John:: I have a wife, three kids, and a dog I read, I write, I draw and I sculpt. I‘m usually pretty busy on one project or an other.

Marcus:: Seems like you have done it all, special effects, directing, acting, and writing. When did you know you wanted you do these as a career? Which one did you start off in and which (if there is one) is your favorite out of them all?

John:: When I was about two years old I saw KING KONG on television. It’s probably the first film that held my interest long enough to watch all the way through. I loved it. I “wanted to do that.” As a little child, you don’t know what a writer, a director, actor, or a special effects artist does—and I didn’t really care,. I just wanted to do “that.” –All of “that.’—And I guess I’ve been pursuing “that” ever since. A started drawing pictures, making sculptures, taking photos of them—creating picture books that told stories, in grade school I was making 8mm films, in High School I started making Super 8 movies, and in college I was making 16 mm movies. I worked professionally while I was in college, in many disciplines, grip, gaffer, make-up artist, actor, director for industrial films, commercials, and even the occasional feature.—I’ve always known that I wanted to do this stuff. The first feature a worked on was an AVCO EMBASSY release called: STINGRAY. I was an assistant camera man, drove a truck, gripped, did make-up, created special make-up effects, acted, did stunts—and actually earned may SAG card on that picture. As to which film is my favorite one—I gotta’ tell you, I’m pretty fickle. I usually think what ever it is that I’m working on at the moment as the best thing ever.

Marcus:: You have been involved in different aspects of different horror films, Friday the 13th Part 7, The Fear, Curse of the 49er, Ghoulies 3, Troll, have you always been into horror? If so, what are the films that scared you growing up? Who was your biggest inspiration would you say?

John:: Frankenstein, Bride of Frankenstein, KING KONG, Wizard of Oz, Snow White. These pictures were all inspirational to me.

Marcus:: Most people say that Kane Hodder IS Jason Voorhees and he came into play in Part 7. How does it feel knowing you introduced him into the series?

John:: Pretty good. I’m actually hooking him up with another new horror franchise. It’s a film called HATCHET. Written, and to be directed by Adam Green. The film introduces a new character in to the horror lexicon, a fellow named: Victor Crowley. I believe that this I’ll be the beginning of a new horror icon. It’s going to be a make-up effects extravaganza. Look for it soon.

Marcus:: Friday the 13th Part 7 I heard got reamed by the MPAA which in turn caused several scenes to be cut down and/or removed. How did it make you feel when they did that and will there be an uncensored version of the movie coming out anytime soon?

John:: It sucks to have you movie castrated by the MPAA. The new FRIDAY THE 13^TH PART VII DVD should have some new material in it. I provided the DVD creators with lots of missing scenes. This stuff was all in rough work print form, with temp-tracks only. Additionally there should be behind the scenes material as well, plus on a camera interviews, plus commentary with myself, and Kane. It remains to be seen as to how much of the material will make it to the release. Let’s hope that the missing stuff remains in the new DVD, and that fan reaction will be so huge that Paramount will see the value in letting me resurrect my director’s cut.

Marcus:: A lot of things happen on a set of a Friday the 13th movie, what funny stories can you tell us of things that went on during the filming of F13 Part 7?

John:: We learned that Kane could projectile vomit any time that we desired. I recall that upon one occasion, him really grossing out my associate producer with this talent. That was pretty cool.

Marcus:: Have you seen Freddy Vs. Jason yet?  If so what are your thoughts on it? Did you foresee the outcome of it?

John:: I missed Kane in the lead. What the hell were they thinking? They spent lots of money, and as a result created a lot of over the top stuff, which was sort of okay, but what I really missed was ANY emotional connection between the characters. Robert Englund is always good, but other than him, why bother?

Marcus:: Back in 1989, you made a fantasy type film called "Troll", which later produced a lesser sequel that a lot of people didn't like. Have you seen the sequel and if so, what did you think? 

John:: Nope.—Didn’t see it.

Marcus:: I saw Dinosaur Island a long time ago and I remember liking it alt. It was a real fun yet hard to find movie, I read you did the special effects for the film, what was it like working on a movie like that? And also, do you know if it is being re-released on DVD? :)

John:: It was a hoot. Very low budget. I had a deal with Roger Corman and he persuaded me to bring the CARNOSAUR beast into this picture and give it a little extra production value.  Fred Olen Ray, one of the film’s directors really did his homework with the forced perspective disciplines and put together some shots, which far surpass much of the Carnosaur stuff. In fact I much prefer DINOSAUR ISLAND to the original CARNOSAUR. I also believe that CARNOSAUR 2 is a far superior film to the first CARNOSAUR as well. This is the classic example of what happens when a director works with the effects, or against them. The director of CARNOSAUR worked against the creature effects and it shows. As to DVD plans? --I haven't a clue. If people really like it they could write into Roger Corman's company and request it. They have a GREAT DVD department there. Corman's company actually did the domestic DVD release of my Sci-Fi flick ICE CRAWLERS. They did a terrific job.

Marcus:: A lot of new horror films have come out this year, what is your take on these new films? Do you think horror is going in the right direction or has the genre taken a turn for the worse?

John:: At least the horror films are moving back into the mainstream, and some’re being made with more money.—I just whish that they were better written.

Marcus:: I recently watched "Miner's Massacre" and liked it quite a bit. It felt like a creepy old ghost story that was brought to life. What was it like working on it? Do you have any funny stories to tell of happenings that went on during the shoot?

John:: It was a lot of fun.—We didn’t have a lot of time or money, but everybody pulled together and we made a film that a lot of folks enjoy. One of the coolest things about it was that I got to meet and work with Peter Lupus (of MISSION IMPOSSIBLE fame—the strong guy). He executive produced the movie, and his son Peter produced it. It was a real family atmosphere. Wonderful people. I had a great time!

Marcus:: The film is left open for a sequel (what horror film doesn't) Are there any plans for a "Miner's Massacre 2" and if not, and the chance arose, would you direct the sequel?

John:: There’s been talk. It depends on my availability.

Marcus:: I see you are working on a new film called "Grandpa's Place" What can you tell me about this?

John:: It’s a pilot for a children’s TV show. I think that I did a lot of fine work on it, but I don’t know if it will ever be released. The producer of the project tells me he has run into a few problems. We’ll see.

Marcus:: Before we go, do you have any advice for those who are trying to break into the business? Also anything to say to your fans?

John:: Just do it. –If you are passionate about this business, you’ll find a way.

Marcus:: Speaking of the fans, what do we have to look forward to in the future from you?

John:: I’m currently creating effects for and directing a new Dee Snider project: Van Helsing’s Curse. It’s actually a visual interpretation of his latest album. Later this year I’m writing, creating FX for and directing my dream project: RING OF THE FALLEN. I’m shooting in Luxemburg, Hungary, and I’m posting in the UK. It’s a big-budget horror-fantasy action thriller

   There you have it folks, John has been around for while now and he isn't going away any time soon. I myself, look forward to the new project's he is working on and I can't wait to see them. I want to thank John Carl Buechler again for doing the interview, if you would like to learn more about him, go to his website at "www.johncarlbuechler.com" So go check it out!

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