Matt Farnsworth’s gory slasher flick The Orphan Killer is a perfect example of how closely knit and passionate the horror community can be.
The Orphan Killer is an independent film that has grown largely by word-of-mouth, social networking sites and the tireless promotional efforts of Farnsworth, the brains behind the film.
It’s become a huge success and that success shows no sign of abating.
We last spoke to Matt back in January off the back of our review of The Orphan Killer and since then, the TOKmachine has kicked up a notch, with Farnsworth announcing a Kickstarter funding drive in support of a feature length documentary charting the making of The Orphan Killer and Marcus Miller’s rise to becoming a new horror icon.
However, within a week, a private investor swooped in and funded the documentary. Another success.
So, I thought I should get back in touch with Matt Farnsworth and unearth a little more about the documentary and find out the latest on the sequel.
Huge thanks (or should that be Bloody Thanks?) to Matt for taking the time to answer our questions…again.
Q – What prompted the decision to make a documentary on TOK?
Matt Farnsworth – We have over 100 hours of behind the scenes footage from the film and it is brutally exquisite.I decided to make the documentary called Behind The Murder based on this amazing footage and my access to the star cast. We plan on doing some crazy stunts for fans. Also the fact that I want to iron out the sequel and make it great. The bar was set very high with the first TOK. I plan to match it. The only way to do that is to take the time to make it right. If it’s hastily thrown together it will jeopardize a VERY good thing. I know the fans want it. I believe what they will find is that the documentary has an emotional impact that brings them in even closer to the characters and leads them right into the sequel.
Q – Why the decision to go down the crowd funding route for the doc?
MF – Well, I needed money to do the project. This film was made famous by fans so I turned to them. I was lucky enough to get outside investment and cancel the crowd funding however, the fans have now requested that they still be able to donate and get all the amazing rewards we offered them in the original crowd funding offering.
We made this BEHIND THE MURDER page to allow fans to still donate and get their name in the film. There is even a package that allows you to die in the documentary. The Orphan Killer will actually kill you. It’s expensive because it has to be. We plan to take those packages to the extreme. All donations go to the screen.
Q – What can TOK fans worldwide expect from the doc?
MF – They can expect a very high quality and well thought out look at what it was like to be on the set making the first Orphan Killer movie. They can also expect to see some new psychotic episodes from TOK and star Diane Foster. It is going to be fun. I am going to put in a few interviews from fans, notable horror celebrities, critics, and magazine editors. The documentary will also explode into real life murder of course.
Q – What’s the current status of TOK2? Any word on shooting?
MF – It’s funny. There are so many people out there that are just now finding out about the first film. I think it is still to soon to roll out the sequel. Within the horror realm TOK is regarded as an icon to those that have witnessed his brutality. We are still exposing people to the first film. I highly suggest anyone who does not have it go and get it here on the TOK store. You will be pleased. We have it on Bluray and DVD. All of the discs are region free and come with an awesome Soundtrack. We have never formally released the first film and so the world is catching up to the fame TOK has acquired. I plan to roll out the sequel after the documentary is done. I am in a transitional time right now because I am writing a comic book version of the next installment of The Orphan Killer with Troy Zurel and Shelby Robertson. Both highly skilled and talented artists.
Q – Can you tell us anything about that at this point?
MF – I can say that I have written the second film. The sequels title is TOK: BOUND BY BLOOD. Audrey and Marcus will both be back and the brutality and family violence is stronger than ever. In fact, Audrey is just now awakening. She endured a lot in the first film but still has a few hard lessons to learn before she realizes she too has orphan killer in the bloodline. When she does, the world will be set on fire by The Orphan Killer 2. It’s a bit of riddle but I know the orphan brothers and sisters will understand. The fans of TOK are referred to as The Orphan Brothers and Sisters. A lot of people follow The Orphan Killer Facebook FAN PAGE. It’s like aTOK soap opera on there. He talks to the fans personally in character. Such a psycho.
Thanks Andy for having me back to talk about the new film and doc. It is bloody appreciated. Looking forward to seeing your new short film!
More as it comes.
For more info, check out The Orphan Killer Facebook page, Twitter and, if you want to grab yourself a copy of the film or a replica Marcus Miller mask, check out the TOK store.