First Review is in!!!!

DreadCentral.com
written by Scott A. Johnson:

"One of the true marks of just how groundbreaking your movie was is how well it stands the test of time. Almost invariably, filmmakers do not realize what they've made and have no idea it will become a "classic" or how it will influence lives. Many times those films we consider classics began as critical failures, enduring the brunt of reviewers that may just not have "gotten" it or found it too disturbing on one level or another. The ultimate tribute, however, among the tattoos and comic books and art work, is the documentary. For someone to take the time and make the effort to tell the story of how the film was made is a way for the fans in all of us to take a step forward and show appreciation. It's been done with Halloween, Night of the Living Dead, and now with An American Werewolf in London in the new production Beware the Moon: Remembering An American Werewolf in London by Paul Davis.

The documentary is like many others in the sense that it visits the sets, talks with the actors, gets behind-the-scenes stories, yadda yadda yadda. How it differs, however, is the genuine passion that the filmmakers display toward the source material. From the twenty seconds shot in Windsor Park to the scene shot inside what horror fans know as "The Slaughtered Lamb" (which is actually named "The Black Swan"), it is obvious that these people hold reverence for what they consider to be one of the greatest films created.

While many documentaries contain the requisite cast members, often times the "biggies" are too busy to take part. Not so in this case. Included in the cast are not just stars David Naughton and Griffin Dunne but also director John Landis, make-up guru Rick Baker (who won an Oscar for his work in this film), and co-star Jenny Agutter. Also included in the documentary are interviews with producer George Fosley Jr., stuntman Vic Armstrong, and other key players in the production, bringing the total to more than twenty people who helped with the film. Everyone is represented from the higher-ups to the stars to one of the women seen in the porno theater.

Without giving too much away, the stories they tell about the production are enlightening and, in many cases, surprising. Listening to Landis and Folsey discuss how universally unliked AWIL was when it was first released is mind-boggling, especially given the film's status today. Also, hearing from Griffin Dunne how apprehensive he was about the goriness of the prosthetic makeup he wore is quite funny. There are other stories from the shoot, both in front of and behind the cameras, that will keep audiences enthralled for the whole running time.

Beware the Moon is, by far, one of the best documentaries about a movie created. Anyone who claims to be a fan, or even just have a passing "like" for AWIL, will find the documentary to be a fascinating look into what went into this movie, how much of a labor of love it became, and how it changed the careers of those involved. It is due to be released next year on the Blu-Ray edition of AWIL, which means many will have to either upgrade their systems or, at least, buy a new copy of the disc. While that may seem like a bad way to do it, believe me when I say it's worth the cost and effort.

5 out of 5"

Wow! What can I say. All of us on the BTM crew are extremely flattered and to be honest, we totally forgot that we would have to face reviews. For Dread to come out of the woodwork with the first review and for it to be such a glowing one at that, I can't wait for everyone else to see this.

Glad you enjoyed it DC.com

Thank you!

4:53 AM - 4 Comments - 8 Kudos - Add Comment

Beware The Moon coming to Blu-Ray!
Category: Movies, TV, Celebrities

For those who don't know, John Landis officially announced this weekend that BEWARE THE MOON will accompany the Blu-Ray release of AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON next year (the previous report by Brad over at Bloody-D.com that it's out THIS year was misheard and has been corrected).

No word yet on when Universal Home Entertainment will be releasing it, but it IS COMING people!

If I had to make a guess... maybe they'll do something with The Wolf Man remake. Watch this space!

A big thank you to all of you who came to see the movie in Pittsburgh and for your kind words all weekend, I'm glad you liked it.

Quote of the weekend:

John Landis: Paul, that was MUCH BETTER than the piece of shit you sent me!

Paul

11:53 PM - 7 Comments - 8 Kudos - Add Comment

Beware The Moon premier this Friday in Pittsburgh!

Hey gang

Just a reminder that the 105min director's cut of BEWARE THE MOON will be premiering on Friday at 9pm at HorrorHound Weekend which is taking place at the Pittsburgh Expomart in Pittsburgh, PA. The screening will be part of a special double bill with AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON screening afterwards.

Not only will myself and crew be in attendance to introduce the documentary, David Naughton, Griffin Dunne (reunited at a convention for the first time) and John Landis will also be there for the screening.

Keep checking www.horrorhoundweekend.com for any changes to the line up and be sure to come and say 'hi' if you're attending.

Paul

4:09 AM - 1 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

American Werewolf Reunion at LONDON FILM & COMIC CON!

Hey folks

I'm happy to announce that the first ever AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON reunion will take place at the LONDON FILM & COMIC CON at Earl's Court 2 on July 19th/20th. A number of guests from the movie will be announced over the coming weeks with the first name added being none other than the legendary director himself, JOHN LANDIS.

For more information please visit: www.londonfilmandcomiccon.com

I will be announcing names here on the blog as they're unveiled.

Paul

4:08 AM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

Tales from the Cutting Room floor...
Category: Movies, TV, Celebrities

It's been over 14 months since production began on what has been the experience of a life time, a comprehensive and entertaining documentary on the making of one of my favourite movies of all time, AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON. As I type this I'm on a couch at the home of my good friend and editor, a day away from having a completed print of BEWARE THE MOON in my grubby little paws. About 2 hours ago we were sat putting together the finale of the show, which culminates with a beautiful little 'then and now' montage of some key locations in the movie, finishing up with me in the middle of pitch black Clink Street (where the final alley was situated) warning one and all to Beware The Moon - mondo (intended) cheese-factor!

We've still got a whole day's work tomorrow, but what is done so far I am VERY happy with. A few things bug me as far as the picture and sound go, but it's nothing that won't be fixed when it is mastered in Hollywood by the "tools & the talent!" We've made many changes to the footage we showed at HorrorHound Weekend six months ago, all of which make the piece considerably better in my eyes. Watching the whole thing evolve from my original treatment to the film it's become has been unlike anything I've experienced yet in my life time. It's what I can imagine watching your children grow up to be like - another thing I have to look forward to. What I'm not looking forward to is watching this celluloid baby of mine take the car keys and go off to college and have sex... or in the literal sense finish working on the film. Don't get me wrong, I can't wait for this thing to be out there and with the fans of the movie where it belongs, but wrapping it up will certainly feel like one has up and left the nest. It will no longer be my film... it will be your film.

All will not be done and dusted in the next 48 hours however. We still have several interviews to shoot for the British television version of BEWARE THE MOON, and if the rest are half as fun as our interview with comedian/presenter Justin Lee Collins then I can't wait.

So is there any update on when we can all get to see this thing? Not exactly - but we're getting there! On Thursday afternoon I will have a finished copy of the documentary in my hands... that will then be mailed to John Landis who will make the rest of this adventure a reality. I was asked recently exactly how involved John is with the project and I really couldn't stress how much he's helped us from the beginning, and is STILL helping us get this movie out there to you guys. John is 100% endorsing BEWARE THE MOON and even is getting final approval over the finished product. I made this movie for the fans, but essentially it's a thank you. It's a thank you to John Landis for making AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON in the first place. If he hadn't have written that screenplay in 1969, I'd probably be in a nine to five job for the rest of my life - and Michael Jackson would not have the biggest selling album of all time! So, this is my tribute to John's work, John's vision and putting up with me and my "it'll be alright on the day Guv" attitude over the passed year.

It's always a marvellous night for a moon dance...

Paul

5:55 PM - 7 Comments - 8 Kudos - Add Comment

Gimme a J... gimme an L... gimme a C!
Current mood: bouncy

Shooting got under way yesterday on the exclusive content that will appear in the UK television version of Beware The Moon, starting with a hilarious interview with one half of the Friday Night Project, the face of the ’Bring Back...’ series and the voice of the Ski yogurt ads Mr. Justin Lee Collins!

We spoke of all avenues before the cameras were even rolling... our appreciation for the work of UK porn legend Ben Dover, doing the dirty business over Jennifer Beales in Vampire’s Kiss and why ’Bring Back The Goonies’ could be the biggest thing since Swiss Cheese.

While on camera however, Justin and I discussed how it’s probable that Jack and David weren’t as close as we’re lead to believe, Jenny Agutter in a nurses uniform (a lot) and why the scene in which John Woodvine goes to the Slaughtered Lamb makes him want to cry.

All in all, we had so much fun hanging out with Justin. He’s a busy guy yet we were sat there nattering away for over 2 and a half hours talking about movies before we’d even set the interview up, and believe me, we could’ve been sat there all night!

So who’s left for this exclusive TV voyage of Bewaring one’s Moonage? To come are hostess hotty and actress extraordinarie Emily Booth (Evil Aliens, Cradle Of Fear and Edgar Wright’s ’Don’t!’), Joe Cornish of the brilliant Adam & Joe Show, director and part time metal works teacher Edgar Wright (Shaun Of The Dead & Hot Fuzz) and we’re still working on a few names to add to that list.

Until then.... ROCK N ROLL!!!!

5:13 AM - 5 Comments - 4 Kudos - Add Comment

Drawing to a close....
Current mood: productive

Hey folks...

In just about two weeks time the first complete cut of Beware The Moon will be in the can! It's taken a while but we're finally on the home stretch. To celebrate I've given the Myspace page a bit of a redo... it was looking messy so I changed a few things - also I have uploaded a bunch of new photos in the 'My Photos' album.

Now, the main reason for this blog is for all the UK fans. I've hinted at it during the production and it's still not set in stone but very probable. I will be pushing a 40min cut of Beware The Moon to be aired on British television sometime in the next 6 months. For this version I will be shooting some EXCLUSIVE content that will appear only in the television version - but what else could I possibly shoot? Well, there are a ton of UK celebs who love this movie just as much as we do and I wanted them to be able to share that love with us! Already confirmed are director Edgar Wright, comedian Joe Cornish (of Adam & Joe fame) and British horror tottie Emily Booth! I will be contacting others over the coming weeks, one of which I'm VERY hopeful to 'Bring Back'... (rock n roll!).

Until then, look forward to some exclusive screengrabs and a couple of new clips toward the beginning of April.

Paul

Currently watching : Bugsy Malone [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.2 Import - Great Britain ]

9:18 AM - 7 Comments - 10 Kudos - Add Comment

Filming at Windsor Great Park - Meet John Landis next weekend!

Hey gang

Just a quickie... today we filmed a segment for Beware The Moon at Windsor Great Park - that's right, the Queen's back yard! While editing, all week I've been reminded by John Landis, Rick Baker, David Naughton, Griffin Dunne and co. how COLD it was the night they shot the first wolf attack there in 26-years ago and when we got their to shoot - HOLY FUCK they were not lying!

It was ten times colder than when we shot up in Wales, really have not experience anything like that. It took us 4 hours to shoot a 20 second clip. Now that's glamour

The funniest part of the day was the fact that despite how BIG Windsor Great Park is (over 5,000 acres) and how dark it is in An American Werewolf In London, without even trying we found the EXACT spot in which Jack and David trail off the road and walk on to the moors just as it starts to rain. Thought it would be a long shot to find that same area but we came to it without even trying because it was the clearest spot to shoot. Nothing in filmmaking is accidental - I'm learning this!

Those of you in the Indiana region of course would know that next Friday, Saturday and Sunday sees the return of HorrorHound Weekend at the Indianapolis Marriott East. Not only is this another opportunity to meet the Beware The Moon crew (with an hour of footage to show off), but you will also get a chance to meet both the star of An American Werewolf In London, David Naughton, and the legendary director, John Landis.

Landis is only signing for a limited time on Saturday so make sure you get there early so you don't miss out.

Hope to see you all soon.

3:47 PM - 7 Comments - 8 Kudos - Add Comment

HorrorHound Weekend - Indianapolis NOV 16th-18th

Hey guys,

As you may know I will be in Indy in a couple of weeks at the 2nd HorrorHound Weekend at the Marriott to show a premier 35-40min cut of BEWARE THE MOON. In attendance and signing autographs will be legendary American Werewolf In London director JOHN LANDIS and it's star DAVID NAUGHTON.
In addition, horror stars such as SHAWNEE SMITH, GUNNAR HANSEN, RODDY PIPER and TONY TODD among others will be in attendance at the show. Check out http://www.horrorhoundweekend.com for the full line up.

JOHN LANDIS will only be signing on the SATURDAY for a limited time so make sure you plan accordingly. His signing times will be posted on the website prior to the show so keep checking.

I will also be signing some 8x10s from BEWARE THE MOON, both shots from the documentary and behind the scenes stuff. I won't be charging - and never will - for my signiture so do come and say hi!

So who is going to be attending? Step right up, yet yee be known!

5:48 AM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

Beware The Moon production UPDATE!

Howdy folks,

As I sit on my bum waiting to board a flight back to London from Newark International, it dawned on me that I haven't done a blog for MONTHS! I get emails all the time regarding the status of the project and I guess it makes sense now considering I haven't really updated you guys since the beginning of the Summer.

This weekend I have been in Orlando, Florida promoting the documentary at the Screamfest convention. The turn out was pretty good and those who turned up got to see a couple of exclusive clips and hear some fun anecdotes on the making of the documentary. While there we FINALLY caught up with David Naughton and spent a good hour or so sharing stories and mentioning names that he hadn't heard in over 25-years. The interview was awesome and I really can't believe that there was a period at the beginning of the project where I thought I would have to make the documentary without the star!

Speaking of stars, I can finally lay to rest any doubt you guys had about us having Naughton and his co-star Griffin Dunne in the film, well, I am ecstatic to tell you that as of 10am this morning we also wrapped on Griffin Dunne! David and Jack are in the can!

So regarding interviews, what have we actually 100% shot and who's to come, well here is the list of cast and crew we have SHOT:

- John Landis (writer/director)
- Rick Baker (special effects make up)
- David Naughton (David Kessler)
- Griffin Dunne (Jack Goodman)
- Jenny Agutter (Nurse Price)
- John Woodvine (Dr. Hirsch)
- David Schofield (Darts Player)
- Michael Carter (Gerald Bringsley)
- Brenda Cavendish (Judith Brown)
- Linzi Drew (Brenda Bristols from See You Next Wednesday)
- George Folsey Jr. (Producer)
- Robert Paynter B.S.C. (Cinematographer)
- Les Dilley (Art Director)
- Malcolm Campbell (Editor)
- David Tringham (First Assistant Director)
- Deborah Nadoolman (Costume Designer)
- Joyce Herlihy (Production Manager)
- Vic Armstrong (Stunt performer)
- Dennis Fraser M.B.E. (Key Grip)
- Ray Andrew (Steadi-cam operator)
- Bill Sturgeon (Werewolf puppeteer)
- Tom Hester (Effects assistant and sculptor)
- Beryl Lerman (Special Effects Make-up assistant)
- Joe Ross (Special Effects Assistant)
- Robin Grantham (Key Make-up artist)

Some of the stories we've been told... this is going to be one hell of a film!

So what's happening with the release? Well, we will be finishing up in the next few weeks and after that the rough cut will be sent to Universal Home Entertainment for them to decide what they want to do with it. Nothing concrete yet, but another DVD release of the movie has been mentioned.

I've uploaded some photos to the 'making of' album, so go check those out to see what some of the above look like now!

PD

2:22 PM - 8 Comments - 14 Kudos - Add Comment