A deadly prehistoric parasite is released when a Woolly Mammoth is discovered in a melting ice cap. Faced with a potentially global epidemic, four ecology students must destroy the parasite before it reaches the rest of civilization. One-by-one they are infected and one-by-one they turn on each other. Soon the survivors are left with only one choice - to make the ultimate sacrifice and burn everything to the ground... including themselves.

BD: How is the shoot going so far?

Mark A. Lewis: We’re done. We made it. Thank God.

BD: Is this experience any different than when you shot ILL FATED?

Mark A. Lewis: Yes and no. Money (Ill Fated being 1/10th the budget of The Thaw) is obviously a huge factor. With The Thaw the support was amazing. We were able to hire experienced crew to fill every necessary position. And, of course, they were all delighted to be getting paid. Which helps. A lot. Also, it was nice to have a 1stAD. I began to appreciate the system quickly. That said, regardless of how finely tuned a machine it was, time was never on my side. The pressure was always on.

BD: What type of horror would you say THAW is?

Mark A. Lewis: The type you would classify as Sci-Fi Thriller first, Horror second. Like Alien or The Thing. In fact, when looking for inspiration I looked to Star Wars before Saw - though I did peek at the latter a couple times as there were similarities (mostly setting and I needed some ideas for amputating limbs).

BD: Is it going to be bloody? Can you give anything away?

Mark A. Lewis: Surprisingly bloody, and disgusting. For some it will be a bit of shocker. The film has likeable, relatable and archetypal characters that get in a bit over their heads with cleavers and parasites.

BD: Have you seen the X-Files episode that carries a similar premise in a Volcano? Were you inspired by any shows or movies like this? Where did the idea come from?

Mark A. Lewis: I haven't seen it. Though my brother Michael (who co-wrote the film) read about The Thaw being compared to this episode in a blog just a few weeks ago and sought it out. He said it was similar conceptually, but worlds apart in every other way (tone, character, story). Truth is, I'm not sure I've ever been inspired by TV (with the exception of anything involving Ricky Gervais). The idea actually came from an experience Michael and his girlfriend had involving Czech beer and bedbugs. He did say, however, that the episode was pretty good.

BD: What made you decide to write a horror film?

Mark A. Lewis: It wasn't really a decision I don’t think, more something that just happened. All of the projects I've been working on lately have been dark. I'm in my blue period I guess.

BD: Did you find the process difficult?

Mark A. Lewis: Of course. Filmmaking is always an endurance test. But so long as my family sticks around I'll be a stronger person and a better filmmaker because of it.

BD: What’s the toughest part about writing a horror film – whats the toughest part about shooting one thus far?

Mark A. Lewis: Making it meaningful.

BD: Do you leave this film open for a sequel?

Mark A. Lewis: Not intentionally. I think we found the inevitable ending to our story. Though I suppose so long as the Arctic keeps melting at terrifying rates, there will be room for sequel(s). A scary thought for more than one reason.

BD: Do you have anything planned for when you complete THAW? More horror maybe?

Mark A. Lewis: It’s hard to say which project will rise to the surface next. But there’s a good chance it will be dark. And likely bloody.

BD: What are some of your favorite horror films and horror directors?

Mark A. Lewis: I love The Shining. Certainly the most profound horror film ever made. I’m also a big fan of Alien, The Exorcist, Rosemary’s Baby. All classics for good reason. I thought The Ring was terrific – not a perfect film but very effective. More traditional exploitative horror films don’t really interest me. Though some of the directors of the genre like John Carpenter and Wes Craven are absolutely brilliant craftsmen. Cronenberg is certainly one of my favorites. I loved Spider and Dead Ringers. But I have to say, the most terrifiying films I have ever seen were not made by a director known for horror. Watch Winter Light, Through a Glass Darkly and Cries and Whispers all in a row on a gloomy Sunday afternoon and you’ll sleep with the light on for the rest of your life.