John Johnson on “Plan 9”

How did you get started in filmmaking? What drew you to it?

JOHN: V and Laser Tag. When I was 8 years old, I shot my first film entitled ZAP, which was a copy of V using laser tag guns. Then I took a couple years off. Then at 13, I made a movie almost every weekend, and at 16 made my first feature.

How many films did you make before you made Plan 9?

JOHN: I have made over 100 films on the smaller budget level. Many of which are available on DVD at the moment. You can check them out here on www.darkstone-ent.com!

Where did you get the idea to remake Ed Wood's classic film?

JOHN: I was actually on set of Skeleton Key 3: The Organ Trail when a PA asked me (since I was ragging on remakes in general) what I would want to remake... And here I am.

How tough was it to get the rights?

JOHN: Not tough at all. The film is now public domain.

What steps did you take to ensure that Plan 9 was in public domain?

JOHN: Lawyer. No real tricks. Just hired a man for the job.

What sorts of changes, if any, did you make to the script?

JOHN: Can't say too much, but it is definitely for older audiences. I have tried to make an in your face horror film, as I would see Ed doing if he was still rolling film today.

How did you fund the film?

JOHN: We are still in that process. So all I can say for now is grape power and unicorn tears. The only thing we have shot so far is the Teaser Trailer, which we shot on Super 35mm. It was my first, and I loved it. Hard to go back after that. The film should be shot on the same medium.

Why did you choose to start by producing a trailer first? What are the advantages and disadvantages of doing it that way?

JOHN: The Teaser Trailer was shot for a couple reasons. 1- Being used a show pony for investors on proving we can do it. 2- To show the fans of the original our true intent on what we wanted to do with the remake.

What did you learn from making the film that you can take to other projects?

JOHN: This is a very new and awesome process. I am learning something new of each and every step of the process. Mainly I have surrounded myself with extremely talented people and hope to win with their victory!

Finally, which filmmakers have inspired you?

JOHN: Anthony Hickox. Sam Raimi. Larry Bishop. Joss Whedon. These are my heroes.

www.plan9movie.com