevargizian: I would say that would be the special effects for the scalping scene. It took weeks to prepare and hours to apply. If it went wrong on camera, that meant we had to spend another 5 hours reshooting it. We really couldn’t afford the time. Luckily, it turned out perfectly!
PopHorror: You have to be relieved when things like that turn out great the first time! What is your favorite memory from filming the short?
Jill Gevargizian: At our picture wrap party, director of photography/producer Robert Stern said to me, “I think we have something really special here.” And I think he was right.
PopHorror: You may have just answered my next question, but with several short films under your belt, why did you choose The Stylist to adapt into a full feature?
Jill Gevargizian: It was the plan from day one, before we made the short. I always saw it as a feature. But I knew I needed more experience. So, we made a short version first. Now, I feel more ready to take this to the next level.
PopHorror: I’m excited to hear that! What can you tell me about the story of the upcoming full feature, and what can we expect?
Jill Gevargizian: You can expect to get much closer to Claire as the main character, a better understanding of why she does what she does, and what brought her to this point in her life. It’s a character piece that is a mix between psychological thriller and horror film.
PopHorror: That sounds like one not to miss! Last time we spoke, you mentioned how much you love location scouting. Have you chosen any shooting locations for The Stylist?
Jill Gevargizian: We have! We have found almost all of them… which is a huge relief. This film has a lot of locations. Locations and casting are the two big things that you need to lock down first in order to see where they line up so that you can start making a detailed schedule.
PopHorror: You’re thinking ahead. It sounds like you are ready for this! How can people help make The Stylist feature film a reality, and what type of perks might they expect to receive?
Jill Gevargizian: The way Kickstarter works is we have to meet our financial goal by our deadline, which is September 26th. If we don’t meet our goal, then we do not get any of the money. So, right now, pledging and sharing the campaign is what we need in order to make this film come to life. Our perks range from owning the film digitally all the way up to an executive producer credit. Our mid-level perks include our Kickstarter edition poster, a signed script, a thank you credit in the film, a haircut and more! How much you pledge depends on what you get in return!
PopHorror: That sounds like some great perks! When does filming begin, and when might we see the finished product?
Jill Gevargizian: Assuming the Kickstarter is successful, we have shoot dates set for the start of next year, and hope to premiere at a film festival in 2021!
PopHorror: Is there anything else you would like to mention regarding The Stylist full feature or any other projects?
Jill Gevargizian: Just that The Stylist means everything to me, and we promise a great film. We just need everyone’s help in making our goal on Kickstarter by September 26th! If we miss our goal, we have to postpone making the film again! So, every pledge helps, no matter how small.
PopHorror: It sounds like you have a great opportunity here, and I hope the Kickstarter campaign is a success! Thank you for your time, Jill.
Jill Gevargizian: Thank you!
We wish Jill luck as she takes this very exciting next step in her filmmaking career. As much success as The Stylist saw as a short film, we look forward to seeing where Jill takes us with a full feature adaptation of this enticing dramatic horror! With less than a week left, be sure to visit the Kickstarter campaign here, contribute and/or share and lets help make Jill’s first feature come to life
