The Rectory 10 Question With Writer/Director Jonathan Chance
We had the opportunity to catch up with Jonathan Chance the writer/director of of the new film in pre production The Rectory based on the true story of the most haunted house in England. See the original first look here The Rectory First Look.
Epic Horror(EH)-For those out there that don't know, who was Harry Price and why is important that he was holding the keys to Borley Rectory at the time your film takes place?
Jonathan Chance(JC)-He was publicly one of the very first Paranormal Investigators. He was a pioneer, inventor and former magician. Some years before the beginning of our story he discovered Borley Rectory after family members living there claimed it was haunted and then he experienced first-hand that it indeed was. It became one of his most prolific cases coining it “the most haunted house in England.” Whatever he saw there obsessed him for years that by 1937 he had one mission; to rent The Rectory for a year and run an experiment with willing candidates to prove the existence of the ghosts.
EH- Could you give us a little background on Borley Rectory itself., is it still standing, will you be filming any part of your project there?
JC- The story of Borley Rectory goes back as far as the 1600’s further even its thought. But let’s start at the 1600’s. There was once a sisterly Nun who was to elope with a neighbouring priest but they
were caught and murdered for their sins. In 1862, The Rectory was then built right on that very spot by Henry Bull for his growing family, around 1900 the daughters saw the apparition of the ghostly Nun for the first time. To whom that stayed there it increased in activity over the years in a series of terrifying events including sightings, levitation, bumps in the night you name it and more.
The Rectory itself no longer stands it was burned down due to strange circumstances in the 1940’s. Though the site and church opposite is still very much haunted people and certainly even Price’s successor Peter Underwood still claim.
We look to film for authenticity and that area would definitely be perfect we will film in Essex and England for sure. Nothing beats that creepy, gloomy woodland!
EH-Is it easier being both writer and director because you know what the writers vision was when he/you created it, or does that put added pressure on you?
JC-It puts more pressure on me because I see it a certain way. I can see what this can become, but in all honestly as I was writing it I was constantly visualising how it will look. That’s the film maker part of me. When you’re a writer / director I think you’re seeing the movie in your head and as an editor as well I can see it completed. It definitely isn’t a boring read so the film should be an exciting, and most of all scary!
EH-Growing up close to where the events take place, when did you know you would like to make this project?
JC-From an early age the fascination took hold with watching hammer horror videos, reading EC comics so this very living, breathing ghost story nearby it seemed natural now I look back to have had a vivid imagination. After doing art in college and then with my brother filmmaking it seemed was a natural step and this for me was personal – a story that has to be told. It’s too big not to. In 2003, I
wrote a short script called ‘The Ruin’ a modern day based very closely around it but my plan of action from about 2006-07 was always — “if one of my films take-off The Rectory is the project I want to bring to the big screen.” Now as an independent film its great –there’s less interference and it has a better chance of staying gritty, real to the subject and of course chilling!
EH-Could you tell us about the crowdfunding project your using to get "The Rectory" made, and where people can go that would like to help?
JC-Of course! We're currently on indiegogo trying to raise funds for pre-production. We have a great producer, an industry special effects artist and some extraordinary cast and crew set up and if you go over to our link and see what we have so far you'll see we're on our way, we just need some help to finish pre and push to production. I think this is quite possibly one of the most important paranormal cases of all time – and this is going to be big and we want people to be a part this and come on this journey with us. There are some really cool perks set up:
If you can't donate but are interested in this film there are always other ways to help! Firstly tweeting about our film (and including our twitter handle) really helps – and RT’s help too. The key is really spreading it everywhere so it’s up for all to see on the indiegogo boards. Sharing the indiegogo link on Facebook, Google and other social media sites all really helps. If we see your input you can bet we'll thank you and RT and share them of course – we appreciate all the support we can get to make this happen.
EH-All your cast so far has worked both sides of the camera, as a director does that make it easier for you or a little rough thinking there might be 6 other producers glancing over your shoulder?
JC-Haha! Now you make me think… no, I think they have faith in me or they wouldn’t be working on this feature film. There’s respect for the Director and his vision. I was taken aback by the compliments
for the script from them, so I think they can see what I’m projecting; they have visualized its potential. Having talented directors, producers on set (in their own right) is actually really good to have - other points of view and all coming from guerrilla filmmaking we’re all driving toward one goal; to find the most effective way of getting this the best and most realistic it can be. But we’re all on the same page - the Director needs his actors, his Producer and every one on set to play their role as best they can.
EH-If readers want to follow the progress of the film are you guys on any social media sites?
Mostly Twitter and Facebook you'll definitely find us to reach out to.
EH-Could you give us a little background on you and your production team?
JC-I’m Jonathan Chance a British writer, director based in Orange County, CA. I make horror and sci-fi films and I've been lucky enough to have been awarded a few and nominated for my screenplays too. Maybe you caught one on the festival scene, but this one I plan for everyone to see in theatres, it’s a dream of mine.
Calvin Vanderbeek is an award winning producer; he definitely sticks his nose out for independent film, and means it. He’s smart and I respect he sees what I’m trying to make and happy to have him fighting in my corner.
Michele Mulkey was the first person on board this film and is another huge fighting force for independent film, the independent filmmaker and projects she believes in - very excited and happy to have her on this.
Derek Sims is a wonderful DP and talented Director in his own right – I look forward to joining forces with him to create this monster.
Some of the best actors we have on board are also some of the nicest, most generous people I've ever met - so it will be a pleasure to work with these award winning ensemble.
Crispian Belfrage as Harry Price
Jason Vail as Henry Tennison
David Hogan as Mark Kerr-Pearce
Angela DiMarco as Stella Cranshaw
I can't wait to soon bring more talented people on board to join them!
EH-When all is said and done what do you as the writer want people to walk away from this film knowing?
JC-That there was once this house full of mystery and these iconic fascinating people that were intertwined with it. To be taken on a journey that is all at once frightening, unique, and unusual. These people were certainly way ahead of their time – and because of these intrepid fellows we’ve enjoyed many a horror film and ghost story or two that could very well could have all thrived from this very source – the house which is back to claim it’s title for being most haunted possibly in the world and rightfully where it belongs on the big screen for all to see.
EH-Last Question, Zak Bagans or Harry Price?
JC-Harry Price! The one and only – I think his approach was a little more subtle. Actions speak louder than words – or shouting.
And there you have it horror fans 10 question with Jonathan Chance about the new film The Rectory. It sounds like this film is just what we need in todays horror genre that puts CGI and gore over story. A good old fashioned ghost story. That uses
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