‘EASTER BLOODY EASTER’ Director and Star Diane Foster Interview

Easter isn’t exactly one of the first holidays that comes to mind when thinking about holiday horror. Which is surprising because… well, Zombie Jesus. Holiday horror-comedy is one of my favorite sub-sub-genre’s of horror. I love the creativity it takes to create a story based around a holiday.

I had the sheer delight of watching Easter Bloody Easter on Easter (our review) and it was just a good time all around. Not only is Easter Bloody Easter funny as hell but there’s also some great indie music and memorable characters. 

What makes a work of art in the horror genre is its ability to tap into our deepest fears and provoke thought while still entertaining us.

I had an opportunity to catch up with Easter Bloody Easter’s director and star Diane Foster.

Origin Story

 

PopHorror: Do you have a favorite horror film/subgenre?

Diane Foster: YES! I love all the ‘Nightmare on Elm Street’ films, ‘Gremlins’ and ‘Suspiria’ because Italian horror.

PopHorror: Oh man! 3 of my faves. Especially the first and original ‘NOES’ and ‘Gremlins’; which funnily enough, are a part of my Christmas traditions because I was shown ‘NOES’ on Christmas Eve when I was 4, and it made an impression on me. And ‘Gremlins’ holds a very special place in my heart because of a connection to a cousin I lost. What’s your filmmaking journey been like?

Diane Foster: I did not go to film school, I learned filmmaking and producing through the experience of making films. I did a lot of work in NYC near where I grew up and then at 21 decided to move to L.A. even though I knew not one person. I started working right away.

And then at 24, [I] made the film “IOWA” about the crystal meth epidemic happening in the midwest before the days of “Breaking Bad” and it was accepted into the Tribeca Film Festival.

From that point on I never stopped working in film and in 2018 started my own company, WallyBird Productions.
In 2021, I directed my first feature film after directing lots of music videos and released the Easter Bloody Easter in March 2024!

PopHorror: What do you appreciate most about working in horror and what do you like to contribute to it?

Diane Foster: Horror to me, is the perfect blend of excitement and fear. Where the unexpected meets the familiar, creating an adrenaline rush, unlike any other genre. Both Horror and Comedy blended allows me to do that while simultaneously entertaining and keeping audiences on the edge of their seats.

Bringing it All Together

PopHorror: I dig it. What was the journey that led to Easter Bloody Easter?

Diane Foster: The project’s concept originally began as a play that Allison, Kelly, and I were in during 2018.
We performed the play in Los Angeles and San Francisco and had planned to continue but the pandemic hit. It was Allison’s idea to set the film around Easter time and around the theme of a giant Jackalope and demon bunnies.

It’s a very exciting and rare thing to get to work with your friends in the capacity that we did. And we’re just getting started because there are more Easter Bloody Easter films ahead.

PopHorror: It is a rare gift to be able to create with friends. What was your process for being in front of and behind the camera as the star and director of ‘Easter Bloody Easter’?

Diane Foster: I spent a lot of time in prep and pre-production. I made sure that I had a lot of rehearsals with the actors before filming. I spent time with my DP, Alexa Cha shotlisting the entire film.

[That way] we could keep it moving as a well-oiled machine. I know what I want and going in prepared makes all the difference.

Because You Gotta Have Friends

PopHorror: Here here! What was the collaboration process between you and Allison Lobel from development to being on set?

Diane Foster: We are dear friends so it was a joy to do since the beginning. We spent a good 6 months working in pre-production on the script and had our team of producers involved in that.

PopHorror: Pre-production and prep are so important. All of your hard work shines through in the final product.
With acting, producing, and directing in your repertoire, do you have one (or maybe even two) roles you enjoy more than another?

Diane Foster: I love acting and directing the most. Getting to do both at the same time was a thrill and a lot of work but really makes sense with my personality. I am a go-getter and always working on something so it just feels right.

PopHorror: As a Texan, I have to ask, why was a small Texas town chosen as the setting for Easter Bloody Easter? And did you by chance film any of it in Texas?

Diane Foster: It really came from the setting of the play and we went from there. Everything as they say is bigger in Texas and really was the perfect backdrop to these fun and zany characters.

We filmed in the valley areas of Los Angeles on private ranches that resembled West Texas. Filming was 17 days with six-day weeks.

Tools of the Trade

PopHorror: Nice! Again, kudos, because there really were some settings that felt like some of the smaller towns I’ve been in and around when I was younger.

What attracts you to a role or project?

Diane Foster: I love all types of genres and to work on projects that can make a difference, either by the story that’s being told or the entertainment value it can bring. I want to tell stories that matter and are impactful. But also stories that take us away from the tough parts of life and give people joy and laughter.

PopHorror: Do you feel it’s any more difficult producing outside of the horror genre?

Diane Foster: I don’t think it’s genre-specific. Getting anything made takes time and perseverance. It comes down to making a team of people who are just as passionate as you or willing to show up at all hours and the belief that filmmaking and their part in it can change the world for the better.

PopHorror: I love indie films in all genres because they tend to be the most creative and inspired. As is Easter Bloody Easter. Do you have any advice or suggestions on where to put focus for aspiring filmmakers?

Diane Foster: Believe in yourself all the way. Know that what you want to make matters and keep going even when you hear no. Not everyone is going to “get” your movie and that’s ok. If you do and you keep at it eventually it will all line up. Stamina is the biggest thing in entertainment. 

What’s Next?

PopHorror: And now, a super, very important question… If you found yourself surrounded by an army of killer bun-buns at 4 in the morning, how would you deal with them?

Diane Foster: Easy!! I would grab my katana and slice their heads off! It’s super important to always remember what Sam said- “it’s GOT to be the HEAD!”

PopHorror: Lastly, are there any future projects you want to share? Are any of them horror? And where can people go to stay up to date on your projects?

Diane Foster: YES! Lots of stuff coming up! I am always working and love creating so there is a lot on the docket. I have the next installment of the Easter Bloody Easter franchise so a lot more demon bunnies ahead.
I am directing a movie musical in development called “SAT” -stupid ass test. Yes, that test! That is with Mark Vogel who composed Easter Bloody Easter.

I am acting in and producing a female comedy with two very dear friends, Maria Bertrand and Meg McCaig called “Got Daddy Issues,’ and I am working on my first ever solo record – writing songs and singing!!

PopHorror: No kidding! Well, we’re looking forward to your future work! And thanks so much for taking the time and sharing with us!

Easter Bloody Easter is currently available VOD on AppleTV, Prime Video, YouTube, and Google Play Movies.