This is the first of a two-part feature interview with the new owners of Amicus Entertainment. We'll post the next part in a couple of weeks, which is with the other owner of Amicus - Julie G. Moldo.
We had the incredible pleasure to get a chance to interview new Amicus co-owner and producer Robert Katz. Robert has always been a very big Amicus and horror movie fan, so when he got the chance to take stock in the legendary studio, of course he jumped. For those of you not familiar with Mr. Katz' past work, let us catch you up. His qualifications for picking great projects and films to work on include Selena, Gods and Generals, Rough Riders, Gettysburg, and many others. His foray into the horror genre has only shown that he has made the same kind of quality decisions for Amicus projects as well, which include Stuck and the upcoming From A Buick 8. Read on to see for yourself what Mr. Katz has to say about the revitalization of Amicus and where he plans on taking it.
Amicus Productions (AP): First, I just want to thank you for taking time and doing this interview. I know you’re a busy man and I completely appreciate you sharing your thoughts with our readers.
You’ve been the producer or executive-producer of quite an eclectic list of films – everything from horror to history. What draws you to a certain kind of film?
Robert Katz (RK): Basically, it’s all about storytelling…and having an interesting story to tell.
AP: You seem to have an interest in the Civil War in particular – any specific reason for this?
RK: I guess I’m a history buff. I also have done others, such as ROUGHRIDERS, AVENGING ANGELS (the story of the Mormons settling Salt Lake), etc.
AP: Are you still involved in the sequel to “Dances With Wolves”? If so, who is going to be directing and starring in that?
RK: Yes, Simon Wincer will direct. Can’t talk about the star yet.
AP: What films inspired you to become involved in the movie business?
RK: Lawrence of Arabia, Paths of Glory, Serpico, Rosemary’s Baby, The Exorcist. There are others that influenced me, as well.
AP: What other factors inspired you to become involved in the movie business?
RK: It’s a great way to earn a living!
AP: What drew you to wanting to be involved in an iconic name brand like Amicus? Were you a fan of the original films when they were released?
RK: Absolutely. They were great fun. And I always felt that, as an iconic brand, it was time to bring back the kind of films that Amicus was known for.
AP: Originally, the horror film “Clown” was said to be the first release coming out under Amicus Entertainment. What happened to that film? Is it still in production? What led to “Stuck” becoming the first release instead?
RK: “Clown” is still on the schedule, although I can’t say when. “Stuck” just sneaked up on us—it was too good to pass up. We are also in post on “It’s Alive 2008,” the remake of Larry Cohen’s famous film.
AP: What led to your choice of Stuart Gordon as director of the film? How about the choice of actors for the roles?
RK: Stuart was the one who brought it to us. As it happened, Stephen and Mena were our first choices. We called them, they read it and said YES. Our lucky day.
AP: “Stuck” really does seem to fit in quite well with the back catalogue of other Amicus horror / thrillers. Even the style of filming seems to have that strange “Amicus” feel to it. Is it your intent to carry on the legacy of the original Amicus Productions?
RK: This is the kind of film that we want to make. There will be more in the same style and of the same substance. No slasher films here.
AP: It’s been stated that you plan on remaking some of the classic Amicus films, such as “The House That Dripped Blood”, and possibly others. A lot of the fans of the original films have voiced their opposition to the idea. How do you feel about that? How would you address them and their concerns?
RK: I agree with them. I don’t think it would work in today’s environment. However, the titles do represent something, and we may find a way to integrate the titles with newer stories. We’re going through that process and may have some interesting announcements in the near future.
AP: How is “From A Buick 8” coming along? Why did you choose it as your next project? How did you get Tobe Hooper involved in the project? When is it’s planned release date?
RK: We are in script stage now. We took it to Tobe, and he loved the idea. The screenplay is being written by Richard Chizmar and Jonathan Schaech. Terrific writers.
AP: What other projects do you have lined up for Amicus?
RK: We are in discussions on several, including one with the boys who did “Napoleon Dynamite.” Hopefully, we’ll have something to announce soon.
AP: Anything you would like to share in closing?
RK: Yes, I haven’t had this much fun in years.
