Interview: Damien Power – Director (Killing Ground)

KILLING GROUND was exceptional. This film is insanity. The way Damien wrote and directed this film, it makes you never want to go camping again. The fear and the pure terror the actors show is incredible. Damien wrote and directed KILLING GROUND. It stars Aaron Pederson, Ian Meadows, Harriet Dyer and Aaron Glenane. I spoke with Damien for a Horrornews.net exclusive interview.

Okay, “Killing Ground” was amazing! It also made me never want to go camping or in the woods again!

Damien- Sorry about that!

No, no don’t apologize, it was amazing! It was legit scary. There was a teeny tiny bit of a “Wolf Creek” vibe. Obviously you wrote and directed this film so where did the idea come from?

Damien- The idea came to me with the image of the orange tent in the bush. It was a very specific tent. It was big, canvas and boxy. I asked myself what happened to the campers and where did they go? I started thinking about the antagonist and then of course someone had to find the tent. As it developed I’ve been camping and at times felt uneasy at remote, nice places and thankfully nothing like this has ever happened. Then you know really I wanted to make the kind of films I like to watch. Movies that leave you on the edge of your seat and leave you something to think about when the lights go out.

You are from Australia originally and did you film “Killing Ground” in Australia?

Damien- I am from Tasmania, Australia. The film was shot in Sydney.

How did the cast feel about some of these intense scenes? What made it creepier was it is people!

Damien- One of the things I wanted to do with this film is make it as realistic as possible and that meant human villains. It was the worst thing that could possibly happen. We have a remarkable cast. Everybody that came on board really threw themselves into it. It was always easy obviously considering some of those scenes were quite tough. We tried to make it as easy for them to go to a dark place.

Who inspired you professionally?

Damien- Kubrick, Hitchcock.

Hitchcock is fabulous – My mom is here and said, he is fabulous.

Damien- Well, she is right.

What do you want to say to the audiences that will be watching “Killing Ground?”
Damien- I would like to say that if you enjoy the genre it’s a fresh take. If you like to be scared you will enjoy this film. It may punch you in the gut! It will give you something to think about when the lights are off.

And not to go camping!!!!

(laughter)

Damien- Yes and don’t go camping.

Any possibility of a sequel and what are you working on next?

Damien- Okay so next. Some of the things I am working on a picture based on my short film “Peekaboo.” Have you had the chance to see that?

I have not seen it yet.

Damien- You will have to see it. It is a short abduction thriller. As for a sequel. I am actually writing a TV adaptation of “Killing Ground” which would be a prequel.

DAMIEN IMDB http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2010936/

KILLING GROUND http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4728386/?ref_=nm_knf_i1

DAMIEN POWER http://www.damienpower.com.au/

DAMIEN POWER INSTAGRAM http://www.damienpower.com.au/instagram/

IN THEATERS AND AVAILABLE ON VOD: July 21, 2017

DIRECTED BY: Damien Power

WRITTEN BY: Damien Power

CAST: Aaron Pedersen, Ian Meadows, Harriet Dyer and Aaron Glenane

SYNOPSIS: A couple’s romantic camping trip becomes a desperate fight for survival in this ultra-raw, unhinged kill ride. In need of a break from the pressures of their life in the city, Sam (Harriet Dyer) and Ian (Ian Meadows) head to a remote beach for a weekend getaway. When they come across an abandoned campsite, with no trace of its occupants, they’re concerned. When they discover a lone, traumatized child nearby, they’re scared. And when they encounter two local weirdos, they’re in for a hell of a bad time. Unfolding in an innovative, time-scrambling structure, Killing Ground delivers both nerve-shredding suspense and gut-punching realism.