Amber Benson

Amber Benson France: Cinematographer and Director of Photography, you are most well known with THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT movie. Now you have worked on Andy Lauer’s horror film called EL INTERMEDIO / THE IN BETWEEN with Amber Benson and Edward Furlong. Is this film is different from what you have done before? Why?

NEAL FREDERICKS: This film is my 20th as Director of Photography (DP) and I feel very good about my cinematography on this picture. Every film I DP is different from the one before. With EL INTERMEDIO I intended to give the film a very slick and expensive look but also a visual style that assists in heightening the scare factor.

ABF: Are there any horror films that have influenced you for this production?

NF: Actually, the director (Andy Lauer) really liked my photography on the film I DPed previously, ABOMINABLE. He wanted shadows and areas of darkness so I designed an approach that made him comfortable. I am also a fan of using the wide-screen format to compose the scenes using foreground and background elements to keep the viewer’s eyes dancing around..

ABF: Could you tell us more about EL INTERMEDIO / THE IN BETWEEN movie? Why THE IN BETWEEN?

NF: EL INTERMEDIO is Spanish for THE IN BETWEEN. The Spanish title refers to the ghosts that torment the characters as they travel through the underground tunnels. These ghosts that are caught between the living and the dead. I am not sure what will be the real title for the film when it is released later this year. That is up to the distributor.

ABF: It was the first time you worked with Amber Benson. What do you think about her in this film?

NF: This was the first time I worked with Amber and it was a real pleasure to work with a very professional actor. I think she brought some great integrity to the film and elevated the overall feel. And I feel the rest of the cast did the same; Edward Furlong, Steve Railsback and Cerina Vincent.

This was a great cast to work with and I think the film is a better one for that. They really got into their characters and I think the audience will believe the fear they see on their faces.

ABF: Could you tell us more about Barbie, her part in this film?

NF: Amber’s character Barbie is one in a group of four friends that decide to explore these underground tunnels between the U.S./Mexico borders. They know of this legend that says the tunnels are haunted but the pull of the unknown is too great for them. Barbie is the voice of reason and tries to keep the group from freaking out once the ghosts start their attacks.

ABF: Is there an anecdote about this film you could tell us?

NF: Amber actually had a broken leg in a cast and did the film on crutches. So when you see the movie that is really Amber doing all her own stunts like running, falling and climbing. It really added a sense of realism to the film and added a sense of dread that her broken leg may be her downfall.

ABF: Since ABOMINABLE, you have worked on EL INTERMEDIO and now onto CROSS BONES. How do you feel going from an atmosphere of a film to another?

(CROSS BONES is a cool pirate horror film Neal is shooting in Florida).

NF: I love horror films and am a big fan. Most people claim to be fans but most don’t even watch them. I think the best horror films are made by people that like them and like watching them. I have shot every genre but am drawn to the horror / thriller films. It allows for the best use of creative experimentation in my lighting and camerawork.

ABF: Have you heard anything about the possible production of BLAIR WITCH 3? Amber Benson could play a great part in this film.

NF: There has been talk of BLAIR WITCH 3 and I know there is interest to get it made. I hope to shoot that film and continue to build upon a visual look that will have the same impact that the first one did.

I think Amber would be great for BLAIR WITCH 3. She is a great actress who is committed to her craft.

ABF: Could you give advice to young people who dream to become cinematographer?

NF: Get behind a camera as much as possible and develop your craft. Try to work with gifted directors and great scripts. Shoot all the mediums (film, video, etc.) and become comfortable with them. If you shoot only video, you must learn to shoot film. It is going to be around for a long time.

ABF: After CROSS BONES, what are you going to work on?

NF: I have been approached to DP a sci-fi alien movie called PROBED. The script is really good and I think it would be a great movie.

ABF: I would like to thank you Neal for taking time to answer my questions.

NF: You are welcome. I enjoy taking the time for interviews.