We chat with filmmaker and actor Stacy Brown Jr about his feature film directorial debut “The Pit”, a story of survival and insanity.
I’ve watched so many horror movies that take place in the woods that I generally refuse to go into any kind of forest. After watching The Pit, I can assure you that my mind has not changed. Like I always say, if I’m in the woods for three days, I’ve been dead for two of them.
To celebrate his buddy hiking story gone wrong, The Pit, I chatted with filmmaker Stacy Brown Jr. We discuss how the film came about, his affinity for the Skunk Ape, and what’s up next.
Morbidly Beautiful: Hi Stacy! Thank you for speaking with me. So what inspired you to make The Pit?
Stacy Brown Jr: The Pit came as an idea during the filming of my documentary The Skunk Ape Lives. I was going to pee in the woods and a buddy of mine said, “Hey, be careful in the woods. There are pits all over the woods out here and some are super deep.” That line made it into the movie.
Morbidly Beautiful: What is your creative process to prepare for shooting?
Stacy Brown Jr: The process to prepare was insane. Most of it was just in my head or my cell phone. We were slammed for time trying to complete the set, so I was doing 16 hour days to prepare. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.
Morbidly Beautiful: I was reading about your Skunk Ape adventures online. Can you tell us about your passion and how you became involved?
Stacy Brown Jr: My interest in the skunk ape started when I was about six. I saw an episode of Unsolved Mysteries and they had a piece on it. So this led to me reading and doing research on the topic. Years later, I had my first encounter and was hooked. Ever since I’ve been determined to bring the proof needed to have the species recognized.
Morbidly Beautiful: What made you want to be a filmmaker?
Stacy Brown Jr: My dad really was the driving force. He went to film school before joining the Army and had all this cool equipment. As a kid, I was trying to make stop motion films with my toys. It was a dream that I thought was always out of reach but I pushed until I got it.
Morbidly Beautiful: If you could collaborate with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?
Stacy Brown Jr: If I could collaborate with anyone, I’d have to say David Lynch or Rob Zombie. Lynch’s film Eraserhead has always inspired me. Rob Zombie’s style of films is intense and insane. There are Easter eggs in the film that are from both of them.
Morbidly Beautiful: What’s up next for you, Stacy?
Stacy Brown Jr: Right now I’m working on a paranormal show that my friends and I made. Basically, it’s gonna be a paranormal show, documentary, and horror film blended into one. Trying to reinvent the wheel so to speak. It’s pretty much like Ghost Adventures but rated R.
Morbidly Beautiful: One last question for you. What’s your favorite scary movie?
Stacy Brown Jr: I have a few. Blair Witch is still one of my all-time favorites. But if I had to pick one, I would say Trick r Treat. I love the whole Halloween vibe and the way they make all the short stories combine into one bigger story is really cool.
Morbidly Beautiful: Thank you so much, Stacy, for taking the time to speak with us. Be sure to check out The Pit, out now on VOD!
Additional Information
Stacy Brown Jr and the rest of the talent of The Pit are available for article interviews, media appearances, and podcast interviews please contact Sharry Flaherty at [email protected] by email or by phone at 702.756.3527. | Attention Filmmakers seeking distribution: Submit your project information, including synopsis, trailer and any artwork available to [email protected]. Looking forward to seeing what you have created!
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