Interview With ‘THE BOY FROM BELOW’ Director Tory Jones

Tory Jones is a director I have followed closely since The Wicked One. He’s one of my favorite indie horror filmmakers and has never failed to impress me, especially with his most recent effort Phantom Fun-World. Tory is currently working on the reimagining of The Wicked One, entitled The Boy From Below. Tory took time out of his busy schedule to talk to me about his last few films, The Boy From Below, and what we can expect next from him.

PopHorror: Last we talked you were working on They See You, which eventually became The Wicked Ones. What caused that film to be rewritten into a separate film and The Wicked Ones to come about?

Tory Jones:  I think you mean “I See You” became Wicked Ones. “They See You” is still under that title.  We had to change the original title because the Helen Hunt movie “I See You” was announced.

PopHorror: They See You takes a step further into the supernatural than your previous films. What inspired this film?

Tory Jones: They See You was inspired by coming of age movies of the past. We really just wanted to do something less serious and to this date it was and is my best experience making a film. My team on that one was phenomenal and it was like summer camp. We had a blast making that movie and everyone was super bummed when it ended.

PopHorror: Phantom Fun-World is one of my favorite films that you’ve done. Its got such an intense mood and the kills are so mean spirited. It also features one of my favorite characters from your filmography, Collins. What were your influences for this film?

Tory Jones:  With me, I don’t just look at what would make a cool film but also what can I do that has built in branding or marketing. It’s all about business. Phantom Fun-World had all of that. Making the movie was a mixed bag, but the brand of Phantom Fun-World will continue and we have lots of fun and exciting things we are developing, including a licensing deal with Trick or Treat Studios for the Phantom Mask!

PopHorror:  You’re currently working on the reimagining of The Wicked One called The Boy From Below. What made you want to reimagine the film?

Tory Jones: I’ve always wanted to go back and reintroduce this character on a bigger level. It was just a matter of timing. But The character is my baby, it’s what gave me my start. When the idea came up to redo this I went to my buddy Michael Leavy from Fuzz on the Lens (Terrifier Franchise, Stream) and Andy Palmer (Funhouse Massacre, Camp Cold Brook) to get their input. Both have some history with The Wicked One and both told me it has so much potential if it’s done right and with a real budget. To have a budget like we do, it’s more money than I’ve ever had from indiegogo and private investments and we are doing things I’ve never been able to do. This is a whole new level of movie making for us and the pressure is for sure on us to deliver

PopHorror: The Boy From Below has a hell of a cast full of genre legends. Are you nervous about working with some many genre icons?

Tory Jones: In some ways I think the cast for this is manifesting destiny and meant to be. From the inception of the idea I wanted Dee Wallace. You’d be hard pressed to find anyone who has the accolades of Dee and though it took work to have her as such a major part of this is surreal. When I signed Tommy Lee Wallace I was extremely emotional, as it’s no secret what Halloween means to me. This whole character started as tribute to the character Tommy was instrumental in helping to create. It’s just surreal. And then Leah Voysey was someone who’s known from the smash hit Terrifier 2 and she’s serving as our lead.

Add to that Felissa Rose, Richie Ramone, Chaney Morrow, and Hannah Fierman and the team we have and we are super stacked. Nervous yes, but excited and feeling like this is going to be something super special. The buzz is already there and I’ve had industry people reaching out to offer their excitement, support, or even offer help you’d never imagine. I think we have something here that could be special. There’s some familiar faces but to have some of these other guys and girls gives it a unique feel. It’s legit a whole new level.

PopHorror: You’ve said that The Boy From Below will be your last film in the horror genre? What genres are you planning to tackle next?

Tory Jones: I am hoping to try my hand at different genres of film. Playing in a different sandbox is very exciting to me. I’ve made 7 Horror Films, all of which have been finished, distributed, and released and I just have a desire to try some new things and take on new challenges.

PopHorror: Are there any projects you’re planning that you can give us some hints about?

Tory Jones: I have around 3 stories that are in the very early developmental stages. I’m in no rush. The Boy from Below has a lengthy promotion and marketing campaign ahead of it after it’s finished. So we are existing in that world for the foreseeable future.

PopHorror: Thanks for taking the time to talk to us. Hope to get the chance again soon.

Tory Jones: Thanks Charlie, and thanks for always supporting! Our Indiegogo is wrapping up in a month so if you’ve waited to get involved or want to be a part of this awesome project time is ticking! We are so appreciative of what we are creating!