Witchboard movie

"My first two films as a director were both horror films – Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors and The Blob. I saw both as opportunities to expand on classic horror franchises. By “expand,” I mean both visually, with practical and optical effects… as well as emotionally, through deeper characters, updated story elements and even touches of dark humor… all the while taking care to honor the originals.

"After those first two films, I had the opportunity to explore other genres I love, including action, comedy, thrillers, big studio star-driven productions and small independents… But I always intended to return to horror.

"Witchboard is the third in my personal trilogy of fantasy/horror films …and a chance to top my own work in the genre. It’s also a continuation of my experiments in terrifying an audience while using the inspiration of classic tales.

"Witchboard is based on a resonant 80s franchise that launched the Ouija Board sub-genre in horror. Like The Blob, it had a catchy premise that earned it a special place in pop culture. It also had a sense of the bond of friendships we have as young people leaving their school years behind. I feel we’ve been true to the roots of the original, while taking a deeper dive into a more frightening and imaginative supernatural world.

"By using the history of Wiccan practices as inspiration, particularly the use of pendulum boards, the ancient predecessor to Ouija boards, we’ve dramatized a form of spiritual evil never seen before in the genre. Pendulum Boards, also known as Spirit Wheels, were outlawed by the French Pope in the 1700s and were used as “evidence” in witchcraft trials that led to infamous forms of torture and death. On a technical note, I’ve noticed that no matter how good CGI may be, physical effects tend to be much more frightening and kinetic. They also create more believable reactions in cast members, who tend to be on edge when filming real time physical action. All the stunts and horror set pieces on Witchboard happened live on set, with CGI used only for “cleanups” and minor enhancements, (with the exception of fire elements when things got too hot!) The results are some of my best scares.

"Witchboard features an exciting cast, including genre favorite, Jamie Campbell Bower, in the role of occult expert Alexander Babtiste. Jamie is well known for his incredible work in Stranger Things and such films as Mortal Instruments and the Twilight series. Our lead actress is Madison Iseman, known for her work in the Annabelle and Jumanji franchises, who is outstanding in the film. Rounding out this great ensemble cast are the amazing Aaron Dominguez (Only Murders in The Building), Charlie Tahan (Ozark), Mel Jarnson (Mortal Combat) and Antonia Desplat (Shantaram and Johnny Depp’s upcoming, Modi).

"I sincerely hope you enjoy Witchboard."