Monday, May 30, 2011

HAPPY BIRTHDAY STUCKY !

Our crazy little buddy MICHAEL J. POLLARD turns 72 today! I can't believe it. I love this guy and he was one of the first people I cast when HOUSE OF 1000 CORPSES got the green light.


Saturday, May 28, 2011

BEHIND THE SCENES OF 1000 CORPSES

RZ and Jeanne Carmen on the set of 1000 Corpses. This very weird scene that was cut from the final film.


You might remember Jeanne from THE MONSTER OF PIEDRAS BLANCAS.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

SPAULDING BOBBLEHEAD!

Well, shit the bed! The SPAULDING BOBBLEHEADS are back! Get one today at www.halloweentownstore.com

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOSSARA !

Today is everyone's favorite rejected maid's birthday.


MORE ANSWERS #9

Janthony94 said...
As the greatest horror director, and the great feedback from Halloween, would you remake Nightmare on Elm street, or create a film based on the manson murders, or a snuff film perhaps?

Nightmare On Elm St. has already been remade, I love the idea of making a movie on the Manson murders but there are already too many in production so the idea is kind of beat. Are you sure you know what a snuff film is?

RG said...
Hi Rob,
Were you aware that your name is on the official "Welcome to Haverhill" street sign in Haverhill MA?:
http://www.eagletribune.com/archive/x2073113875
What's the story behind that?

Yes, I am aware. I have not seen it in person, but I've seen a picture. I have no idea how that came about. It just popped up one day. Pretty cool though.

Franky said...
Hi again. I just have to ask another question...don't wanna be pushy but that's what you get for caring about your fans :)
I'd really like to know what you think of Quentin Tarantino, Robert Rodriguez and Spike Lee. Do you like their movies? Their attitudes? And would you like to team up with them (or one of them) for a movie project? As a movie enthusiast I just have to know this...

I think all three of those guys are cool and have made great films. I already got to team with Quentin and Robert on GRINDHOUSE. I don't see a Spike Lee team-up in my future.

thiswaytheend said...
As a Rocky Horror fan, would you ever consider casting Tim Curry a part in one of your future films?

Sure. I think he's awesome. I've always loved Rocky Horror ever since I first saw in back in 1980.

Jeeva said...
Well, I have two more technical questions.

The first regarding your choice of aspect ratio for your films. With the exception of the first 'Halloween' you shoot all your films in 1.85:1. Is that the one you prefer? And was it your choice to shoot 'Halloween' in scope or did the producers demand that?

I love that you shoot your stuff on good old fashioned film, since it's got a lot more texture and life in it. What do you think about shooting digital and the whole 3D craze that's going on?

I don't remember why I shot Halloween in a different aspect ratio, it wasn't a producer call.

As far as digital, I may try it out soon, how knows. 3D is fine for some movies, but not every movie. I think it is a cool gimmick should be used on the films that need it.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Thursday, May 19, 2011

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SEAN !

If birthday boy Sean Whelan proves anything in these shots ... don't stop to pick up screaming bloody girls on dark back roads.


MORE ANSWERS #

hitmbig said...
As I asked for Halloween back on Myspace, how much if any CGI will be used in the new film. I motherfucking hate CGI with a passion in films. It causes to much attention change from the film to 'damn that shit looks fuckin' fake'. Love the films you make as evidence by the tattoo I showed you last summer keep it up.

At this time there are no plans to use any CGI in LORDS. I am not a fan of it although I think it can be very effective it used in very subtle ways. But no one uses it that way. To me most live action films are basically turning into animated films. I also think even great actors come off as stiff and awkward when shot on a green screen.

thiswaytheend said...
what was your reaction to the original Texas Chain Saw Massacre during your first viewing? where did you watch it?

The first time I saw Chainsaw was back in 1981( I think) at the 8th Street Playhouse in NYC (amazing theater). I was blown away. I love every second of it and still do.

Juan J. Espinoza said...
I've read around the net that House of 1000 Corpses was originally a 105 minutes film. Did you cut that in order to get distribution? or was just a matter of making the film better regardless you got a distribution deal or not?

Truthfully I don't remember. I was a long time ago. I do remember a couple missing scenes, one with Baby covered in blood standing over Bill dead body and a few other things.

Blodhorn said...
what is the most important in a Rob Zombie's movie: the story? the message? the subversif meaning, the characters or the possibility of improve your technicity?

The characters. If the characters in a film are interesting I can watch them do just about anything. Most of the time I get bored with films because they are so special effects and plot driven that they forget to create any interesting characters.

coigoodman said...
hi im currently preparing to go to college to study music and film would you happen to know what degree i would need to write music and make music videos? as in direct and produce.... i eventually want to do music and film separately i keep tryin to find out but no one hs any answers for me :\ and im really serious about it i just dont want to look like an idiot and study all the wrong things lol

The reality of the business is that no one cares about a college degree unless you want to be a teacher. I have never once in 25 years ever even heard that mentioned by anyone. I personally have never asked anybody that question when hiring for a music project or film because it does not matter at all... at all. All that matters is the work you can do. If your work is good you will get hired, if it sucks you will not. It is that simple.

I don't want to bum you out because obviously going to school and learning is a good idea but don't be fooled by some piece of paper. In the world of "art" it is worthless. Obviously if you wanted to be a doctor then it is a whole other thing. The truth is while you are in school doing your homework some other dude the same age is on-set working as a P.A. Now he might just be running around getting coffee but he is learning more about how things really work. Hope this helps.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MATTY !

Today is big Matt's B-Day. We all miss the big guy.

RZ and Matt on the first day of working on Rejects.

THREE AMIGOS



Monday, May 16, 2011

MORE ANSWERS #8

Tsl87 said...
Whose idea was it to put in the footage of Danielle as a child after her death scene in H2? That whole scene was brilliant! The acting, the score... just a perfect scene. Only horror movie that ever made me tear up.

Well, obviously it was my idea. Since it is my movie. Funny you mention it, that is one of the things the studio fucking hated.

JasonZombie said...
Your most watched or favourite zombie movie of all time? Mine personally is George A.Romero's Night of The Living Dead :)

That is a great film, but I think my fav is DAWN OF THE DEAD. I've seen that film at least a couple hundred times.

mario_0821 said...
Hi, Rob. Any chance we will ever hear the song "Little Piggy" off the HOTC soundtrack live? We finnaly got you to play Pussy Liquor, which I was lucky enought to see in Tucson, AZ when you played for 2 hours!

Not anytime soon. Ginger has enough songs to learn I don't want to kill the guy on his first tour.

thekillerawoke said...
I read somewhere once that you moved to New York when you were 18, but you dropped out of school (or got kicked out)... how did you support yourself ? where exactly in NYC did you leave ? Not sure how much of that is true...but it would be interesting to see an answer.

All true. I got kicked out of college and lived on the Lower East side. This was in 1983 so it wasn't the swell place it is today. I worked as a bike messenger mostly, then as a PA on Pee Wee's Playhouse and then finally as a graphic artist for a bunch of porn mags. Then White Zombie signed to Geffen and the band was my job.

LaurieStrode13 said...
Hi Rob. I was wondering, what was your inspiration for the white horse in H2? Thanks.

The inspiration hit one morning while driving to set. I saw a team of white horses running through the mist in a field. It was amazing. By the time I got to set I was looking for a giant white horse to use. Deborah and the white horse in the hallway is one of my favorites images.

Sam Hain said...
How did you enjoy your experience working with Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights? Which of your other movies do you think would make excellent mazes?

The gang at Universal are great. Really true horror fans. Last year's 1000 Corpses maze was a huge, huge it so I am hoping that maybe one day we can do a LORDS OF SALEM maze.

Tsl87 said...
In the van crash scene in H2 when the coroner repeats "fuck" over and over, was that a middle finger to your critics that say you are too vulgar? I think H2 (directors cut) will become a cult classic one day. Some of the best acting I've seen in a horror movie.

No, I don't was film responding to critics. That was just a choice between me and the actor made at that time. I love it because it is awkward, which is exactly how people act when they are hurt. And to anyone that thinks I am vulgar well, go FUCK YOURSELF YOU COCK SUCKING FUCKING CUNT! Ha.

Chris said...
Mr. Zombie, how much of your films are totally your works? As in are they your finished thoughts and you have other writers edit and fine tune them, or do you sit down with a group of folks with just an idea that you all collaborate on?

I am the only writer involved on any of my films except EL SUPERBEASTO which Tom Papa and I wrote together. Although the comic it was based on was written solely by me.

Saturday, May 14, 2011

GOT MORE QUESTIONS?

Thought it was time to repost and see if you have any more questions. Put them here and I will answer them.

MORE ANSWERS #7

Austin said...
Being such a successful musician and film maker, who do you feel was the most important contact you made to get you where you are today? and how lucky do you feel that you get to do two things you love?

I wish I could say there was one special contact that made all the difference, but life doesn't work that way. When I started I knew nothing about anything, I had no friends or relatives in the business of either movies or music. It was basically all struggle and hard work. Music was a long slow climb and the same goes for film. That's way I tell anyone looking for advice that you have to "do it because you have to -- and if you can't -- you would rather be dead". That is how I felt. Most of the time people think that I will give them some magic advise that will give them a short cut, there are no short cuts. I think shows like American Idol have people swayed into thinking that they can win some stupid contest and be a star! I love watching the contestants cry when they get the boot wailing about their dreams. FUCK YOU!

Here is a painful true fact of life, NO GIVES A FUCK ABOUT YOUR DREAM! That is why YOU have to give a fuck until it hurts.

I feel very happy to be where I am, but another truth is that, "the harder I work, the luckier I get." I know it sounds harsh but really that is just the reality of it all.

Martin said...
Hi Rob,

I wanted to ask you if Jesse Dayton gonna make some crazy music for your next movie? Becouse Banjo & Sullivan and Captain Clegg were awesome and it will be nice to hear some new crazy JD's country tunes in The Lord of Salem.

Yes, there will be crazy music but I don't think Jesse will be part of it. I love Jesse's music and the music he has done for me is amazing, but I don't think his style fits the film this time around.

der_kaninchenbau said...
Heyo!
I'm really looking forward to seeing you guys playing here in Germany!! Have you ever considered making a Western or some sort of Blaxploitation movie? Especially a RZ style Western would be a cinematic dream come true...

Yes, I love westerns and have written several western scripts over the years. Someday I will make one for sure. I also love Blaxploitation films and have thought about doing one. I wonder if the world would go for something like that these days?

Mike Kinney said...
When you were on MTV Cribs you said you buy every horror DVD you can get your hands on. Do you still do that? Have you upgraded to blu-ray yet?

I basically buy every DVD I can get my hands on. I only upgrade special films to blu-ray or buy new stuff on that format.

Friday, May 13, 2011

LORDS UPDATE #4: SFX

“THE LORD OF SALEM’s SFX master Wayne Toth took a few pictures of the work happening at his shop yesterday. I know you can’t really see much, but come on it’s way too early to give away these things. Take a look and see what you can uncover. “




Tuesday, May 10, 2011

SPAULDING, SPLAUDING, SPAULDING!


It's Spaulding's world... we just live in it.












PARTY TIME

RZ and Tom Papa hit the bar after wrapping up LIVE IN NEW YORK CITY.

MORE ANSWERS #6

Martin said...
Hi Rob,
I wanted to ask you what's your favorite Jack Hill movie. And have you ever thought about Pam Grier doing a cameo in one of your movies? Couse we have seen Tura Satana in one of your movies and it would be cool to see more badass exploitation film actresses in your movies.

I have two favorite Hill films. First is Spider Baby with our pal Sid and the second is Coffy. Although Foxy Brown, Pit Stop,The Big Doll House and The Big Bird Cage are awesome. I often thought about using Pam Grier in my films. I love her. Not sure why it hasn't happened yet.

SpookyKooky said...
I really enjoy your screenplays and I own a copy of "The Devils Rejects" hardcopy that you brought out with Neca. I'd love to read your screenplay for "H2"... Will you ever release it or make it available online?

I would like to release it in the same way as Rejects but I have no plans at the moment. I also have materials for a HOUSE OF 1000 CORPSES one. But first I think I will put one out for THE LORDS OF SALEM.

Rich M Waters said...
I think you're one of the better horror director's today and I dig your music, but you always see a lot of critics saying stick to the music instead of the films. What do you make of this? Do you think is it a case of thinking people are just being critical for the sake of it?

Who knows, who cares. My movies have a very "love it or hate it" vibe and these days that is no the flavor. The flavor is vanilla, because everybody likes vanilla and vanilla could never offend anyone. As so I think the internet has created a culture of non-stop bitching.

thekillerawoke said...
favorite munsters episode ?

I love them all but some of my favs are "ZOMBO", "WILL SUCCESS SPOIL HERMAN MUNSTER?" and "HOT ROD HERMAN".

DER PROPHET said...

What are your three favourite ALICE COOPER albums?

"LoveIt To Death", Welcome To My Nightmare" and "Muscle Of Love".

Sunday, May 8, 2011

TEMP MESSAGE BOARD!

I've heard a lot of talk of the good old days on The Devil's Rejects message board lately. Well, until THE LORDS OF SALEM board is up and running I say we all use this blog thread as you new meeting place until we movie it over.

What are you waiting for? Let's get to know each other. Here's how. Answer these few simple questions:

1. Favorite 5 movies
2. Favorite 5 actors/actresses
3. Favorite 5 bands/musicians
4. Favorite concert experience
5. Favorite convention experience
6. Ultimate dream

Okay that should get the ball rolling. GO!

MORE ANSWERS #5

Austin said...
how do you start your writing process? does an idea just pop into your head and you run with it? or do you think of something then go into character development and plot outline?

I just basically get an idea. I usually think about for awhile before I even write it down. It just bounces around in my head. Then finally I will start writing. I don't outline or break it down in any way. I just start. The first 20 to 30 pages flies out then I get stuck. MOst writing books say to push through to the end and finish a rough draft no matter how rough, but I don't. I keep working until I figure out who the characters are then it just flows. Although it does help if I have the ending so I know where I am headed.

arrillaga60 said...
Any casting news for "Lords fo Salem"?? I'm very exciting!! Is the lovely Dee Wallace involved??

Not yet, but soon. I have many new people that I am very excited to work with. Hopefully they we sign onto the picture.

The Gill-Man said...
H2, in my opinion, had a strong influence from director David Lynch. Do you have a favorite Lynch film? What other directors do you view as influences on your work?

Everything has an influence in some way or another. I love so many directors that it is hard to just name a few who have influenced me. As far as David Lynch films I think The Elephant Man might be my favorite, but I love Eraserhead, Wild At Heart, Mullholland Dr. and Blue Velvet.

Moondragon said...
When you have someone make a website for The Lords of Salem, can it have a message board, please? It was fun posting on the official Devil's Rejects board back in the day, I remember when the board opened, you answered some of our questions, and that was awesome of you. Your fans need a message board so we can get to know each other better, I am still friends with a lot of people I met on the Rejects board, and it would be awesome to meet other Zombieheads.

Sure thing. When we have a Lords site it will have a message board.

Friday, May 6, 2011

FINALLY !

PAPA LIVE IN NYC

Here are a few snaps of Tom on stage in his first stand-up comedy special.





MORE ANSWERS #4

thekillerawoke said...
Which film of yours do you think is the most creatively and artistically successful?

The Devil's Rejects is most satisfying for me mostly due to the fact that is the only film I have made with no studio meddling. It is exactly the film I wanted to make and I think it succeeds because of that. I work best we outside forces aren't constantly jamming themselves into the process.

Mike Kinney said...
When you were on MTV Cribs you said you buy every horror DVD you can get your hands on. Do you still do that? Have you upgraded to blu-ray yet?

I still buy tons and tons of DVDs. I won't bother upgrading everything to blue-ray but some films for sure. Even though everything is going digital I still like owning a hard copy of every film. It is not just horror, it is everything.

arrillaga60 said...
When will you shoot "Lords of Salem"?? Variety reports that spring time was the beginning. Is any of these poeple on board for "Salem": Caroline Munro, Bruce Campbell, Dee Wallace, Cassandra Peterson??? Love all your flicks. THANKS.

We have begun working, but not shooting yet. This is a very practical FXs heavy film, so that department has been working for awhile building insane shit. I will start after the summer. No one is on board yet but casting will start very soon.

Jeeva said...
First... I was wondering what your thoughts are on (old school) directors Sam Peckinpah and Walter Hill. I sense a little of their style in your work.

I love both those directors especially Peckinpah. Films like The Getaway, The Ballad Of Cable Hogue, Ride The High Country, The WIld Bunch and Brin ME The Head Of Alfredo Garcia are some of my fav films. Walter Hill's Hard Times, The Long Riders, Southern Comfort and The Warriors are some of my favorites.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

CINCO DE COFFINS

Our pal Uncle Coffins sent us a Cinco De Mayo greeting.

MORE ANSWERS #3

Tsl87 said...
There are thousands of fans that would love to meet you at horror conventions. Will you or Mrs. Zombie ever make any appearances?

We have no plans at this time to do any horror conventions.

Blodhorn said...
How do you chose your film? and what is your personnal meaning behind them?

The films choose me and by that I mean that getting a film off the ground is almost impossible these days. So I have many different ideas and I move ahead with the one that I can get made at that moment. The Lords Of Salem was an old idea that jump ahead of the pack and now that is in production. Sometimes certain ideas or scripts need time to sit. I never forget about them, it is just that the timing isn't right.

As far as the meaning I always try in make the films personal to me. You really have only your own life to draw on for reference so that's what I do. Sometimes it freaks people out. Like the Laurie Strode character in H2, I can only present it as I see it, I can't present it from someone else's POV. That is how I remember that age and the way the world seemed to me so I drafted onto the character. I might not always make sense, but it is rooted in reality.

Lauren said...
I live in salem, ma and cannot even begin to express my excitement for this film! What inspired you to make this film and what kind of score can we be expecting?

Having grown up in MA the Salem Witch Trials were always a very interesting topic to me so I knew one day they would find their way into my work. As far as the score, it is a little early to say by I am taking a different approach to this score that the others. I want a more hauntingly melodic score that really sticks in your head. Simple and beautiful but creepy.

13aaa8cc-7525-11e0-b927-000bcdcb2996 said...
Hi Rob. Horror and nerds. Inseparable? One and the same?

That depends on the person. Let me put it this way. If you sit around all day getting into heated arguments over which Michael Myers mask is better. Well, then you just might be a nerd.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

MARTY AND HIS FANCY FEET!

Here is world famous tap dancer "MARTY AND HIS FANCY FEET" being led off stage by one of the lovely "PAPA HONEYS". Marty was just one of the many amazing acts opening for TOM PAPA while filming LIVE IN NEW YORK CITY.

MORE ANSWERS

Here are a few more answers to your questions.

saudishot said...
It seems like artists are becoming increasingly conflicted with which formats to release new music on. Can you imagine a future where your fans no longer have the experience of waiting until release day to go to their local retailer to pick up a PHYSICAL copy of your new album? How much say do you have in what mediums your material is sold?

I think they will definitely be a day when nothing will be sold in a physical format. No CDs, DVDS, magazines or books. Everything will be digital. I hope it doesn't happen soon but it will happen. Look at the evidence. Almost all records stores closed, videos stores closed, many books stores closed. Don't be surprised if movie theaters are next. Everyone will just hide in their house and download their whole fucking life.

The artist has control, but only to a point. The consumer really dictates the formats. Basically if the fans stop buying something then it stops being made. It is impossible to fight against it because it is the future. I hate it, but it is the sad truth of things to come.

Hellbilly Hollywood said...
Will we ever get to see some more superbeasto, in comic or animated form?

I hope so. I having been talking with Tom Papa lately about bringing Mr. Beasto back. I'm not sure yet in what format, but he will return one day to sort of fight crime and party.

camf90 said...
Were there any particular scenes cut from the shooting schedule of Halloween 2 that you wish you had the opportunity to film?

No particular scene was cut, but I wish I had more time. Right before shooting started we had 2 weeks cut from our already tiny schedule. That is a lot of time to lose, especially when it is really too late to move things around. Basically things like the Phantom Jam went from having 3 nights s to shoot down to 1 night, so something like the death of Harley and Wolfie got really screwed. It becomes a case of filming what you can get done, not what you want to shoot. That was one of the most fucked scenes due to having no time. It is a miracle that the film ever got made under those conditions. I pity the fool who tries to make Halloween 3 under the insane Hell they put directors through at that company. The last time I had fun and was left alone to make a film was The Devil's Rejects.

Chris said...
I'm getting in to indie filmmaking, and your work (including the "makings of" featurettes have been a huge influence to me. What are the biggest pitfalls a new filmmaker runs into?

Well, let me first start by saying it is the greatest job in the world but it can be nothing at times but nonstop pitfalls. This may sound weird but the most important thing a director needs to do is "get the job done". Art is great, but if you fall behind schedule and don't get it done... well, then you will be fired. Plain and simple. A director has to be able to deal with things constantly going wrong and remain calm. That is the nature of the beast. It is not a job for the weak, you will crumble.

You have to be able to think fast and on the fly because things are going to happen that no one could have ever guessed. For example -- it rains fucking everyday except when you need it to, cars sink into the mud and can't be moved, key props were never made but you don't find out until it is time to shoot, actors don't bother to learn their lines, film gets destroyed, producers lie about everything, actors don't return to finish scenes they've started and leave you hanging and so on and so on.

Obviously the more experience you have the better you can deal with bullshit.

Hail2theking1428 said...
Would you ever consider writing a prequel to House of 1000 Corpses and The Devil's Rejects detailing the origins of the Firefly family? I just think that all of the characters in these films are extremely interesting and that a third installment in the franchise would be a reasonable end point.

Not really. There are a couple reasons why this doesn't appeal to me. One in a prequel you already know how it will all end and two I would have to cast others actors to play the parts if they were going to be playing the early days of the Firefly family and that just doesn't seem right.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

BEHIND THE SCENES OF TOM PAPA LIVE

RZ checks the framing while Tom waits for action.


Tom and the sword swallower.


More waiting. Tom keeps drinking.


Tom, RZ and Sheri watch playback.


Tom wonders what awaits down that hall.