I Need You Dead!

I Need You Dead! is a new horror/comedy film written and directed by Rocko Zevenbergen.

I Need You Dead! follows the story of a young punk named DOOD. After a moment of total teenage angst, he births a strange fleshy creature – it mocks him, hurts him, and takes over his whole world – DOOD must find some way to rid of this evil monster before it convinces DOOD to rid of himself!

A Q&A with writer & director Rocko Zevenbergen below.

Congratulations on the release of I Need You Dead!. Solid effort on the film, I was hooked from the very first scene. How did you come up with the concept for the film?

Rocko Zevenbergen: I was depressed at the time and making a movie about it felt like a good idea. I came up with some characters to play the roles of my life and the rest is history. The satirical and more unexpected turns in the film developed after this, and the movie became a hodgepodge of ideas that had me very excited.

You do a great job of blending horror and comedy. I think it’s key to have a nice balance. Were you influenced by other films of the horror/comedy genre?

RZ: Always. Eggs and Hot Sauce. Coffee and Cigarettes. Comedy and Horror. It’s just a perfect pairing. Ever since my eyes were graced by Sam Raimi’s The Evil Dead in high school, I’ve been addicted. For this particular film, I’d cite Gremlins, Terror Firmer, and Tantrum as major influences. All Comedy Horrors in their very own unique ways. Check ’em out if you want.

The film is packed with vibrant visuals, bright neons and ’80s vibes. Who was in charge of the cinematography and what kind of atmosphere did you want to display?

RZ: Brooks Houser was our Director of Photography. He is incredibly talented and hard-working. This film wouldn’t have existed without him. I wanted to reel people in with the ’80s vibes, so we set up Shmucksville as this shiny cartoon world. I think it helps make sucker punches later in the film more effective. It was fun using so much color, getting that VHS look that I have grown so obsessed with over the years. Hopefully, people continue to appreciate it, we worked hard to get it there.

What was your favourite scene to film? Any fun BTS stories while on set?

RZ: Favorite scene would have to be DOOD’s sloppy battle with The Creature in his room. We were running very low on time that day, but still hadn’t shot this very integral scene. Our team became such a force of nature in that moment, and even though we moved fast, we were pumping out wildly cool looking shots. The scene is one of my favorites in the whole film. Totally U-Turns the movie in a way I’m very proud of.

I enjoyed the “movie in a movie” element and how it touches on artistic integrity. What messages about the filmmaking process were you hoping to get across and what are you hoping people take away from the film?

RZ: Well DOOD has this constant struggle with his art as do other characters in the film. I think artists tend to get too wrapped up in the “obligation to create” and tend to forget about the magic that made it worthwhile in the beginning. Suddenly expectation and insecurity cloud creativity, and the outlet dries up. Next thing you know, you’re a depressed toxic mess. I hope people can watch the film, connect with the struggle, and take something productive away from it. Something that could allow them to overcome whatever bullshit they are going through. I also hope our meager budget yet grand scale story inspires some people to make their own, regardless of their resources.

“I hope people can watch the film, connect with the struggle, and take something productive away from it.“
—Rocko Zevenbergen

Where and when can people watch the full film?

RZ: You can currently order the DVD on our website www.badtastevideo.net. The full film should be available for streaming sometime this year. Just gotta work out a deal somewhere! Follow us on Instagram @bad.taste.video to keep up to date with the film and where it ends up finding a home.