Ep208 - Scott Teems, Writer-Director ‘The Quarry’ & ‘Halloween Kills’

Scott Teems grew up and went to Film School in Georgia, and he is best known for early work with Hal Holbrook on ‘That Evening Sun’ (along with producing Holbrook in the Mark Twin story ‘An American Odyssey’), plus episodes of ‘Rectify’ and ‘Narcos: Mexico,’ and the new film ‘The Quarry.’ The co-writer and director of ‘The Quarry,’ Teems uncovers the story of a drifter, played by Shea Whigham, who kills a traveling preacher and takes his place in a small-town church. But, upon his arrival, the police chief, played by Michael Shannon, suspects something is wrong. Teems is heavily influenced by Eastern European and Polish cinema (but more so towards the Coen Brothers for his latest film). And, he has a writing credit on the upcoming film, ‘Halloween Kills,’ the latest installment of the Michael Myers franchise. In this interview, we discuss personal Southern stories, how Georgia became a film hub, why he’s intrigued by religion and violence in story, where to find exterior tension in a story, why he hates agenda-driven stories, and what audiences can expect from Halloween Kills. If you enjoyed this interview, look for the print version on Creative Screenwriting’s website, and join millions of viewers for the new YouTube video essay series, Creative Principles, which dissects new films, series, and more: bit.ly/2FARJz5

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