Jovan Taylor- The Genius Of Horror (Film Director) (September 2021)
Issue Seventeen- September 2021:
By Mercedes Barreto
To direct a film is depicted by the director’s vision and drive to bring to life an existence that does not consciously exist. In Jovan Taylor’s horror films, you will be transported into another existence, taking a turn for the worst, and living and breathing for the next chapter. We read on his insights as witnessed in this guided, yet informative article.
What truly defined the initiation of filming and directing in your professional career? How so?
“I’ve always known I wanted to direct horror movies. Even as a kid, the first horror movie that I’ve watched was “Scream”, and from that moment on, I was like “This is something I wanna do”. I looked up to Wes Craven, because he was the “God Father of Horror” to me. When I heard about his passing, a part of me knew the horror film industry just lost its best warrior. That moment is what really pushed me into the direction of making horror movies. I’ve studied all of his films and watched all his interviews and just learned from watching him.”
When you direct a film, do you feel more inclined as being a more strict and forthcoming director, who takes his job seriously, or as a fun and more laidback director, with experience, or a balance of both? Maybe one more than the other, if applicable? What’s your style of directing?
“My style of directing is a mixture of “Stanley Kubrick”, but more fun and laidback. I’ll have you redo a scene 200 times until we get it right, but I’ll make you have fun while doing it. I don’t want my crew burning themselves to get that perfect shot, and I want them to enjoy it at the same time. I want you to give it your 100%, but remember to have fun with it at the same time. I’m only serious when it comes to film death scenes in my movies because I have a certain way I need this to look and feel. But other than that, I’m an open-minded Director. If my cast or crew suggests a change in my script, I’ll listen. Depending on if it works, I’ll use it, because a director is nothing without his cast and crew.”
Has Covid and the pandemic put any of your projects, film, and life, on hold? Or, has the pandemic been a more positive experience for you? Or a negative one?
“Covid had put a stop on my projects. I have one that’s still in the editing phase due to Covid, and a lot of people don’t wanna work with people who are vaccinated. I’m not the type of person to say no to someone who wants to work with me because they aren’t vaccinated. As long as they follow safety guidelines onset, then we can work. I don’t mind that, but not everyone is gonna be that open to it. I know some productions won’t even call you in for an audition if you aren’t or willing to get vaccinated. That’s not fair for those people who don’t feel safe to get it.”
If you could pick two words, described in detail, to define your emotions and perspective of film, what are those two words, and what inspired them? Were these words instantly deducted, or did it take your time to personify?
“The two words? That’s a tough one, I would have to say “prodigy” and “genius” are probably the best two words for me. I picked those words cause in a way I am a prodigy the craft, for horror runs through my veins. When other kids were scared of the dark, I befriended it. I would sit in the dark in the middle of my living room watching a scary movie all by myself, and thanks to that love for it at such a young age, by the time I hit eleven years of age, I was writing my own short horror scripts, and making movies with my brother in law Brian. Anything horror-related, I was all for it, and that helped me become the creative horror director/writer I am now. As for the “Genius”, it may seem bold of me to say that about me but it’s true when it comes to the genre of horror because as a whole, I am a genius. I understand it as a whole, and most people only know the surface of horror, such as saying, “Oh, people just want a good scare.”. That may be true, however, it’s not all about the jumps and the scare. It’s about the story of horror you are telling. If the story isn’t scary, then jump scares won’t be scary. From the scripts which I’ve written over the years to my most recent work on You season 3, I was able to use all my knowledge and give the best storytelling in horror. And why is that? Cause I’m the genius of horror!”
If you could have any three actors, producers, co-writers, etc. on your next film, and your film would be submitted to top film festivals and competitions, which three members of your production would you pick which you believe would help you the most in winning such competitions?
“If I could have 3 actors it would be Robert Downey Jr, Jensen Ackles, and Ryan Reynolds in a slasher/ supernatural thriller co-written with Stephen King. That film would win every award and then more at that festival. You have 3 top-tier actors who can act like there’s no tomorrow on the big screen in a horror film co-written by the king of horror himself! People would line up out the door to watch that, and it would probably win an OSCAR too.”
Where can we find your most recent work, and why should we? What makes Jovan Taylor’s films and productions iconic and meriting the viewing of?
“You can see my recent work on Netflix. I helped write for You, Cobra Kai, and Stranger Things. As for my own personal work, you can watch my short film “Falling Hearts” on my Instagram, @Therealprinceofhorror, with music from Jensen Ackles himself such as Sounds of Someday and Drowning.“
Anything you would like to add here?
“If you wanna start making horror movies or just movies in general, then make your own universe with your own rules, so nobody can tell what to add or change. They always try to change your vision when it doesn’t fit what they’re used to, so remember that this is your design, and don’t let anyone take that from you.”
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