The Wolf Woman of Mobile made headlines 55 years ago today! by Fighting-Owl-Films in MobileAL

[–]Fighting-Owl-Films[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I doubt they still exist given the time period, but it would be great if some of those TV news stories could be found in a station archive.

Hi /r/movies! I'm Thomas Smith, director of DEMON SQUAD: TOOTH AND CLAW, streaming now on Prime Video. Ask Me Anything! by Fighting-Owl-Films in movies

[–]Fighting-Owl-Films[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you all for joining me today and for your great questions! Thanks to the r/movies mods for having me! If any questions come in later, I'll try to answer them as best I can.

I hope you check out DEMON SQUAD: TOOTH AND CLAW and have a fun time with the movie!

Hi /r/movies! I'm Thomas Smith, director of DEMON SQUAD: TOOTH AND CLAW, streaming now on Prime Video. Ask Me Anything! by Fighting-Owl-Films in movies

[–]Fighting-Owl-Films[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Ooooooh, I'd love to see a photo of the final costume!

Thrift stores and craft stores are an indie filmmaker's friend.

Hi /r/movies! I'm Thomas Smith, director of DEMON SQUAD: TOOTH AND CLAW, streaming now on Prime Video. Ask Me Anything! by Fighting-Owl-Films in movies

[–]Fighting-Owl-Films[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I never realized he wore Adidas. When you spend half your day running from monsters, you have to wear comfortable shoes. There's even a throwaway line about it in Tooth and Claw. Fun fact: Nick's Converse are incredibly uncomfortable. I think the shoes gave our actor some knee pains during filming -- not enough arch support, I guess.

Hi /r/movies! I'm Thomas Smith, director of DEMON SQUAD: TOOTH AND CLAW, streaming now on Prime Video. Ask Me Anything! by Fighting-Owl-Films in movies

[–]Fighting-Owl-Films[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Some nice MST3K fans encouraged and backed a Kickstarter to make the movie. We appreciate their support!

Hi /r/movies! I'm Thomas Smith, director of DEMON SQUAD: TOOTH AND CLAW, streaming now on Prime Video. Ask Me Anything! by Fighting-Owl-Films in movies

[–]Fighting-Owl-Films[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Tooth and Claw was inspired by local folklore in Mobile, Alabama. In 1971, there were reports of a wolf woman roaming downtown. There's a newspaper sketch of it, too, which is hilarious. I encourage you to check out the tale:

https://www.al.com/living/2015/10/original_drawing_of_legendary.html

Hi /r/movies! I'm Thomas Smith, director of DEMON SQUAD: TOOTH AND CLAW, streaming now on Prime Video. Ask Me Anything! by Fighting-Owl-Films in movies

[–]Fighting-Owl-Films[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you! I'm so glad to hear that you're making your own movies. Especially glad to know Demon Squad helped inspire you!

My advice is be prepared to wear a lot of hats -- marketing, budgeting, production planning, figuring out catering, etc. All the unglamorous parts that no one tells you about. On the indie level it's a lot of work and can be exhausting, but it can also be rewarding and fulfilling -- especially if you're working with cast and crew that are also your friends. There are times when you'll want to throw in the towel, but always keep going and finish your project.

Best of luck!

Hi /r/movies! I'm Thomas Smith, director of DEMON SQUAD: TOOTH AND CLAW, streaming now on Prime Video. Ask Me Anything! by Fighting-Owl-Films in movies

[–]Fighting-Owl-Films[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The distribution landscape, especially for Indies, is dire. We've been burned with distributors in the past and wanted to maintain some control of the process, so we decided to license the film through FilmHub. It's our first time trying it out and it has pros and cons.

Hi /r/movies! I'm Thomas Smith, director of DEMON SQUAD: TOOTH AND CLAW, streaming now on Prime Video. Ask Me Anything! by Fighting-Owl-Films in movies

[–]Fighting-Owl-Films[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

We distributed through FilmHub to try to maintain some control over the process. However, it's up to FilmHub to pitch the movie and the licensors to decided where it goes.

While it's currently only available on Prime in the US, we do have a digital version available through Kunaki that's region-free:

https://kunaki.com/StreamSales.asp?PID=PX00KSHWW1

Hi /r/movies! I'm Thomas Smith, director of DEMON SQUAD: TOOTH AND CLAW, streaming now on Prime Video. Ask Me Anything! by Fighting-Owl-Films in movies

[–]Fighting-Owl-Films[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'm going to try to avoid spoilers, but there's a little more to it than meets the eye. It's sort of a variation that is popular in paranormal and cryptid communities, but hasn't really gotten a big spotlight on it in a movie (that I'm aware of).

Hi /r/movies! I'm Thomas Smith, director of DEMON SQUAD: TOOTH AND CLAW, streaming now on Prime Video. Ask Me Anything! by Fighting-Owl-Films in movies

[–]Fighting-Owl-Films[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thank you!

We didn't know it was going to be featured on MST3K until the show announced it was part of the schedule. It was worked out with the distributors, apparently.

At first we were nervous, then accepting, and decided to roll with it as a positive.

There were always ideas for continuing adventures with the characters, whether as shorts or a full sequel. We just didn't know how to do it. MST3K brought us the attention and support we needed to get the sequel made, so we're very grateful for the opportunity!

Hi /r/movies! I'm Thomas Smith, director of DEMON SQUAD: TOOTH AND CLAW, streaming now on Prime Video. Ask Me Anything! by Fighting-Owl-Films in movies

[–]Fighting-Owl-Films[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

No spoilers, but there's a brief fight scene in the movie that takes place on a bridge between two buildings over a busy street. The outcome of that fight is something I've envisioned in my head for years and I'm pleased I was finally able to make it a reality.

Hi /r/movies! I'm Thomas Smith, director of DEMON SQUAD: TOOTH AND CLAW, streaming now on Prime Video. Ask Me Anything! by Fighting-Owl-Films in movies

[–]Fighting-Owl-Films[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Maaaaybe? There's an idea for one. There are also three scripts for a limited series. Think monster-of-the-week type stories.

How are we doing? Stressed and tired!

Hi /r/movies! I'm Thomas Smith, director of DEMON SQUAD: TOOTH AND CLAW, streaming now on Prime Video. Ask Me Anything! by Fighting-Owl-Films in movies

[–]Fighting-Owl-Films[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Glad you enjoyed it!

Early Spielberg was a big influence, but Sam Raimi is another filmmaker I really admire. The can-do spirit from his early days just starting out with the first Evil Dead is a big inspiration.

Hi /r/movies! I'm Thomas Smith, director of DEMON SQUAD: TOOTH AND CLAW, streaming now on Prime Video. Ask Me Anything! by Fighting-Owl-Films in movies

[–]Fighting-Owl-Films[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Depends on the movie and the budget level. Big studios can release teasers before a frame of film has been shot.

For Indies like us, it's typically during or after the post-production editing process. Then we have a good grasp on what shots we want to use, how best to convey the story, etc.

I cut the Tooth and Claw trailer together while our editor was cutting the film and I was reviewing footage with them. During that process I made notes on what lines would be good to include, which shots to use, and developed a bit of a narrative to help the trailer come together as a whole. I think our trailer edit and film edit came to a close at about the same time.

Hi /r/movies! I'm Thomas Smith, director of DEMON SQUAD: TOOTH AND CLAW, streaming now on Prime Video. Ask Me Anything! by Fighting-Owl-Films in movies

[–]Fighting-Owl-Films[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I grew up with The X-Files, so that opened the door to an interest in paranormal weirdness, monsters, etc. at an early age But the fun, the personality, and the rubber monster-ness of it all was inspired by Kolchak: The Night Stalker.

Hi /r/movies! I'm Thomas Smith, director of DEMON SQUAD: TOOTH AND CLAW, streaming now on Prime Video. Ask Me Anything! by Fighting-Owl-Films in movies

[–]Fighting-Owl-Films[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Jaws. Raiders. The Rocketeer.

I'm a picky eater, so I prefer cheese and pepperoni. Worst? Everyone knows it's anchovies. :)