After the crowdfunding campaign was launched, we got the chance to catchup with business owner turned actor Wesley Cannon to share some information on Cursed Waters, the upcoming feature from Mahal Empire plus a tidbit on the upcoming Jason Goes to Hell documentary.
Can you tell us how you got involved with Cursed Waters?
Sure, I got involved when I received a phone call from Adam Werth, writer and director of the film. He called me and mentioned they had a character in mind, and they wanted to cast me for the role. He explained the character’s background and briefly how they intended him to play into the script. This took place as the script was being written and the character seemed like one I could truly connect with. I’ve worked on a number of the Mahal’s films and have even collaborated with them on a few with my production company, Wicked Monkey Pictures.
What appealed most in the script to you?
PIRATES!!! I would say the biggest thing is the storyline is so unique and puts a spin on a pirate story that no one will anticipate. There’s multiple scenes that kept me wanting to read just to find out the outcome. One in particular I read a few times just because it’s so badass, and it’ll be a scene no one will see coming or prepare for. The adventure, the thrill and the characters will bring this story to life with such finesse that I honestly feel the audiences will leave wanting more. That to me is what makes a great script.
We don’t see many pirate features today; why do you think this is?
I would guess that with the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, many film makers may have been intimidated with the quality of the film, or maybe the budget just wouldn’t allow them to create such a film. I can appreciate any adventure, but I think if you asked audiences what is the first type of film that comes to their minds that would define the adventure genre, I bet a majority would reply “Pirates”.
Providing the crowdfunder is successful, when can we expect Cursed Waters to hit screens?
Well, the campaign is looking promising and the most important items has been rented… Boats! Filming is projected to begin in July and will be shot within a 30-mile radius of Los Angeles. I would estimate about a year after the film wraps it should be coming out. Postproduction can be time consuming, and we have a few other movies in the mix that will be completed soon that will have release dates. Bloodthirst is a good example, that is with Lionsgate and after a few years of completion they’ve finally released that it will be coming out in October. If you love Vampire films, do not miss this one!
What inspired you to get into the film industry?
Great question! To make a very long story short, I own a company dealing with film assets (props/wardrobe). I’ve been doing that since I was around 20 years old, but started the company Hollywood History Online in 2010, and had a strong interest in films. While I spent 7 years in Iraq, movies were always my “get away” so I wanted to do anything I could to involve myself in the industry. About 7 years ago I was put in contact with Charles Band and acted in my first film “Puppet Master: Axis Termination” … and the rest is history.
You have worked on a number of Sonny Mahal’s films, what is your working relationship like?
Yeah, I’ve worked on 8 of their films I believe. I think after this amount of time you’re not just friends, you are family. All the cast and crew are a big film family, and we always know what to expect and the capabilities of those involved. When the location scouting took place for Bermuda Island, I was asked to go, and we had such a great time learning about Puerto Rico along with such an overwhelming amount of excitement knowing that in just a few short months that would be our film set.
You are a producer on the upcoming Jason Goes to Hell documentary, what can you tell us about the progress of this?
Yep! I decided to help Adam Marcus out as the Friday the 13th franchise has always played such an important role in my life, along with many many others. I knew shooting was almost done, and last I heard, there was a few more reshoots/interviews to do and then finish it all up in post-production. Kane Hodder and I have also been friends for years, so it was cool knowing he would be appreciated and acknowledged for all his work portraying that evil, hockey mask wearing, character that seems to have unlimited lives.
Support Cursed Waters on Indie GoGo.
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