With a new book coming out entitled Guts, any die-hard horror fan does not want to miss this! Tim Palen award winning Fine Art photographer, and creator of those eye catching posters of SAW, Hostel 1 &2, High Tension and BUG dishes with us some details on how he got started and why he creates the sexy yet terrifying movie posters we all love!
BD: Can you tell me a little background about yourself?
TP:I became interested in Graphic Art and Graphic Design in High School. I studied advertising and journalism at the University of Colorado. I studied photography at the Art Center in Pasadena. I have always been interested in photography and the whole process. I used to work as printer at a print press and have done other jobs such as typography and pay step. I have been really fortunate as my job has evolved, I have been able to grow as a photographer.
BD: I have read that you admire Mark Kessell images. Who inspires your work as a photographer?
TP: I really enjoy Mark Kessell and Joel Peter Witkin. I have also always loved David LaChepelle. There are many amazing photographers out there. I feel that having access to great things and people and my job gives me that luxury so I feel very fortunate.
BD: Your work is sexy, intriguing, and provocative. What goes through your mind when coming up with your ideas?
TP: I'm a big fan of film and I also know what goes into making a movie. I take it all to heart. I try to boil it down to the essence of the film. It is all about finding simplicity, a singular iconic image, something that evokes emotion from the viewer.
BD: Your posters are amazing in themselves. The image and print quality you are giving us is epic. I recently picked up the Hostel II posters at Fangoria, and they are just beautiful!
TP: Thank you! I am a big print fanatic! It's a very sacred thing for me. I labor over the whole process. As a kid I used to collect print work myself, so I understand and want to put out the best work I can.
BD: I know I am the same way. Speaking of printed pieces, I heard a little rumor about what happened with the Hostel II poster concerning the meat being too realistic and a receipt, care to elaborate for us?
TP: Somehow the poster was leaked out online. When we finally submitted it to the MPAA, they said no. Apparently there is a disclaimer, you are not allowed to show dismembered body parts or parts of a corpse. We went back and told them it was just meat. They proceeded to tell me that they could not tell the difference. I actually went back and printed out transcripts from people online that knew it was just meat. Then I sent the MPAA a receipt from the butcher. Everything worked out after that.
BD: I would look at that is a huge compliment! You are getting your goals met, and pleasing the fans! I believe that you're on to something here and you are stepping it up for the future of horror and advertising. People suggest these days horror films are much more bloody, taking the films to a new level. Do you believe that because such films are pushing through, it gives you more creative freedom to promote in such a daring almost unconventional approach?
TP: There is definitely freedom, but not just freedom there is a responsibility. Eli Roth has said it before when you look at Heather Matarazzo hanging upside down with snot coming out of her nose you know that you are not going to go and watch Herbie the Love Bug. It doesn't really give me more license to push the envelope, but I do feel a sense of responsibility again its back to the essence of the movie.
BD: Oh yes, there will be blood!
Lets talk the SAW Blood Drive campaign. I think that its important that people are recognized for how much good they can do.
TP: The SAW Blood Drive is a campaign that we have been working on for three years. We have been donating blood to the Red Cross, just to help out. We will be partnering up with them again for Saw 4, which we will be lunching at the beginning of August.
BD:I also saw posters that are signed by all the cast for Hostel II being auctioned off for charity on eBay?
TP: Yep! Those are great too because you actually get a picture of the talent signing your poster when you receive it and all the proceeds go to the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. (www.pedaids.org)
BD: Well now that you have done some good, there are good things in store for you! You recently collaborated with a few friends and put together a special treat entitled Guts. This is a new photography book, showcasing your horror. The books states you the Movie-Marketing Ninja of 2006 and offers a rare peek behind the curtain. Also, a limited press folks be sure to pick yours up! There are only 3,500 made! But even before you get to the beautiful images, we have to talk about the packaging.. (those that don't know.. the book comes shrink wrapped in meat packaging.. just like at the grocery store) It's awesome!
TP: THANK YOU VERY MUCH! That was my idea, and Jason Herron designed the book. I was approached at New York Comic Con by a book rep from Baby Tattoo Press. He suggested we make a book. With much thought I agreed and the book took off from there.
BD: I have noticed that you have worked with Eli Roth quite a bit. He gives a little snippet about you in GUTS and then you managed to give him the Biggest Dick in Hollywood so to speak.. you seem to have formed a great bond of trust and friendship?
TP: HAHAHAHA.. Well I worked on all of Eli's movies starting with Cabin Fever. We became friends around then. I think the world of him. He has been super supportive of everything. Out relationship is sort of a dreamy filmmaker studio executive relationship. Plus he is really brave! Not everybody would let you take a picture like The Biggest Dick in Hollywood, and not everybody would let you use it.
BD: One of my favorite images you have done is the Bijou Phillips holding her own head! I heard that there was some un-approved marketing with that?
TP: We actually did it for the foreign market, it debuted at Comic-Con in New York. Again back to bravery, I approached her and told her it would require her to be naked, and I want you to be holding your own head. She was brave and she let me photograph her.
BD: I am just curious.. Do you think that there is such thing as to much horror? Some people say that recent films are to bloody, lots of gore. Do you have any thoughts on that?
TP: I don't believe in such a thing as to much horror because I love horror!! When something is successful everybody tries to do it and there is a lot of bad horror out there. Hey better bad horror then bad something else.
BD: So you going to be at International Comic Con at San Diego?
TP: Yes I will be there! I'm excited to get the book out!
GUTS is now available online at the official website
