It's no secret we love sharks here at The Scoop, and when I started seeing posts about the upcoming "Graveyard Shark", I had to know more. I mean, come on, our very own Cat Voleur wrote the novelization for "Puppet Shark", so I was thrilled when Matt agreed to answer some questions for us to share with all of you! Check out other titles they've already released, and buckle up for the release of "Graveyard Shark" later this year.
1. Thank you for taking the time to answer some questions for us at The Scoop! Can you tell us a bit about you, who you are, and what you'd like everyone to know about Mad Angel Films?
Thank you for having me, I'm thrilled to share more about myself and Mad Angel Films. My name is Matthew A. Peters, and I'm the director and creative mind behind Mad Angel Films alongside producer Jason A. Covey. Over the last 16 years, we've been on an exhilarating journey, crafting 22 distinct films under the Mad Angel Films banner. Our portfolio spans across various genres, ranging from spine-chilling horror to adrenaline-pumping action adventures, and everything in between.
2. Graveyard Shark is what really caught my eye (because that name alone is just gold), but before we get into that, tell us about some of the other films we should know about!
Graveyard Shark indeed has a catchy title, and I'm thrilled to dive into it! One of our recent releases that has been generating quite a buzz is 'Big Brood.' This alien horror film offers a thrilling mix of family drama and extraterrestrial terror. Set against the backdrop of a close-knit family, the story takes a chilling turn when a body-snatching alien crash-lands, setting off a chain of events as it seeks the perfect host. It's streaming now on Tubi and Amazon.
In addition to 'Big Brood,' we have a couple of other gems currently streaming on platforms like Tubi and Amazon. 'Killin' Time' and 'Axegrinder 666' are both throwback slashers that pay homage to the classic horror genre, packed with masked killers, practical effects, witty dialogue, and memorable characters.
3. What part of the filmmaking process is the most fun for you? You know, that one bit where you give an evil laugh and rub your hands together when you get to dive in.
Ah, the joy of being on set! It truly is the heart and soul of filmmaking for me. There's nothing quite like that moment when you see all your hard work, imagination, and dedication come to life before your eyes. It's like watching your dreams unfold in real-time.
Being on set is a whirlwind of excitement and energy. You're surrounded by incredibly talented individuals, each bringing their unique skills and perspectives to the table. Collaborating with this diverse team is not only exhilarating but also incredibly rewarding. Together, we work tirelessly to bring our collective vision to life, and that synergy is simply magical.
But you know what really gets me going? It's the thrill of problem-solving. Filmmaking is a creative endeavor, but it's also a constant exercise in overcoming challenges and obstacles. When unexpected issues arise — as they inevitably do — that's when the true magic happens. It's like a puzzle waiting to be solved, and I thrive on the challenge. Whether it's finding creative solutions to technical hiccups or improvising on the fly to capture that perfect shot, those moments of ingenuity are where the real magic of filmmaking shines through.
So yes, you might catch me letting out an evil laugh and rubbing my hands together when faced with a particularly tricky problem on set. Because for me, there's no greater thrill than the joy of creation and the satisfaction of turning challenges into triumphs. That's the essence of filmmaking, and it's what keeps me coming back for more, time and time again.
4. What's your earliest horror-related memory?
My earliest horror-related memory takes me back to when I was around 5 or 6 years old. I was watching 'Nightmare on Elm Street' for the first time. I found myself thrust into a real-life nightmare as my uncle, donning a terrifying Freddy Krueger mask, decided to scare me and chase me around the house. The sheer terror I felt in those moments is something that has stayed with me throughout the years. It gave me appreciation looking back at it. It was a visceral reminder of the power that films hold to transcend their medium and leave a lasting impact on their audience.
5. Are there any specific films out there that provided inspiration for Graveyard Sharks?
That's a fantastic question. When it comes to inspiration for 'Graveyard Sharks,' it's less about specific films and more about the collective body of shark exploitation films out there. I immersed myself in the genre, conducting thorough research to understand what has worked in the past and what hasn't.
By studying existing shark films, I was able to glean insights into audience expectations, narrative tropes, and visual motifs. However, rather than seeking to emulate any one film, I aimed to carve out a unique space within the genre.
The creative process involved distilling elements from various shark exploitation films while also infusing fresh ideas and innovative twists. I wanted to offer audiences something they hadn't seen before, a thrilling experience that would defy expectations and leave a lasting impression.
6. What is your favorite way to network with like-minded folks in the horror community?
My favorite way to network with like-minded individuals in the horror community is through horror conventions. These events provide an invaluable opportunity to connect with fans, fellow artists, and industry professionals alike. There's something truly special about being surrounded by people who share a passion for all things horror.
In addition to conventions, we've also found another avenue for networking through our YouTube show, Indiescares. By shining a spotlight on indie horror films and engaging with our audience through online platforms, we're able to forge connections and foster a sense of community in a digital space.
7. Seeing that you're based out of Utica, NY was fantastic, since that's kinda close to where I'm from - do you do most of your filming in upstate NY as well? Have you ever had a crazy weather hiccup during the course of filming? (Since we know NY weather loves to throw some wrenches into everything.)
Everything we have ever shot was in Upstate, New York and that does come with its challenges with weather. When it comes to filming, we've adopted a "rain or shine" mentality out of necessity. Scheduling shoots in advance requires meticulous planning, and canceling due to weather simply isn't an option for us. Instead, we've learned to embrace whatever Mother Nature throws our way and find creative solutions to work around it.
Weekends are prime shooting time for us, and regardless of the forecast, we're committed to making it happen. Over the course of our 16 years in the industry, we've encountered our fair share of weather-related challenges, but we've never once canceled a shoot because of it.
In fact, some of our most memorable moments on set have come from navigating through unexpected weather conditions. Whether it's shooting in the midst of a sudden downpour or improvising to capture the beauty of a snow-covered landscape, these moments of spontaneity add an element of excitement and unpredictability to the filmmaking process.
At the end of the day, facing the elements head-on is all part of the adventure of indie filmmaking. It's a testament to our team's resilience, adaptability, and sheer determination to bring our creative visions to life, come rain or shine.
8. Are there any specific works of horror (film, book, or otherwise) that you feel shaped you into the creator you are now?
When it comes to the works of horror that have had a profound impact on shaping me as a creator, two titles immediately spring to mind: "Evil Dead" and "Big Trouble in Little China."
"Evil Dead" holds a special place in my heart as one of the first horror films I watched that truly sparked my passion for filmmaking. Delving into the behind-the-scenes details of its production opened my eyes to the possibilities of storytelling through the medium of film. Witnessing the raw creativity and ingenuity that went into bringing the terrifying world of "Evil Dead" to life inspired me to pursue my own creative endeavors into filmmaking.
While "Big Trouble in Little China" may not be a traditional horror film, it's undeniably one of the biggest influences on my creative vision. This cult classic seamlessly blends elements of adventure, eccentric characters, witty dialogue, and thrilling action, creating a cinematic experience that is both wildly entertaining and endlessly memorable. It's a film that dares to defy conventions and embrace the unexpected, something I strive to emulate in my own work.
What sets "Big Trouble in Little China" apart for me is its fearless approach to storytelling, incorporating elements of horror in a way that feels organic and inventive. It's a prime example of how genre boundaries can be blurred to create something truly unique and captivating. As a creator, I aim to infuse my projects with the same sense of adventure, creativity, and boundary-pushing spirit that define these iconic films.
9. Is there an estimated timeline for the remainder of the pre-release process with Graveyard Shark?
As we near the completion of post-production for "Graveyard Shark," we're excited to share our estimated timeline for the remainder of the pre-release process: For the month of April we're in the final stages of production, wrapping up some reshoots to ensure that every scene is polished to perfection. Meanwhile, I'm putting the finishing touches on the final edit of the film, meticulously crafting each frame to bring our vision to life.
We're aiming to premiere "Graveyard Shark" around June 7th, offering audiences the first opportunity to experience the thrill and excitement of our latest cinematic endeavor. In July we'll be releasing physical copies of "Graveyard Shark" to our Indiegogo backers and have it for sale on our website. This includes Blu-Rays, DVDs, and even VHS tapes. We're incredibly grateful for the support of our backers, and we're thrilled to deliver on our promises with these exclusive physical releases.
Later in the year we will be working towards making "Graveyard Shark" accessible to a wider audience through streaming sites. Stay tuned for updates on when you can catch the film on your favorite streaming platform. We're incredibly excited to share "Graveyard Shark" with the world and grateful for the support of our fans throughout this journey.
10. Naturally we'll be sharing to help promote! Where are the best places to review and share the great word that are beneficial to you?
Thank you so much for your support and enthusiasm! We truly appreciate it. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube under the handle @MadAngelFilms. Give us a follow and engage with our content. Sharing our posts, tagging us in your stories, and leaving comments are all great ways to spread the word and connect with our community.
Visit our website at www.madangelfilms.com for all the latest news, updates, and behind-the-scenes insights into the world of Mad Angel Films. You'll also find a wide range of merchandise, including physical copies of our films, available for purchase.
Once again, thank you for your support and for helping us spread the word about Mad Angel Films.
