Gods of the Deep is the latest horror feature from the prolific Brit director Charlie Steeds.
Ahead of its expected release later this year, we caught up with actor Kane Surry, about being a Dark Temple mainstay, Lovecraft and B&M.
You’ve worked with Dark Temple Films before, was there an audition process for Gods of the Deep?
Charlie got in touch to ask me to tape for the role of Joe, pretty out the blue though we’d become friends after working together on ‘The Barge People’ (he’ll heavily dispute this!) He requested a self tape audition and told me a bit about the film and seeing as I wasn’t working at the time and we were in that horrible winter lockdown; it was a welcome creative outlet for me and after a few notes on my first tape coming across as a bit “sassy”, I eventually got the role!
What can you tell us about Joe Meeker?
I don’t want to give too much about Joe away, but he likes to get the job done even if that doesn’t make him the most popular member of the team!
How does this differ from the roles you’ve had in horror films so far?
I’ve been really lucky in the sense that I get to play the meaner, more thuggish characters in films- which I think are always far more fun to play- and even though Joe has these aspects, he’s not a goon: he’s calculated and methodical, has a military background and bringing that quality to him was fun.
I’m quite messy and disorganised in real life so this really was acting!
This is a smaller cast than Charlie Steeds’ regular productions, who did you enjoy working with the most?
Everyone was a joy to work with and that’s why Charlie works with a lot of the same people, as he trusts that they’ll do a good job and bring a good energy to set but I have to say my besties we Makenna and Derek- such wonderfully talented actors but also hardworking and so much fun to be around.
We all shared the same living quarters whilst filming the main bulk of the shoot and that meant may trip to the local B&M (we filmed in a very remote location!) for lots of wine which meant a lot of late night chatter- it’s was bonding and lovely and I can’t say enough good things about them.
What can you tell us about Gods of the Deep?
Well I am sure that I can’t reveal too much but it has everything you want from a Sci-fi horror: tentacles, blood, ancient runes, submarines, romance- I think audiences are going to find it a lot of fun.
This feels like it has HP Lovecraft vibes, without spoilers, is that the right track?
The film is filled with Lovecraft references and Lovecraftian themes. The lead character works for Miskatonic University, the deep sea explorer team are investigating runes on the ocean floor that they should leave alone. It may even be the first feature-length film to portray the traditional giant Cthulhu with wings and a tentacled face, Cthulhu is the monster of the movie! And what a monster!
Was this a complete set shoot or did you get to travel to any locations?
We did the bulk of the filming in a studio and that was over a period of about 3 weeks, which is where we got most of the interior shots but there was one awesome day where we actually got it be out shooting on open water in the scenes where we take the boat to the submarine.
Charlie even let me steer at one point but sensibly let someone else take over when he saw his back I was- that said, visually, he got some stunning shots.
How do you think Charlie’s directing style has evolved since working on The Barge People all those years ago?
He has a directing style? No I’m kidding of course: Charlie is amazing to work with. For someone to be able have such a clear vision of what they want by knowing the genre inside out but still trusting us actors to bring ourselves to the characters means that we know we are in safe hands and we laugh. A LOT.
The Barge People was the first time working together and it was so much fun I couldn’t wait for the next time.
It’s indie film, so there’s pure chaos at times but Charlie will not let scene wrap without getting the shot he wants and it shows in his work.
It’s inspiring to see younger filmmakers bring vintage horror and sci-fi ideas to new audiences.
When can we expect the first footage from Gods of the Deep?
If the rumours are true, we should be expecting to see this by the end of summer and I can’t wait to see the finished result!
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