When a werewolf leader is mistakenly killed within a seedy strip club in the darkest parts of London, the monsters decide to take revenge on the ‘dancing talent’ and return in full force and hungry for blood. The cast boasts a host of British television talent including Martin Kemp, Billy Murray, Simon Phillips, Steven Berkoff and a little treat in the form of a cameo from the man of your dreams himself, Robert Enlgund.
Shock sat down with the man at the helm to talk about his second foray into the werewolf sub-genre and ask him exactly why this one is worth sinking your teeth into.
So how did the idea for Strippers vs werewolves come to light? What were your inspirations?
Jonathan Glendening: I was introduced to the project via a terrific original script by Pat Higgins. I loved its irreverent tone and the cracking dialogue. I was then lucky to have screenwriter Phil Barron assigned to help shape the production draft.
What about 13Hrs? Is it pure coincidence that you’re doing another werewolf/monster movie?
Glendening: Well, I never really wanted to refer to 13hrs as a werewolf movie, even though it was. I saw it more about the inner-disease of a family, which manifested itself through a creature, hence the take on the creature being furless. I never really wanted the fact it was a werewolf to be known in advance, an audiences do seem to like the movie better when its a reveal moment rather than, “Oh, its a werewolf movie.” Whereas, the werewolves in Strippers vs. Werewolves are traditionally furry though not quite. So, it was just a coincidence.
How would you pitch Strippers at the horror audience?
Glendening: Hopefully as a silly fun romp. After all, if you choose to see a movie called Strippers vs Werewolves youre not expecting a Mike Leigh movie are you? Though, I would like to see that! There are two main elements to the title so hopefully itll deliver on those for an audience that wants to see werewolves and strippers not necessarily in that order.
Glendening: I loved The Dead by the Ford brothers. Not only is it a terrific zombie movie with great effects, it looks like nothing else with the zombies in the bright sun of the African desert. Then throw into that the sheer achievement of making that film and you have an instant classic!
How hard was it for you to get funding for 13hrs and Strippers?
Glendening: Raising money is always a huge mountain to climb, but fortunately Ive been asked to make my last three movies so I havent had to start that hazardous trek myself and left it to producers. However, when Ive got my own projects ready to go, Ill be grabbing my fedora and bullwhip to try and find the finance myself.
You have quite a cast of British television talent for Strippers – surprising for a low budget horror. How did you get them all?
Glendening: I cant take any credit at all for the casting, although obviously I was delighted to work with so many talented people such as Ali Bastian, Barbera Nedeljakova, Martin Compston, Nick Nevean, Marc Bayliss, Stephen Berkoff, Sarah Douglas and, of course, Robert Englund.
What, for you, was the last great werewolf movie you’ve seen?
Glendening: Ginger Snaps is still the last great werewolf movie to me. It was an unexpected joy and I cant recommend it enough. Like 13hrs, the werewolf was a metaphor and they used it better than anyone else has recently.
It must have been a thrill to catch up with Robert Englund – how was it working with a horror icon?
Glendening: I cant sing his praises enough. He was polite, respectful, a complete professional and brought a fantastic performance with him. He has such gravitas and screen presence it was an amazing experience to be able to direct him. He was perfect for the “high impact” character.
Glendening: Id love to work with David Meadows, (cinematography), Sophie Wyatt (Production Designer), Millie Sloan (wardrobe) and of course Kristyan Mallets make up effects department again on another movie. The whole crew were great and really put a shift in.
So whats next for you if Strippers is a success?
Glendening: Nothing with werewolves, but Im not ruling out strippers. I dont want to rush into anything, Ive now done a romantic comedy, a horror, a grindhouse romp, so I can now take my time choosing my next project. Actually though, Im attached to direct another movie scripted by Adam Phillips (13hrs), but thats early days yet although we were looking at Pinewoods sound stages a week or so ago.
Look for Strippers vs Werewolves to hit the U.S. later this year. 13 Hrs hits the U.S. under the title Night Wolf on April 24th. You can find the film under its original moniker in the UK on the Horror Channel March 16th.
