Exclusive: We Interview the Cast & Crew of 'Morbid Colors'

We've had our eyes upon Matthew Packman's latest movie, Morbid Colors, for quite a while now, due to his previous efforts in Margo, and it appears as if we are set to be in for a treat yet again. Morbid Colors looks highly intriguing which we think that you guys will be keen to check out.

So, I had the pleasure to shoot a couple of questions over to the writer/director Matthew Packman, as well as the two stars/executive producers of the film; Kara Gray and Lanae Hyneman. Below you can check out the interview below, which gives us a little more insight into the film as well as those involved, it's interesting stuff.


Your previous film, Margo, was absolutely stellar. It was female-driven much like your upcoming film Morbid Colors, but it's taking quite a different approach. Why vampirism? 

Matthew Packman: Well thank you, I appreciate that. I knew I wanted my next project to be something different. This movie is much darker, its much more bleak. As far as vampirism goes, that was a gradual thing. That decision was made once I started fleshing out the story and getting down to the root of the conflict. The vampire seemed like a perfect fit for the territory we were going to be covering.

While the film deals with vampirism, it isn't the same as Hollywood portrays. Did you decide to go a more real route instead of the more fantasy side or did it just come naturally?

M P: I would say it came naturally. I like everything I do to be as raw and real as possible. I knew from the beginning that we would playing with convention a lot and creating a very practical monster. 

Actor and Executive Producer Kara Gray, LEFT, and Actor and Executive Producer Lanae Hyneman RIGHT, between takes.

What inspired the story of Morbid Colors?

M P: So many things. There was kind of a whirlwind of inspiration that started while I was in post production on Margo. That included films I was watching, stuff I was reading, and some real life situations. Plus, I’d had the idea to tell a story about these two foster sisters, Devin and Myca, for some time. They had been kicking around in my head for a while before I found the right story for them.

How did you all meet and decide to produce a film, and how was the entire experience?

Kara Gray: I met Matt previously when I auditioned for a piece that ultimately had to be scrapped, but luckily enough when the time came to create Morbid Colors he thought of me and reached out. Lanae and I have been friends since we were in high school, so it was natural to want to work on this project with her. The whole experience was daunting, exhilarating, and absolutely worth it! 

Lanae Hyneman: Kara and I met in high school. Honestly, the only reason I had this opportunity is because of her. I haven't done any film before this. It was a totally new experience to say the least. 

M P: I think the experience of Morbid Colors has been about collaboration. This was our first project together as a creative team. It took time, but after two years of making this movie together we’re a machine. We’re kind of like a band, actually. Everyone’s voice carries equal weight and the film contains all three of our creative fingerprints; not just mine or Lanae’s or Kara’s. I think that’s really cool, and I know for a fact that it made the film better. 

Kara Gray, LEFT, Writer and Director Matthew Packman, CENTER, Lanae Hyneman, RIGHT, during the first week of shooting.

I watched and loved the trailer. You two have some excellent chemistry together. Have you both acted together in the past or was this the first time you both have starred together?

K G: Thank you so much! We met in high school through show choir and theater, so we’ve performed together and have had a natural chemistry for over ten years. It definitely makes the process easier when you’re working alongside one of your best friends, but this is actually the first time we’ve gotten to play major roles opposite one another.  

L H: We've done quite a few theater productions together but never really side by side like this before. The chemistry is our amazing friendship.

Judging by the trailer Morbid Colors looks quite emotional. Did you both instantly connect with the characters and did you have some input into them?

L H: I'm not very much like Devin. It was a challenge to step it back to be her. Matt already had an idea of who our characters were, but we definitely got to put in our ideas to really develop them. 

K G: I connected quickly with Myca in that I knew she would be fun to play, however, she and I are definitely very different. That’s the fun in it though, playing someone so far removed from yourself - especially one that I did get to have a lot of creative input into. 

I believe the band Reed Four provided the song "Cocoon," which is played throughout the trailer. How did this collaboration come to be?

K G: Since Lanae has a close connection with one of the band members I’ll let her handle this one. 

L H: My husband is in the band. When we were trying to get music for the movie they offered up anything we wanted to use. They are in the middle of releasing a new EP and were nice enough to let us use Cocoon. 

Kara Gray and Lanae Hyneman as Myca and Devin.

The awesome Cindy Maples and Jakob Bilinski, who's just a top guy, both make an appearance in the film. How was it working together again?

M P: It was great. I knew before work began on the script  that I wanted Cindy to play the role of Gloria. We had some good talks about the character before shooting, and I credit Cindy with giving Gloria some additional layers that weren’t initially there. She always brings a lot to the table. As for Jake, man where do I even start. The guy is so talented. He’s just the real deal all the way around. I really think he’s one of the most talented people out there making art, especially here in the Midwest. Jake isn’t just an incredible director, though, he’s a solid actor too. We’ve been friends a long time, but I’d never had the chance to direct him in anything until now. So that was a lot of fun.

Film is constantly and nothing more than the distribution model. While physical media has declined and digital has soared more favorably with the likes of Netflix etc., do you think physical media will or maybe is making a comeback? And as a filmmaker which is your preferred model? Is it easier to get distribution via the physical or digital route?

M P: I prefer physical, hands down. I think that’s part of the presentation of a film, at least for me. As for as distribution goes, I’m not really sure which is easier. I was fortunate enough to have both on Margo. I see the value in digital, its just not my preference. When it comes to releasing Morbid Colors, or anything else of mine, I will always push for some form of physical release. 

LEFT TO RIGHT, Emily Durchholz, Sidney Shirpka, Kara Gray and Lanae Hyneman as Devin and Myca's hard rock band Shattermushein.

How has the response been so far for Morbid Colors?

K G: We’ve had such a positive reaction to the trailers we’ve released and I couldn’t be more thankful. 

M P: Everything I’ve seen so far has been really cool. The feedback has been really encouraging. 

L H: Everyone seems to be exited, which is exciting for us.

What can horror fans expect from Morbid Colors?

K G: Horror fans can expect a new twist on a classic movie monster. I think it’s really cool how we treat ‘vampirism’ in this film; it’s subtle in some ways, but still really packs a punch that I think the audience will appreciate.  

M P: Agreed. 

L H: The horror is definitely there, but it's much more than that. You have to pay attention to the details.

What are some of your favorite vampire films?

K G: I’m a sucker for Bram Stoker’s Dracula and Interview with The Vampire, but I also really liked Let the Right One In.  

L H: I enjoy something a little campy like What We Do in the Shadows or Lost Boys, but I also love the allure of Bram Stocker's Dracula and Interview with the Vampire.  

M P: I love Near Dark. I think that movie was a subconscious aid for me in a lot of ways. They never use the word vampire, you never see fangs, and the story is always very grounded. I think its a good example of how you can effectively update a classic monster. I’m also a big fan of Tod Browning’s Dracula and A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night. 

Kara Gray and Lanae Hyneman as Myca and Devin.

Is there any advice you could give or would have liked to have known before you begin making a film?

K G: The advice I would give anyone interested in the indie film community would be to go for it if it’s your passion. Know that it can be incredibly difficult when you’re not working with a blockbuster budget, but that if you really like what you’re doing and you work with people that take your artistic input and people that you trust, it’s worth it.  

L H: One more take doesn't always mean one more take. 

M P: I agree with Kara one hundred percent, and I agree with Lanae one thousand percent. 

What's next for Morbid Colors? Is film festivals something you're looking into?

M P: Absolutely. Submitting to festivals will be our next step after finishing the film this fall. We’re planning what will hopefully be a lengthy run in 2020. You can never tell with that kind of thing, but we’re committed to giving this film every opportunity to be seen in that arena before we seek distribution.

Thank you so much for your time and I wish you all the best with the film and your future endeavors. Is there anything you would like to add?

K G: Thank you so much for supporting us, we seriously appreciate it!  

L H: Check out Reed Four on Spotify and Pandora. New EP is coming soon.   

M P: I’d just want to say thank you to everyone who has followed the film and supported us. We’re close the finish line and we’re very excited to show people what we’ve made.

For more information, hit up their official Facebook page.