Feb 27 2009
Horror film to be shot in Madison
Dog Ear Books bookstore in downtown Madison will transform into “Uncle Meets Java Hole,” a coffee house and record store this Thursday, just long enough for the cast and crew of “H2: Halloween 2” to film an intimate scene for Rob Zombie’s remake of the classic horror film series next Monday. Location Manager Mike Neale, who has been scouting Madison since he left Los Angeles in December, wouldn’t offer too many details about the film, only that it would be a “re-imagining of John Carpenter’s Halloween sequel.”
Neale also requested permission to shoot footage of the Morgan County Courthouse at last week’s county commissioners’ meeting, but he would only confirm the bookstore location by phone on Tuesday.
Bookstore owner Jon Tonge is excited about the opportunity to host a horror film in his bookstore, but he’s a little worried about the logistics. “I’m not sure how they’re going to move all these books and make this place look like a record store, but I’m glad they’re filming here. I hope it will be a boon for the local economy,” said Tonge.
Tonge said the movie writer and director Rob Zombie (also founder of the rock band White Zombie) has already visited the store on multiple occasions. When Tonge was a teenager, Zombie appeared on “every other cover of my guitar magazines,” so he was happy to meet the rock star in person.
“He’s a nice, quiet, down-to-earth guy,” said Tonge. “Every time he comes in, he buys something.”
Zombie has purchased a Lynyrd Skynyrd and an Allman Brothers album on vinyl since he’s been in town, although his career focus has shifted from music to film in recent years. His “Halloween” was released in August 2007. It opened at number one at the box office and grossed over $78 million. Zombie’s other films include “House of 1000 Corpses” and “The Devil’s Rejects.”
“H2” will star Malcolm McDowell, a British actor best known for his work in “A Clockwork Orange.” He first appeared as Dr. Sam Loomis in Zombie’s first “Halloween.” Howard Hesseman, remembered for his role of “Dr. Johnny Fever” on the television sitcom “WKRP in Cincinnati” is also rumored to play a part in the flick. Canadian actor Tyler Mane will play the iconic Michael Myers, and “scream queen” Scout Taylor-Compton will star as heroine Laurie Strode.
“I think this is supposed to be where the heroine works,” said Tonge about his bookstore-cum-record/coffee shop. “I think they’re supposed to run out the back, but I don’t have a back door, so I’m not sure how that will work.” he continued.
That mystery will be revealed when “H2” hits the big screen next Labor Day.
Neale said filming will take place over six days in various locations in Covington, Decatur, Atlanta, and Madison. Unfortunately for any Madisonians who’ve dreamed of playing alongside Michael Myers, Neale said the casting crew does not plan to hire extras locally.
