PopHorror Let's Get Scared
I recently had the opportunity to check out the newest horror thriller from RLJE Films, The Cleaning Lady, which was directed by Jack Brooks: Monster Slayer’s Jon Knautz, and then have a followup chat with the film’s executive producer, Jim Nelson.
I really enjoyed The Cleaning Lady, so it was fun to pick Jim’s brain about the film and discuss the things we both loved about it. Read on to learn more about Jim’s career and details about the film, and be sure to check it out when it arrives On Demand, in Digital HD and DVD on June 4, 2019. Stay tuned for another surprise interview, as well as our upcoming review of The Cleaning Lady!
PopHorror – Thanks for talking with me, Jim! How long have you been in the film industry?
Jim Nelson – I have been in the film industry for about five years.
PopHorror – What was the first film you ever worked on?
Jim Nelson – I’ve worked on various film and music projects over the years, and The Cleaning Lady is my first project as the primary Executive Producer.
PopHorror – The Cleaning Lady is a thriller/horror. Do you enjoy that genre?
Jim Nelson – Very much. I am not really a fan of slasher films and would not put The Cleaning Lady in that category. It is a psychological thriller with a horror aspect to it. It is smart and well thought out. I’m very proud of the writing by Alexis Kendra and Jon Knautz.
PopHorror – Can you tell our readers what The Cleaning Lady is about?
Jim Nelson – This film is about obsession. Alice (Alexis Kendra), a beautiful woman, is in love with a married man. She continually tries to end the relationship, and she befriends her cleaning lady, Shelly (Rachel Alig), to fill the void. Shelly is scarred both physically and mentally from abuse as a child caused by her mother. She craves the life Alice leads and becomes obsessed with forcing her to lead a “perfect life.” The twisted friendship spirals out of control when Shelly decides to “cleanse” Alice’s life and will stop at nothing until she is satisfied.
PopHorror – What made you want to be a part of the film?
Jim Nelson – I’m an avid reader and have read numerous scripts written by Alexis and Jon. I sat down to read The Cleaning Lady and didn’t get up until I was finished. It grabbed me and wouldn’t let me go. I called them the next day and said, “We have to make this film.”
PopHorror – Although Shelly does some pretty horrible things, she’s clearly disturbed from her horrid past. I know it made me feel for her and actually changed my attitude towards her. What about you?
Jim Nelson – The audience will be conflicted throughout this film. They will feel both sympathy and hostility for several of the characters.
PopHorror – Did you have a favorite scene?
Jim Nelson – That is like asking who is your favorite child! There are so many great moments. But if you force me – I love the scenes where young Shelly interacts with her mother. JoAnne McGrath did an amazing job portraying Shelly’s mother, a horrible person. You will hate her!
PopHorror – Any other projects you’d like to talk about?
Jim Nelson – I am currently producing a docuseries about the McStay family murders. The trial is taking place as we speak. Just Google “McStay Murders” and you will be inundated with information.
