PopHorror Let's Get Scared
I’ve been a fan of Rocky Gray (read our previous interview with him – here) ever since he was the drummer for Evanescence, but my love for his work has continuously grown especially with his transition into filmmaking both as a director and composer. His past two anthologies 10/31 Part 1 (read our review – here) and 10/31 Part 2 (read our review – here) are fantastic and have become part of my Halloween binge marathon. Rocky currently has a few projects going on including 13 Slays Till X-mas (read our review – here) and 10/31 Part 3 (check out the Indiegogo – here). Check out the interview to find out what Rocky is up to now, his favorite Holiday, inside information about his newest projects, and more!
PopHorror – Hey Rocky! It’s been quite some time since we spoke. How is 2021 treating you so far?
Rocky Gray – Hey! Yeah, it’s been too long. 2021 is going really good so far, thanks.
PopHorror – That’s great to hear. Since we are going to be talking about two anthologies that center around Holidays, let’s talk about your favorite Holiday. What is your favorite holiday? Of course, I’d like to assume it’s Halloween but you never know. And what do you love about it?
Rocky Gray – Yes, Halloween is my favorite holiday for sure. I love how it looks and feels during the season. I love the costume shops and haunted houses that pop up. Seeing everyone getting into what I’ve been into for the entire year already is great, it’s that brief period in time when it feels like everyone’s in sync.
PopHorror – Yes. I completely agree! You did the music for the new Christmas horror anthology, 13 Slays Till X-mas. How’d you get involved with this project?
Rocky Gray – Basically the films’ creator P.J. Starks called me up and asked if I wanted to get involved with the project and as I usually am, I was up for the challenge.
PopHorror – Was it fun doing the music for a Christmas anthology? Was there anything important to you regarding the music for this?
Rocky Gray – It was fun but It was quite a challenge. Because of delays from covid, the film was off schedule a bit and there is so much music it gets tricky to have something new for every segment. I also had like 3 projects going at once (13 Slays, Wicked Ones, and Don’t F**k in the Woods 2) so it got a little hectic, to say the least.
PopHorror – Oh wow… I bet. There are so many great segments in 13 Slays, but which one was your favorite?
Rocky Gray – Xmas to Dismember, Dead Air, and Kringles are some of my favorites.
PopHorror – Those are pretty great, some of my favorite ones too! You currently have an Indiegogo campaign happening for your upcoming anthology 10/31 Part 3. I’m so excited about this! Why did you decide to do a third one?
Rocky Gray – I had originally planned on taking a year off but for whatever reason, I just went for it. I’m glad I did because this just may be our best one. I don’t think I can stop this thing now haha. It’s taken a life of its own and I’m ok with that.
PopHorror – Loving it! Anything you’re doing differently this time around?
Rocky Gray – Nothing is really different as far as how the show plays out, just a new batch of great directors doing what they do best.
PopHorror – Looking forward to seeing what they deliver! What’s your favorite perk?
Rocky Gray – Honestly, I have a special place in my heart for the Collectors Box Set. I love collecting box sets from other movies so it is super cool to have enough movies now to have a box set of our own. The bundles are cool too because it has the VHS tape included so that is a favorite of mine as well.
PopHorror – That one is awesome. I decided on the Blu-ray! When do you plan on shooting?
Rocky Gray – We are already in production. Michael Ballif is finished shooting already, Jacob Perrett is currently shooting, Brad Twigg is almost done shooting and Zane Hershberger is waiting on some practical special fx from Cody Ruch to be built so he can begin shooting. Jennifer Nangle will be shooting the Malvolia segment soon as well.
I’m jumping back in the director’s chair for the first time since the Samhain Slasher segment from the first film to shoot the wraparound segment with Tamara Glynn starring.
PopHorror – Ohhh that’s even more exciting! What will be the estimated release date?
Rocky Gray – If we don’t run into any delays it will be out this October.
PopHorror – Oh man, I hope so! That gives me something to look forward to! Anything else you’d like to talk about?
Rocky Gray – I think we are good. Thanks for the great interview as always!!!
PopHorror – THANK YOU for your time! To all the readers and supports of all things horror, 13 Slays Till X-mas is now available at Scream Team Releasing, you can purchase a copy – here. 10/31 Part 3’s Indiegogo only has a few more days, so check out the campaign and see if there are any cool perks you may want by clicking – here!
