INTERVIEWS

WHO: RICHARD HARRAH
mOVIE: THE CANYON

MIKE JOY : What was it like to film at the Grand Canyon?

RICHARD HARRAH : Fun!   I love the Grand Canyon and have been exploring the four corners region most of my life so I was very familiar with the Area. We shot the opening in Williams, Arizona and some pickup shots around the south rim but ninety-five percent was shot in Moab, Utah.

MIKE JOY : Were there any obstacles or difficulties in filming at the Canyon?

RICHARD HARRAH : Only that the Forest Service wouldn't let us film there. In the beginning when we were scouting the area I was very dubious that we would get any permits to film in the canyon. The Forrest Service is notoriously stingy when it comes to Hollywood so naturally I was pleasantly surprised when they gave us the green light to film there. I had so many wonderful shots revealing themselves around every corner, the movie was telling itself and I could not wait to get shooting. Fast forward to about two weeks before production, we get a letter from the forrest service saying we can't film there. Panic!, more scouting and a little luck from the film gods and that's how movies are made. We luckily ended up shooting ninety-five percent of the movie in Moab, Utah. A much better place to base a film production

MIKE JOY : Do you have a favorite scene from the movie? 

RICHARD HARRAH : I love when Nick tells Lori what she must do to him in order for them to survive. That realization is so brilliantly played by Yvonne and the way the camera moves.. it just gets me tearing up every-time.

MIKE JOY : How difficult is it to work with animals? 

RICHARD HARRAH : It has it's challenges, but when you capture them on film there isn't a substitute to a real live scary animal.

MIKE JOY : Do you have any favorite horror movies from your youth?  

RICHARD HARRAH : For sheer fright that lasted for years and retarded my psychological and emotional progress I would have to say the Exorcist. I imagined my bed shaking for years after I saw that movie.
 
MIKE JOY : Who is your greatest creative influence? 

RICHARD HARRAH : I love Cormac McCarthy. His novels move me like no other art form.
 
MIKE JOY : Are there any interesting behind the scenes stories that happened during the shoot?

RICHARD HARRAH : So many! where to begin. Put a bunch of artistic, highly creative people in the desert with cameras and costumes and your going to have some memories. Sadly I can't remember any right now.

MIKE JOY : So, after making this movie, would you recommend any couples to Honeymoon at the Grand Canyon? 

RICHARD HARRAH : Absolutely, just make reservations way in advance.

 
MIKE JOY : What do you want your audience to say about The Canyon after they experience it? 

RICHARD HARRAH : Say or feel. That life is precious and that we are a fragile and vulnerable species capable of great beauty and inner strength.
 
MIKE JOY : What's next for Richard Harrah?  

RICHARD HARRAH : Great things! Stay tuned.

JOYHORROR