He Sees You When You’re Sleeping is the feature writing debut of UK actor David Lenik.
The Brit has teamed up once again with Charlie Steeds’ Dark Temple Motion Pictures, for a Christmas slasher with some horror royalty such as Caroline Williams and Lauren Marie Taylor in tow.
We caught up with David to tell us more.
Can you tell us the genesis of He Sees You When You’re Sleeping?
I’d had the idea for the script in my head for a while. Heavily influenced by my love of 70s and 80s horror movies, especially those set around Christmas, with the original ‘Black Christmas’ being my favourite of all time.
I actually wrote it during the final Lockdown of the pandemic as a way to keep creative and busy. It wasn’t until some time later when it luckily managed to get into the right hands, that it made the transition from page to screen!
The Christmas horror market has become quite populated in the past few years, how does this stand out from the pack?
I think the film is unique in the fact that although it pays homage to classic slasher movies, it also has a mystery to it and a lot of twists and turns to the story, It definitely keeps you guessing. I’ve always loved the killer Santa motif and feel like we’ve done a great job at elevating this into something very fun, twisted and campy.
Was it a conscious choice to set the film in the 80s?
Absolutely, that was the plan from Day 1! It’s a film that could only possibly be set in the 80s. Not only is it influenced by Slasher movies of the era but also by my love for 80s soap operas like Dallas, Knots Landing and Dynasty. I’ve basically merged them both to create a horror soap opera, where the characters are all very vibrant, over the top and dripping in camp (and blood!). We also have several genuine 80s songs on the soundtrack and got to dress everyone in clothes from the period, so it’s all very fun and full of soapy shenanigans.
What was it like seeing your work adapted for the screen?
Honestly, Amazing! It was an absolute dream come true to see the script I’m so passionate about be brought to life on screen and getting to watch it come alive on set every day. The fact that others believed enough in it to fund the production and make it happen was incredible. We also got to film the entire movie in New York State which was very cool.
Was it stressful to also be part of the cast?
Not at all. I couldn’t imagine not being part of the cast! I’m an actor first and foremost and had the luxury of writing myself a great part and being able to work on screen alongside the best ensemble I’ve ever worked with. Taking on a co-producer role however, was much more stressful! I knew every beat and corner of the script, so wanted to make sure everything was perfect. Luckily I had a great team alongside me, so it certainly made things easier.
You and Charlie Steeds have bagged some bonafide horror royalty in Caroline Williams and Lauren Marie Taylor, can you talk about their casting?
We were so lucky to get to work with Caroline and Lauren, absolute horror legends. Our leading lady, we knew instantly would be perfect for Caroline, whose work we both adore in Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2! We got in contact with her agent, she read the script, loved it and agreed very quickly to take the role. I’d also been a fan of Lauren’s work in Friday the 13th Part 2 and Girls Nite Out and the fact she had been in an 80s soap opera for over 10 years meant she was the perfect casting choice, luckily for us Lauren also agreed very quickly. They were both an absolute joy to work with and are fantastic in their roles, adding that extra 80s perfection! We also have a supporting role from Hellrasier’s Nicholas Vince.
Do you think Christmas lends itself really well to horror, given how stressful it can be?
Yes. I think horror and Christmas work so well together because there is something so intriguing and visually stunning about the beauty of the season, the snow, the lights, the decorations, the excitement, in contrast to the darkness lurking underneath.
What are the plans in terms of release?
It is currently slated for a November release, so it will be accessible in time for the Christmas period! And should be able to catch it on the festival circuit beforehand.
Now you have your first written feature in the can, do you have plans for more horror features?
100%. I don’t think I will be able to stop now. In fact, I’ve already written a new horror feature and have many more I want to get out there (including a sequel to He Sees You, if the first one is a success!).
Look out for more news on He Sees You When You’re Sleeping, in the coming months.
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