Interview with a vampire filmmaker on Whidbey
By JESSIE STENSLAND
Whidbey News Times Assistant editor
May 03 2008
A Seattle police detective and the leader of the entire race of vampires will be duking it out on Whidbey Island this month.
Throw in a sultry enchantress, a junkie pimp, a loving wife, a vampire slayer and some guy named Mr. Tingle, and youre got yourself a fray of epic proportions.
There to help capture the action will be long-time Oak Harbor resident Shawn Cain, a standup comedian and filmmaker. He wrote and is co-producing Loved Ones, a vampire movie that will be filmed on Whidbey and in Skagit County May 7 through 16.
Its not bad for a guy who lives right down the street, Cain said.
Its going to be scary stuff, though Cain said the story will rely on a spooky plot and character development instead of special effects and sleaze.
But, be forewarned, the films synopsis states. If you are faint of heart or pregnant, do NOT watch this movie it will disturb you.
Cain is probably best known for writing, producing and directing a one-man show, Up the Kilt, for former professional wrestler, Rowdy Roddy Piper. Cain said he wrote the screenplay of Loved Ones for his wrestling pal, but Piper is in poor health.
Instead, Cain said hes lined up some pretty notable actors to star in the film, which will cost about $200,000 to make. The average person probably wont recognize the names, but the faces may be more familiar. Daniel Roebuck, the lead, has an extensive filmography, including U.S. Marshals, The Devils Rejects and appearances in such TV shows as Lost, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, NCIS, Bones, Nash Bridges and many others.
Other stars include Chuck Williams, who appears in Girls Next Door; Camden Toy, who was a regular on Buffy the Vampire Slayer; and Duane Whitaker from Pulp Fiction and From Dusk till to Dawn 2.
All of the stars will be staying at the Coachman Inn in Oak Harbor during the filming.
Its really kind of cool that Im in the position to make this movie and let some pretty heavy hitters see this area, Cain said.
The film is made through the production company, Cain-Diaz Films, that Cain started with his partner, local resident Rick Diaz.
Were basically a struggling, small film company with great stories that have a lot of dialogue, he said.
The partners first film was Kiss from the Grave, a crime thriller filmed in Burlington. Cain said it was well received by critics and opened a lot of doors for the duo. Cain said he has recently discussed filmmaking with the likes of such horror masters as Wes Craven and George Romero.
As for Loved Ones, Cain said it will go straight to DVD at Blockbuster. He said it will also be included in the SciFi Channels 8 Films to Die For, Halloween edition.
Teenagers will love it, he said, though I wouldnt let a 13-year-old see it.
The excitement wont end there. Cain said hes in contact with Christian Slater, Keith Carradine and other stars about making other movies on Whidbey.
You can reach News-Times reporter Jessie Stensland at jstensland@whidbeynewstimes.com or call 675-6611.
Whidbey News Times Assistant editor Jessie Stensland can be reached at jstensland@whidbeynewstimes.com or 360.675.6611.- Civil
- Smart
- On-topic
- Free from profanity
We ask that all participants own their words by registering for an account. It's a simple process that will take seconds and helps keep our comments free of trolls, cranks, and drive-by commenters.
As a community site, we ask that the community help by using the "Flag" button on each comment if they feel the comment has violated the rules. You can also use the up and down arrows on each comment to voice your opinion about that particular comment.
Want to tell us something but you don't want it to be public? Talk to us privately.
