Interview: Writer/Director Michael McQuown of “The Dark Tapes”

22 April, 2017 William Eguizabal 0 Comments 1 category
We had the pleasure of interviewing the writer/director Michael McQuown of The Dark Tapes about the things he’s had to go through in trying to make an independent feature with literally no budget. Especially one that came out as well as this one did all thing considered.

First off. I really appreciate you taking the time to speak with us.
What are some challenges in making an anthology film in like this?
The main challenge was doing everything with a crew consisting of basically 3-4 friends. Everyone is wearing multiple hats while no one is getting paid.
Which of the stories is your favorite, why?
That would be like choosing a favorite child! I love them all. Each is different and unique. Plus we have a 5th segment that is just as good as the others coming out on DVD / BluRay
Now as an independent feature there are normally many obstacles do you have something you had to cut the budget, something you maybe wanted to do but couldn’t.
Initially, our demon was supposed to be on wires flying through the air, but I failed to consult with the stunt coordinator ahead of time. When he showed up on set he said it was not doable. Lesson learned on my end.
To that were there any limitations you really wish you could have expanded on? Editing time, makeup, costumes?
We certainly would have had a better-set design, better food for everyone and different practical effects if we had more funds.
As an anthology film, what sort of films did you look towards for inspiration?
None really. I tried to make mini-features for each segment, with a beginning, middle, and end.
A question I try to ask all of my interviewees is what are some of your favorite films?
Goodfellas, Star Wars, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Training Day, The Lord of the Rings Movies…
In addition, if you could only have to on a deserted island what two would you choose and why?
Goodfellas and the collectors set of all three Lord of Rings Movies… Goodfellas never gets old and the Lord of the Rings films would be a lot of films to watch over and over, which would be good
Lastly, do me a favor and put on your PR hat since it’s the only thing you haven’t done on the film and pitch my audience on why they should see “The Dark Tapes” when it launches on VOD April 18th?
If your audience wants to see an anthology that others have said is a combination fo V/H/S meets The Twilight Zone or The Outer Limits or Black Mirror, then am confident they will be pleased
Thanks so much for your time Michael and I’m looking forward to your next project. 
8.) If your audience wants to see an anthology that others have said is a combination fo V/H/S meets The Twilight Zone or The Outer Limits or Black Mirror, then am confident they will be pleased
The film is available to pre-order on iTunes at https://itunes.apple.com/us/movie/the-dark-tapes/id1212096983
When it comes out April 18th, the film will also be available on Google Play, Vudu, iNDemand (Comcast- Xfinity, Time Warner, Cox, Bright House & more), Dish TV, Amazon, Vubiquity (Verizon Fios, Charter, Sudden Link, Media Com &more), Xbox, Playstation, Sling TV & Vimeo. Check out our review of the film and make sure you watch his movie!
Category: Reviews

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