Sean Donohue is one of the most prestigious filmmakers in Tampa. His films such as the Death-Scort Service trilogy are classics in the underground horror scene. What I personally love about Sean’s films is he doesn’t dazzle the films with artistic shots or crazy graphics; everything is shot very well but the focus is on the story and the film itself. Oftentimes, making a good film is as simple as that. Well, and add some blood, guts, and nudity to it, of course!
In addition, Sean is just someone who’s devoted to horror and films, in general. He also hosts an awesome convention Tampa Bay Screams every year where he has featured incredible guests such as I Spit On Your Grave’s Camille Keaton. And guess which incredible wordsmith will be there promoting her books (hehehehe…me!).
I interviewed Sean where he discusses his new film The Hart-Break Killer, his horror convention Tampa Bay Screams, his history with filmmaking, and his thoughts on the modern indie filmmaking scene.
1. The Hart-Break Killer is out! Tell us about the film, the filming process, and what fans can expect.
The Hart-Break Killer is like nothing I have done in the past. Unlike my past ventures in filmmaking this one focuses on story and character development, not blood and guts and T and A. It centers around the main character named Robert Hart (played by Eigh8t the Chosen one), who well….has problems. He hasn’t had much luck in the lady department and has an alter ego whom he converses within a “black room” in order to get advice from. Robert is lovesick and has other problems as well. The story leads to a twist ending that I am not going to divulge. Expect the unexpected!! Buy the film on Blu-ray here: https://www.deepdiscount.com/the-hart-break-killer/037182594065
2. Are you working on anything else? You can also promote or mention any past films if you want.
Currently, I am working with Chris Woods as a producer on his new project, Family Snapshot. I don’t want to tell too much about it but I can tell you that what I have seen captured so far is really great. I will be excited to see the final outcome. Right before that project, I teamed up with a past partner, Chris Leto on our newest venture, Dead Residence. It’s a found footage film which is a first for us. It’s pretty much finished and may screen it at my convention Tampa Bay Screams for its premiere! I also have a future project I am building for next year called Blood and Guts: A Documentary about Independent Horror. This documentary will focus on the history of Florida Horror and where it is now. Expect interviews from, Marcus Koch, Stephen Biro, Andrew Allen, Shelby McIntyre, Joel Wynkoop and a tribute to Herschell Gordon Lewis, to name a few.
3. Every year you host a horror convention here in Tampa called Tampa Bay Screams. What influenced you to start this convention? What should guests and vendors expect this year as opposed to previous years?
This year will be Tampa Bay Screams 4th year! What really influenced me to start this convention was that there was nothing like it in Tampa. Being a Horror/Exploitation movie, junkie I figured hey maybe I could start a convention! This year Lloyd Kaufman (Troma), Debbie Rochon, Rhonda Shear, Catherine Parks and Jill Whitlow will headline it. If you are in Florida or any neighboring state this is one Con you don’t want to miss. Pick up DVD’s, Blu, posters, tee shirts etc. from your favorite B movies and interact with B movie stars of the past for a very memorable experience. More info on the con can be found at : http://www.gatorbladefilms.com/tampabayscreams.net.html
4. What influenced you to start making films?
Well, I grew up watching a lot of movies. As a kid, I always wanted to be an actor. By the time I got to high school, I realized I was not a great actor. So I thought maybe I would be better off behind the camera. I went to college at USF and took every film class they offered then dropped out and went to a trade school earning an AS degree in Digital Film making, it’s basically worthless, lol. Nevertheless, I started networking around town after college and now I have my own Production company, Distribution company and my own Convention.
5. What do you think of the modern underground horror scene?
I love it! I wish more people would give it a try. It seems to be growing slowly but it’s still “underground.” IMO. Hopefully, in years to come, it will be more accepted and available to the mainstream crowd.
6. Who are some of your favorite modern indie horror filmmakers? Whether they’re ones you collaborate with or just some that you admire.
Well, I really think Scott Schirmer’s work is great. Especially on Found. Guys like James Bell keep me on my toes when I want to watch some artistic gore and I have always like what friend/ collaborator Marcus Koch has going on, his F/X are always top notch. And lets not forget friends Chris Woods and Chris Leto whom I frequently collaborate with and are great artists, too.
7. What’s the importance of indie filmmaking?
I think any art is important. Sure you don’t necessarily “need” art but as humans, it’s one thing that separates us from the other animals. Filmmaking technically is not a very old art compared to other arts. So I think keeping any art alive is important whether it be filmmaking or Tai Chi. The importance of indie filmmaking is more important than “Hollywood” style filmmaking IMO because Hollywood takes the art out of filmmaking and fills it with money and famous faces so a lot of the art aspect is blinded by that. In other words, you don’t need a million dollars and Tom Cruise to make an entertaining piece of art.
8. You can say or promote whatever you want!
Come check out Tampa Bay Screams this year. It relies on you, the fans to keep it alive! You might even see Stephanie Jensen with her own table this year promoting her new book! Here is the link again for more info: http://www.gatorbladefilms.com/tampabayscreams.net.html