PopHorror Let's Get Scared
In the wake of Friday The 13th: Vengeance (2019 – read our review here), horror lovers have been wanting to see more fan films. To answer that call, long time Friday The 13th fan Peter Anthony will be directing his own version in the form of Rose Blood – A Friday The 13th Fan Film. Peter Anthony has served as both actor as well as associate producer in Friday The 13th: Vengeance and plans to make Rose Blood serve as a direct sequel to Friday The 13th, Part VII: The New Blood. Much like in Vengeance, we will see Friday The 13th alumni appear as Lar Park Lincoln and Terry Kiser reprise their roles as Tina Shepard and Dr. “Bad News” Crews from Friday The 13th, Part VII: The New Blood. Like other directors in the fan film realm, Peter Anthony looks to bring a movie that fans of the Friday The 13th series will appreciate. We were lucky enough to get the chance to get to know him, ask him about his time in Vengeance and what we can expect in Rose Blood.
PopHorror: Tell us about yourself. How did you find your passion with horror films?
Peter Anthony: Wow! Well, my earliest memory is sneaking downstairs to watch scary movies in the basement on HBO. I had no TV in my room, so I had to wait until my parents were asleep and then sneak down and watch them. I would also catch them on the USA Network. There were 2 shows that played them which was Up All Night with Ronda Sheer and The Drive-In with Joe Bob Griggs. I remember watching Friday The 13th Part III alone with a homemade mask on. I always rooted for Jason, even at 6 years-old.
PopHorror: What inspired you to get into filmmaking, and how did you get your foot in the door?
Peter Anthony: The fans. Yeah sure, we all dream of becoming a movie star or director. I never really put any real thought into that becoming a reality. When I came on board with Friday The 13th: Vengeance, I got to share my collection and passion with the fans. I always got good feedback such as, “You’re a real fan” and, “You guys care more than the studios.” While helping write Vengeance 2 – Bloodlines with Jason Brooks, I had an idea. I called up my director from Fall Of Camp Blood, Riley Lorden, and said, “Hey, what if?” After his support, I realized that maybe I can do this.
PopHorror: What was it like being involved in Friday The 13th: Vengeance?
Peter Anthony:: Fun and stressful at the same time. At first, I was just in charge of marketing. Then it grew, and we got C.J. Graham, Steve Dash, Tom McLoughlin, and Harry Manfredini. On top of all the pressure, Steve passed away right after his scenes were shot. This was devastating to us of all on the team, as we had looked at him as our second father. This pushed us all to hunker down and work even harder on Vengeance. I was eventually offered the role of Ken Slate and flew to Seattle which was really fun. Meeting the cast and crew, as well as laughing with those we cast as the prisoners… just the whole experience was fun. I still can’t believe I was in that film.
PopHorror: How does it feel to be part of history, not only premiering Vengeance in Blairstown, NJ, but also the grand opening of the Friday The 13th museum?
Peter Anthony: Honored and humbling as it was my dream come true. Jason and I worked with Jeanette Iuratto at the museum and were able to work out the details. It was a surreal experience, man. I was able to meet so many true Friday The 13th fans, including yourself. I had a little girl come up to me with a Ken Slate ID badge to sign. I didn’t even have one at the time! Then I was asked to sign authentic Friday The 13th books, movies, and even a gentleman’s shirt. I was there not too long ago, and now my Ken Slate figure and screen worn prisoner outfit are also there. It really is special for me. I feel like that little boy in my parents basement again.
PopHorror: What can you tell us about your upcoming project, Rose Blood? What can we expect?
Peter Anthony: It won’t be boring, I can tell you that. Myself and many other fans always thought The New Blood was destroyed by the MPAA. The kills were watered down, and we were left wanting more, especially from Tina. Now, with Lar Park Lincoln reprising her role as Tina Shepard, we can give the fans the proper send off she deserves. I take that character and her legacy very seriously.
She has been so amazing to talk to and work with. We both have the same vision for Tina, so it’s been easy. As for the movie, I am looking forward to delivering a fast paced, in-your-face slasher with characters you won’t forget. We have a ton of Easter eggs also. I can’t wait to finish the film and share it with Lar Park Lincoln and Kane Hodder. Hopefully, I will make them both proud… although Kane will probably call me a bad word (laughs).
We would like to send a big THANK YOU to Peter Anthony for taking the time to talk with us. Keep in tuned to PopHorror for all your horror news, reviews and interviews!
