Q&A with Editor-in-Chief John Fallon of Arrow in the Head
Keeping in the cinematic spirit of October, Cinespect decided to turn its attention to one of the most reliable sites out there for all things horror: Arrow in the Head. AITH is an enormously popular site that focuses on horror film news, interviews and reviews. Editor-in-chief John Fallon sat down to talk to Cinespect about his experiences running the site, his views on modern horror cinema and his plans for the future.
How did AITH begin?
By fluke really. I was out of school, doing the audition rounds in terms of acting, working my screenplays when I got a left field e-mail from my buddy Berge Garabedian saying: “You love that horror shit and you know how to write, wanna write on my little site JoBlo.com?” I said “Lets call it ‘Arrow in the Head’, don’t censor me and yeah I’ll do it”, thinking it would keep my writing fresh for screenplays. Three months later I knew I had something special and next thing you know, I had a new career to tend to.
Have you given up on acting and writing screenplays, or is that something that resides on your back burner?
Not at all. I acted in Eric Red’s “100 Feet” last year, have a couple of roles up in the air for this year and I will be acting in and co-producing an action film that I will star in next year.
Can you tell us more about your upcoming action film?
I don’t want to say too much in the name of not jinxing it. I feel safe with a film once I am on set and hear “action”. But I will say that its a non stop action ride, in the vein of the old Cannon films. People that enjoyed my little vigilante flick Deaden will love this one even more; more action, bigger budget and lots of cynical humor.
Besides your forays into filmmaking, is running AITH your full time gig?
Yup. I haven’t had a useless job since 2003, although I work way too much; I do feel lucky that the site and my varied projects in the biz make me enough cash to NOT have to be a waiter or something…
AITH is a pretty enormous site, do you have a squad of people working on it with you?
JF: From 2000 to 2005 I did everything on AITH alone, but as the site got more popular and esteemed in the industry, I couldn’t do it alone anymore. It was too much work for one man. So I now manage 11 badass employees who help me out on the site. Meet them here: AITH employees.
What are the biggest changes you have noticed in the horror industry over the past 10 years?
Personally, the films I dig on the most of late come out of France and Spain. They do original horror with an obvious love for the genre by the people behind it. USA horror on the other hand, with its “lets get a good opening weekend”, “PG 13 R Rated flicks” and “lets remake everything in sight” has lost some points with me. Feels like a sausage factory to me. That’s not to say there aren’t good horror films that come out of the US or that some remakes are not good – I just wish I felt more love for horror coming out of the Hollywood system as opposed to the milking it attitude. At least we still have guys like James Wan, Adam Green, Bousman etc. trying to keep it real.
What is your favorite part of running AITH?
When I’m done and shut off the computer… In all seriousness though… The site has made way for lots of perks in my life. I mean I’ve traveled the world, been to Playboy parties, mingled with stars, been invited to prestigious events and Festivals, made so many new friends and have met some of our awesome readers throughout the years. The opportunities the site gave me definitely compensate for the countless hours of slaving at computer that I go through yearly.
I guess you kind of answered my next question, but I’ll ask it anyway, what is your least favorite part of running the site?
I’ve been running it for 10 years, so in all honesty, lots of novelties have worn off, with that said, I have a great bunch of guys working for me. We’re like an online frathouse (I select my employees very carefully) and dealing with them day to day is a pleasure and makes my job much easier.
What would be your top picks for horror films of 2010 so far?
The Spanish film “Kidnapped,” Bousman’s “Mother’s Day,” “REC 2″ and “Piranha 3D” are up there!
So what would be your most anticipated upcoming horror films?
I’m pumped to see “Black Swan,” “My Soul to Take (just to see if Craven still has it)” and although I got bored with SAW after Part 3; traps in 3D has me intrigued…
What are your plans for the future of AITH?
JF: Well we already achieved one of my goals with AITH, to bridge the generation gap and remain relevant to the new generation. I’m proud of that. For the future, we’re looking into Arrow in the Head branching out as distribution company and eventually a production company as well. That’s my goal; it will take the time it takes to achieve it but where there is a will, there is a way.
One last question, what are your favorite horror films of all time?
”Halloween” (original), “The Evil Dead”, “The Hitcher” (original), old school Argento, “Near Dark”, “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” (original), “The Exorcist”, “Stagefright” and “Debbie Does Dallas” are some of top flicks.
”Debbie Does Dallas”? I never thought of that one as a horror film.
It isn’t.
Any parting words for our readers?
Sure, you got a dream, go for it. The only difference between a dream and reality is how much effort you are willing to put in to make that dream a reality.
Amen.
