You know the deal; he?s a colossal, hairy, ape-like cryptozoological wonder. They call him big foot, sasquatch, yeti, yeren, abdominal snowman, yowie or Robin Williams. Throughout the deepest woods and internationally he?s become the topic of countless genre films as the giant-gorilla-looking-forest-monster with a savage thirst for blood. But, some time ago, we talked to actor-turned-writer/director/producer Matthew Bora, who says his new film, Fear the Forest, from Radiant Pictures Entertainment promises something very new to the bloodthirsty-forest-creature subgenre including some ?ass-kicking bands!?

Tell us a bit about your film, Fear the Forest?
After a grueling production shoot in many different forests, you really get to know the woods! Without giving away too much about the film, Fear the Forest started out as a Bigfoot creature movie; however, I made some changes in the screenplay to adapt it to a unique horror-thriller. It won?t be your one dimensional killer-creature movie like Anaconda or Predator for example. It turned out to be a very smart horror film. I wanted the movie to have a Jaws effect, only this time in the woods. I wrote a double twist story for the end which I hope will work in our favor, and wanted the audience to get involved [with] the characters as the movie went on. All in all, it was fun making this film and working with some upcoming talents. We have some ass-kicking bands in the film like Santeria, New Dead Radio, Casia, Good Year Pimps (from the Mission Impossible soundtrack), Pretty Sneaky Sis and a great music score!

Thematically, what were some of your inspirations for the film?
I think the idea and challenge to write such a story just came to me from the mythical and mysterious creature Bigfoot lurking deep in the woods, and what can be done as a movie from that subject, per se.

So how does Fear the Forest actually differ from other ?forest creature? or Bigfoot films out there?
Oh boy! If I told you now the story would totally be revealed and won?t be enjoyable! This is why I can?t explain more in depth about the film?s story because I would be giving away the plot and twists. I can tell you this; it will not be your average horror film. As a matter of fact, I would not even want to promote it as a Bigfoot film. Although it has a Bigfoot creature, just when you think you?ve figured it out, it takes you through another loop!

Did you draw on any of those films for inspiration?
Yes, I liked Predator and Aliens so I was inspired by those types of movies as well as Alfred Hitchcock and James Cameron. The time I worked with James Cameron [I really] saw the way he works? I think something rubbed off on me from him for sure! He is great.

Some Bigfoot films can get pretty bloody. What level of gore can we expect in the final cut of the film?
There is mild ?gore" in the film on purpose because I wanted to try something different like the double twist. I also wanted to keep it more mainstream, but there is some gore?as well as some minor nudity for those who are looking out for that!

What were the challenges of creating this film in which you were the writer, producer, and director?
First is money, then creating a unique screenplay, then who will you work with etc. I funded it myself so it was hard, and I?m still counting on spending more. I thought the story was creative enough to finally produce it. The actors, I personally selected, even though we used casting agents. We have no big names but I think they all did well. In horror movies, I don't think it is absolutely necessary for star names either. The creature is our star! For the creature we had a great special make-up and effects company, The U.K. Special FX Team - Beyond West, and it looks pretty damn good!

You mentioned that you personally selected the talent. How did you go about casting for the film and remain so involved in the process?
We did a casting call in NYC to try to get the best upcoming young talents and we also hit some local talent agencies that are not as recognized, but are lower cost. I also personally went and found people walking on the streets and asked them if they'd like to audition for our film. Some were very happy to audition and some were even selected! If I thought someone looked the part, I didn?t care where they were from. I worked directly with them for at least a month. And we also have a horror queen co-starring, Vera Vanguard.

When can we expect to actually see Fear the Forest?
We are in the final cut stage and then ready to negotiate a deal with a Hollywood distributor! Some are already showing interest, which is a very good sign, but I am hoping by late summer.

We?re talking Fear the Forest here, but personally, what is your biggest fear?
Fear is in the brain of the beholder?while you?re alive "you create" it in your own brain. When you?re dead there is no more fear!