It’s no wonder why Fred has so many credits because once he says “That’s a wrap” he’s screaming “Roll cameras” in the same breath. That has been his lifestyle since the late 70’s and we’re lucky that Fred has provided us with so many great films and many more to come. Also, as mentioned below he has been working on a new show with his son Chris. Fortunately Fred for us always takes time for his fans….we are grateful took the time out of his busy schedule to answer a few questions
KEITH Even though low budget films pay less, I’m guessing they give you more control over your films. Is that a contributor to why you have made so many B movies?
FRED: Typically, no. Breaking into the studio system is a very difficult task. A filmmaker starting out has a much greater chance to succeed in independent films because there are more of them, more variety in budgets and easier access to the producers who can make those decisions. In short, you wouldn't have nearly the same trouble setting up a meeting with an independent producer as you would trying to walk into Paramount with the same plan.
KEITH:I like to write and I’m in awe of how many screenplays you wrote. You have directed screenplays written by others, but you have also have made many films where the screenplay credit has the name Fred Olen Ray. Is that because you understand the screenplay better and can visualize it when directing?
FRED: I will sometimes write the screenplay because I know what I can accomplish for the budget. I won’t write something that I know can’t be done with the money available. I also can see the movie in my minds-eye… if I’m reading a script and I can’t visualize the scene vividly then it’s not working for me. After the success of my HATFIELDS script I am now starting to get writing gigs just as a writer, which is very new to me, but I’m glad people have responded to my work.
KEITH:Your son Chris has directed several movies and appeared in a half dozen of your films when he was younger. Were you always hoping that one of your sons would follow in your footsteps?
FRED: No, I didn’t want this life for them. I wanted something better. I’ve always believed that only certain people are really cut out for this and the constant drain of looking for your next gig is not something I would wish on anyone I love. That said, he’s gone out and tamed the dragon, so I’m very proud of him and we’re actually working together right now on a show for the very first time!
KEITH: With a credit list of over one hundred movies directed and more than fifty screenplays written. Do you have any traditions or rituals you do before, during, or when you complete a script or movie (Cigar, specific meal, martini…)?
FRED: No, as soon as I finished something I usually have several other unfinished things people are waiting for. My trouble is concentrating on one project long enough to finish it and not have five partially finished jobs laying around. I have a tendency to not want to say “no” to anything… it’s that kind of business, feast or famine.
KEITH:Death and comedy is mandatory in your films, why is that?
FRED: I never thought of it that way. I like horror comedies and horror usually has some kind of deadly menace in it. Often, though, I’ll have everyone come back to life in the last scene for a happy ending like in EVIL TOONS and WITCH ACADEMY. I also don’t believe I’ve had any death in even one of my multitude of family oriented films… which I think may outnumber all of the horror films I’ve ever made.
KEITH:Lastly, can you tell us a little about your upcoming movie ‘A Christmas Wedding’?
FRED: A CHRISTMAS WEDDING DATE will start airing on December 2nd on Ion. It’s a GROUNDHOG DAY type Christmas movie that is very sweet and reaffirming. In some ways it’s a very emotional film and people have responded accordingly. I find it very watchable on multiple viewings which is not something I can say about a lot films by myself or anyone else. I feel the same way about our HATFIELDS AND McCOYS: BAD BLOOD. CHRISTMAS WEDDING DATE stars Marla Sokoloff, Catherine Hicks, Chris Carmack and George Wendt. I don’t think people will be disappointed in it.
Thank you Fred!!! For more information and fun stuff check out Fred’s website and his Retromedia site.
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0676248/
If you have some thoughts to share about this article or you’d like to discuss B movies with other B movie fans and filmmakers please visit our B Movie Nation Facebook group.
