Brand new queer slasher Meat is set to start principal photography very soon, and we got the chance to quiz director Roger Conners all about the project.
What can you tell us about the genesis of Meat?
So the idea behind MEAT has been in the works for years. I started working on the script in 2016, and from that point on it’s taken many forms. I was always hesitant to pursue a strictly queer-themed slasher for an array of reasons. My directorial debut REBIRTH had prominent queer themes, and that proved to be the motivation for outrage and outcry from closed minded horror fans. Seeing hate like that can spark a lot of self-doubt, especially when you’re somewhat new to the game.
I must admit that the recent surge in attention and appreciation for the queer horror sub-genre has motivated me to further pursue seeing this film through to fruition. I tip my hat to the queer filmmakers who came before me and had the balls to create cinema that is unabashedly queer.
How important is it for more queer horror to be produced?
Oh, I think it’s absolutely vital. Horror has always placed an extraordinary focus on the outcast. The underdog. Social rejects who inevitably rise up against some malevolent force and find the strength within themselves to overpower and overcome. I mean, that right there is the story of the LGBTQIA+ community. It’s no wonder to me that there are so many diehard queer fans out there. We often relate to the many empowering protagonists who exist within the genre. Their physical struggles become symbolic of the hardships and discrimination that we’ve been forced to overcome. To actually see ourselves represented within LGBTQIA-identifying characters could be all the more powerful. I feel that queer horror fans deserve that recognition and acknowledgement.
Where did you come up with the design for the killer, it’s quite striking?
The original design for the killer was a floor-length vinyl duster and it’s supposed to be all fed. It was a great look but proved to be super restrictive, so I decided to scrap that and complete redesign the outfit so that the killer could move (and thus kill) easier. The studded coat is one that I had specialty made a few years back, and people have always commented on how dangerous and threatening it looked due to the large, metal spikes. I figured I might as well capitalize on that, and so I started designing the ensemble around that piece specifically. I’m happy I did because we’ve received so many compliments regarding the visual aesthetic of The Stud and how eye catching his appearance is. I figure that, when it comes to gay horror fans, if you can come up with a killer that’s both intimidating and sexy you’ve got a big win on your hands.
I like to think the response we’ve thus far seen only confirms that.
Were there any films or filmmakers you took inspiration from for Meat?
When it comes to horror, I prefer titles that are dry and rooted in reality. I want to provide a queer-themed horror experience that doesn’t need to rely on elements of humor and comedy to make it work.
One of my favorite films of the last ten years would have to be Karyn Kusama’s “The Invitation”. I love films that masterfully incorporate slow burn suspense, and I feel that ”The Invitation” is one of the finest examples of that technique done right. Over the course of the film, the developing sense of mystery and suspicion consumes the viewer right up until the explosive final act. It then takes a sharp left turn and unleashed a massive climax that completely takes you by surprise. I want to capture that same energy in MEAT. The looming uncertainty, the suspicion, the building sense of dread. That’s the approach I want to take and the overall tone I envision for my film.
Other influences include David Cronenberg and Dario Argento, which I like to think is rather apparent based upon the visual media we’ve released thus far.
With a planned start of production this month (October), when can horror fans expect to see Meat?
Were scheduled to wrap filming the first week of November, with goals to have the feature ready for premiere mid-to late 2023. Our hope is to hit film festivals later that year, so ideally our fans and supporters won’t have to wait too long to experience MEAT!
Do you plan to hit the film festival market or look at a physical and streaming release?
I chose to avoid the film festival market with my last title REBIRTH, something I truly regret. I feel film festivals are a great way to establish an audience and thus a fan base prior to the actual release. I absolutely have plans to hit festivals prior to the inevitable physical and streaming release!
Can we expect practical effects in Meat?
Oh absolutely. I’m a diehard supporter of physical effects. I appreciate cgi as a sort of bandage or enhancement tool as needed, but when it comes to horror and gore… nothing beats the real thing! And trust me, there’s going to be a lot of it in MEAT!
Find out more about Meat on Indie GoGo.
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