PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Meeting new filmmakers is one of my favorite parts of writing for PopHorror. So when the opportunity arises to talk with someone I haven’t met yet, I always jump at the chance. You never know what new horror-ific treasures you will uncover. I was recently introduced to the upcoming slasher, Country Club, and the filmmaker behind the madness, Shane Bradford, was kind enough to bend my ear about the film.
PopHorror: How long have you known you wanted to be a filmmaker?
Shane Bradford: I never expected I would ever be a filmmaker. I always had a dream to write a script, but never thought I would direct my own. I met Lance Wagner [13 Slays Till X-Mas 2020 – read the PopHorror review here] at the Cult Classic Convention, and he put me in contact with George C. Romero. Romero helped me put my idea into script format, and then challenged me to make the movie on my own. I started doing research and realized I could do this, so I went for it. I brought my brother-in-law and best friend in to help this vision come true. My brother-in-law is the one who filmed the movie.
PopHorror: Wow! Talk about grassroots. I’m glad you found Lance! Have you always been a horror fan?
Shane Bradford: I have always been a horror fan. I grew up with Rhonda Shear and Joe Bob Briggs every Saturday night. My greatest memory with horror movies is watching them with my cousin, Joshua Pool. I knew that once we were a go on making the movie that he had to be at my side co-directing.
PopHorror: You’re currently working on your directorial debut, Country Club Home Of The SlaughterQ. Can you tell us a bit about the film?
Shane Bradford: The original name was called SlaughterQ but we thought the name would give away to much, so we changed it to Country Club. We left SlaughterQ on the Facebook page because that is the name of the slaughterhouse. The movie is about a group of friends who are invited to a little town that holds a festival every year. They come to find out the town has plans for them to be on the menu.
PopHorror: Where did the idea for the film come from?
Shane Bradford: The idea came to me while drinking at the brewery in the town we filmed in: Rowena, Texas. The two movies that influenced me while I was writing the script were Motel Hell and Running Man.
PopHorror: I totally see Motel Hell in your description. What can people expect from Country Club?
Shane Bradford: Country Club will be a fun, intense ride with great special effects done by Joe Castro.
PopHorror: Ooh, we love Joe Castro! Were there any challenges involved with making the film?
Shane Bradford: We filmed the movie in 8 days, and I will try to never do that again. I was up for a straight 48 hours getting the shots in. It was a long week, but completely worth it.
PopHorror: Do you have any fun behind-the-scenes stories you can share?
Shane Bradford: We were filming a chase scene on a four-wheeler, and we had one person driving, one holding the camera guy, and one holding the camera. Well, the throttle got stuck and off goes the four-wheeler. Everyone’s heart stopped watching it unfold, but nothing bad happened. It is fun to joke about now.
We also had an actor named Lisa [Bryant] who tripped over a sign, so now we tease her about the sign. There is a marriage picture with her and the sign and a Mortal Kombat picture with her and the sign.
One thing that I really love about the cast is we all got along the entire time. We have a Facebook messenger group that we chat on, and everyone is positive. I loved being able to work with all of them.
PopHorror: Do you have a release date yet for the film?
Shane Bradford: No release date yet, but Romero is thinking that we should be done with editing by March [2021].
PopHorror: What’s next for you?
Shane Bradford: I am currently working on another script. We have also since started a production company called Slaughtery Films Productions. We are looking at producing commercials, weddings, events, etc. in between producing movies. I believe this was what I was meant to do.
PopHorror: Who are your inspirations?
Shane Bradford: People are my inspirations. Every time I see someone doing something spectacular like helping others or chasing their dreams, it makes me realize I can do anything I reach for.
PopHorror: What do you like to do when you’re not working on films?
Shane Bradford: My wife and I like to antique. I collect comics, horror VHS tapes, and vintage toys.
PopHorror: What was your favorite candy to get on Halloween?
Shane Bradford: It was Butterfinger, but they have changed the recipe and is not the same anymore. Its extremely disappointing. So, I would say Twix is now my go to.
PopHorror: What’s your favorite scary movie?
Shane Bradford: Evil Dead 2. Bruce Campbell is the greatest actor ever.
We want to give a great big shoutout to Shane Bradford for taking the time to chat with us. Keep it tuned to PopHorror for more news on Country Club, due out soon!
