Nick Palumbo Interview
Interviewed on the 21st of June, 2009
 
Where did you get all your inspiration from to write the script for
MURDER SET PIECES?

My inspiration for “Murder-Set-Pieces” came from years of studying and
writing about true life crimes and of course my passion for the genre. I
also make the kinds of films I would pay to see.



I found that MURDER SET PIECES does kind of resembled the
Hollywood version of AMERICAN PSYCHO meets HOSTEL but a far
more gorier, violent and sadistic. When writing the script did you
base your story or any of its dialogue towards AMERICAN PSYCHO or
HOSTEL?

No. My film was made before “Hostel” or “Hostel 2” or “Saw”. Those
films are completely different from mine. I did enjoy the novel (not the
movie) “American Psycho” by Bret Easton Ellis, but it was not an
influence on me at all.
Some of the death scenes were pretty fucking intense and vile, where woman are raped, bashed, beheaded and even
tortured to the point it made me cringe. Was the death scenes intended to be so violent?

Yes, my idea was to show murder in the way it is in reality. Repugnant and disgusting. I did not want to glamorize my murderer
by making him a “horror action figure” that you look up to, like Freddy or Jason or Michael Myers. Those are more fantasy
horror films, and I designed a film that mirrors the nightly news. For some people reality is very hard to deal with. I did great
research from interviewing real life murderers in prison to going to real life crime scenes. It was something I felt I did to do to
learn, but I would never do it again.
How did you go by getting the funds to shoot MURDER SET PIECES?

I raised the funds (2.2 million dollars) the old fashioned way of knocking
on doors of wealthy people and asking if they would like to be a part of
this project. “M-S-P” is the most expensive completely independent
American horror film ever made. All of the investors were very happy
with the final result.


What were your investors thoughts after reading the script to
MURDER SET PIECES?

They loved it.
Since reviewing MURDER SET PIECES, over the years I've had so many people who have emailed me asking how can I enjoy
watching a movie, that is vile, degrading to women and brutality towards children. I can just imagine what feedback you
get from people. Can you tell us what is the worst email, letter or phone call you have ever got?

Oh, this answer could go on forever.  I’ve had death threats aplenty. Calls, e-mails, faxes, mail. It goes on and on. I’ve had to
get the police involved on 4 separate occasions. Certain people in the industry have shunned me. We were thrown out of films
labs. Even horror film festivals would not show the film if you can believe that. “Murder-Set-Pieces” as of 2009 is banned from
the U.K, Norway and Ireland. It is a felony to own the film in those countries. It’s basically banned in America as well, because
of the Lionsgate Films debacle. I’m a big believer in freedom of speech and the fact that people cannot separate the artist from
his art is mind boggling. Ignorance and hypocrisy are abundant in the film industry. Just so you know the children who worked on
my film had a blast and so did their parents. In fact, at several different screenings of the film the parents would come up and
hug me and say “thank you”.
Clearly MURDER SET PIECES isn’t really viewable for anyone under the
age of 18, even some adults have a hard time viewing this film. But I’
d like to know, how did you manage to talk Jade Risser parents into
allowing their daughter who was around twelve-ish to be cast in
such a violent film. They must have been a little frightened after
reading the script?

.I’m an actor’s director. I like kids. I’ve always enjoyed horror films
with kids. I discovered Jade Risser in 2002 when I had a 5 state casting
call for children in New York City. I was auditioning children for my
short film “Sinister”, which had a nice budget, 35mm, etc. Jade got the
role and was great. I am very good working with children and they can
sense my sincerity and my warmth and they like me and trust me. The
parents see how you interact with their kids and they trust you. It’s all
about trust. I’ve always had a good rapport with actors of all ages. Jade
was never around any nudity or rape. The magic is in the editing. Her
parents were great and they understood my vision and agreed in the end
it made for some very visceral and suspenseful cinema.
When working with children in these types of films, sometimes can really psychologically mess a child up. One scene that
really sent chills up my spine was when actor Sven Garrett (killer) was cutting actress Jade Risser’s face with a razor
blade. What do you do to prepare a child for a scene or any other mentally scaring scene like that?

Every scene for any actor is explained in detail. Especially an F/X shot or it cannot be pulled off correctly. When you are doing a
shot like that its very intricate and precise. You go through it so many times. Believe it or not, children always have great fun
with special effect scenes. Jade was laughing hysterically between takes. I understand the audience member viewing the movie
would never believe that. The magic of film, my friend.
Did any of the parents, family or loved ones of the cast manage to
watch MURDER SET PIECES and if so what were their thoughts on
your final outcome?

Like I stated earlier, they loved it.


Children dying in movies has pretty much a big no, no to audiences.
What made you want to add a child murder scene in MURDER SET
PIECES?

Parents don’t look after their children anymore. It’s very sad. The child
murder scene I showed in “M-S-P” is something that I saw in real life,
minus the murder. Child rape and murder is so rampant in the world
today (especially in the U.S) and I felt that it had never been explored
the way that it really is. I wanted to show the truth. I wanted
audiences to feel the pain. Some people kill people they have never
met before. It’s difficult to get inside a sociopath or psychopaths brain.
When a child is murdered in cold blood it is the ultimate sin. I
purposely left the soundtrack out of that scene. It’s powerful enough as
it is. It did not need any enhancement. The actors pulled it off so
realistic that the scene haunts you long after viewing it. Child killers in
today’s films like “Freddy Krueger” – characters like that have become
heroes for today’s teenage audiences. These kids look up to a
pedophile. Well, in real life pedophiles are not funny. These people
exist in real life, and if you don’t take care of your kids, they may one
day run into their own version of “The Photographer”.


With a previous movie you written and directed, title NUTBAG which is also roughly about a Neo-Nazi killing whores.
Where MURDER SET PIECES is a little similar to your previous film. Do you have any fantasies when dealing with death,
whores and Nazi’s?

There was no Nazi theme in my first feature “Nutbag”. That’s simply not true. “Murder-Set-Pieces” was originally going to have
an American play the role. The day I met and hired the German actor Sven Garrret, is the day I decided to change my script and
make him a descendant of a Nazi SS officer. Yes, I have made two films about serial killers, but each film tells its own unique
story. People make a huge deal of the Nazi imagery in “M-S-P”. It’s utterly ridiculous. “The Photographer” was not killing
Jewish people or Jewish women. Even if he was you must understand that it’s the character in the film and that film is not real.
We try to make certain films real as possible but in the end it’s really just fantasy.  People that are offended try to find
something to latch onto. Maybe what they’re really upset about is the fact that the film excited them sexually and they feel
dirty about it. World War 2 happened, and it’s a part of history. If I make characters based on that history, that doesn’t make
me or the actor a racist. The anti-Semitic rants about me are pure nonsense.


Has your movie been rejected by showing at any film festivals due to the content and nature of your film?

Yes and Yes. Only in the great hypocritical continent on our planet, North America.


Some of the death scenes were pretty intense and realistic looking. How would you describe TOE TAG PICTURES special
effects?

The people who work at Toe Tag are very talented at what they do. That is why I hired them in the first place.
When screening MURDER SET PIECES, what kind of reactions did you
get from your audience?

Both wonderful and horrible. At our very first 35mm screening at Warner
Bros Studios, when the little girl is killed, about 250 audience members
walked out. It looked like Moses parting the Red Sea. I knew then that I
was in trouble. In the past six years, I have had celebrities (horror and
non horror people) tell me in private how much they admire the film
and myself for making it. At this time, however, these people will not
state that in public and I will not call them out on it now…but it makes
me sad when I think about it. At least my late friend, the great
filmmaker Roger Watkins (“The Last House on Dead End Street”) told me
numerous times how he thought the film was “a great piece of art”.
That meant more to me than any film critic or so-called “horror genre
publication”.
Have any feminist groups or women who have watched your movie
ever threaten you for creating a film that portrays women in a
violent manner?

Never. In fact, most women that have seen the film that contact me
tell me they find it frightening and fascinating all at once. The true
crime buffs love my film. I know Bill Lustig went through that with
“Maniac”, but I did not.


Most filmmakers after they have shot there film they sometimes
wish they did this or that. When looking back at MURDER SET
PIECES, is their anything you would like to change or are you happy
with the way it is?

I would not change one thing, except the distribution people we hired. I’m very proud of the film. I have to tell you of all the
versions, I recently viewed the 35mm theatrical print at Tarantino’s theatre in Hollywood. The theatrical version is my favorite.
(105 minutes) There is much more character development and dialouge and Vegas is a much bigger part of the film. I wish I had
been able to edit the Lionsgate Films DVD release, because I would have made it a much better film. "M-S-P" works without the
rape and gore, but Lionsgate did not have access to all the footage. Their editors edited with what they had, and they just kept
chopping and chopping until the film did not make sense anymore. I would have made the “R” cut a much more character driven
story. Lionsgate Films also edited the film on a compressed Avid, and the picture quality and sound quality on that version
suffered greatly because of that. Hopefully one day it will be released everywhere the way that it was meant to be seen. I
changed some things for the director’s cut, which is a faster film. But it’s not my favorite.


MURDER SET PIECES was made in 2003-2004, since then what has Nick Palumbo been up to?

I’ve been working on multiple scripts and just enjoying life in general.


I heard word that you are working on a new movie. What is your new film roughly going to be about?

“Corpse” is my new horror film. My best friend and film partner Stephan Miller was producing this film with me but he was
tragically killed last year. It’s taken me awhile to get over this huge loss and move on. The film has now been green lit and I am
dedicating the film to my late buddy Stephan. “Corpse” will be shot on 35mm film and it’s different than anything I have ever
done before. I hope you and horror fans around the world will enjoy it. You can view the new website at: http://corpsefilm.
com.


Will Toe Tag Pictures been doing the special effects in this film?

No. I will have an all new F/X team.


After watching Jade’s performance in MURDER SET PIECES I was blown away by her acting skills for such a young age. As
Jade kind of reminded me of the little girl Heather O'Rourke from Poltergeist. I strongly believe that Jade has a lot of
potential in becoming a very talented actress in the near future. Would you consider in casting Jade Risser in your new
film?

Jade Risser has given up acting. I enjoyed working with her on two films, and I wish her the best with whatever she decides to
do with her life.


Will you have any special guest appearing in your new film, if so who do you have in mind?

No. I will not. I actually will never do that again.


Most people after watching your films would probably think you’re a warped guy in creating up such sick twisted films.
From your movies to your day to day life, what is Nick Palumbo like in person?

People always think about people who make violent art. I’m a very easy going, laid back guy. This question would probably be
best answered by some of my friends, but I feel I’m a guy who enjoys life and meeting new people. Some of my hobbies include
art, photography, history, traveling, muscle cars, books, and astronomy.


What are your top 5 movies of all time?

1. “The Night of the Hunter” – Charles Laughton – 1955
2. “Aguirre: The Wrath of God” – Werner Herzog – 1972
3. “Forbidden Games” – Rene Clement -- 1952
4. “The Reflecting Skin” - Philip Ridley – 1990
5. “Dance of the Vampires” – Roman Polanski –1967


If you could say one thing to inspire other filmmakers that are reading this interview, what would it be?

Above all and most important, I would say you must believe in yourself. Don’t write something you feel will make money,
because it will not ring true. Write something that you believe in, understand, and want to share this unique vision with the
world. Also, try to make time for the people in this world that really love and care about you. When you’re left there standing
naked and alone, your family and friends make you feel alive. Never take them for granted. Make them feel very important,
because they are.

Also.....I would like to thank zer0hal0 and DVD Resurrections for the opportunity for this interview! Thank you, my friend!!

My best,

Nick


Cheers for taking the time to do a interview with us Nick, you’re a talent filmmaker mate and you have my our full support at
DVD Resurrections. Keep the blood flowing brother, we are loving every second of it.
Would you consider on using TOE TAG PICTURES in any of your future films?

No. As I said earlier, these guys are talented, and we had a period when our paths crossed. Sometimes in life things happen, and
people grow apart. No hard feelings and I wish them all the best. I like to explore new talents and new working relationships.


Did you have any problems getting distributors to look at your film?

The distribution hell of “Murder-Set-Pieces” has been talked about and dissected so many times and so many places that its
reached a level of infamy. Their will be a documentary made about the making of “M-S-P”, and I believe that it will shock a lot
of people, including industry people. The good news: “M-S-P” was distributed in North America and South America by Lionsgate
Films (the R rated cut) and in Europe and Asia by Universal Pictures (the directors cut) and Paramount Pictures (the theatrical
cut). Not bad for a film made outside the Hollywood system.


Did LIONS GATE make any comments to you about the uncut edition, if so what did they say?

They did not want any part of it, and have stated that they will NEVER release the Uncut version. I was not a part of those
negotiations and I never would have signed that deal. By that point, I had already been bought out and was not involved with
the project anymore as far as distribution was concerned. It was a very sad day for me. I thought the era of the “Video Nasty”
was over.


Just recently MURDER SET PIECES has been re-released onto DVD and this time it’s totally uncut but only in Germany. What
little goodies can viewers expect from the original directors cut to this new special edition DVD?

Actually their are now several different countries in Europe that have released “M-S-P” uncut. Unfortunately, they do not have
access to all the extra stuff and have not approached me about a deal. I have tons of footage (including F/X scenes, outtakes,
etc…and lots of other interviews that were taken on the set that no one has ever seen. Toe Tag did some effects work that I
took out of the film that even they have not seen) Maybe on the 10th year anniversary we’ll get all that stuff out. I don’t want
to show it until some distribution company has the balls and smarts to release the Theatrical version to American home
audiences.
A lot of people seam to think that NUTBAG is a sequel to MURDER SET PIECES. Is this true or not?

No, of course not. The films are two different animals.


Why are all the movies you have directed and written, always based upon the same type of storyline which it relates to a
serial killer hunting down prostitutes?

There not. I have written many scripts, it’s just that those are the two I was able to get financed. I love film, all types of film. I
am a definite cinephile. Growing up as a lonely child and very sickly, I quickly found film my escape. My father was a cinephile
as well, and since we lived in a big city (Washington D.C) he would take me to revival house movie theaters in the 1970’s. As
we all know, that was probably the greatest single decade for new films coming out, but my dad would also take me to see
Polanski, Kubrick, Malle, Antonioni, Bergman…etc…He also introduced me to German Expressionism, Spaghetti Westerns,
Hammer films, and cult films like “Two Lane Blacktop”, Straw Dogs,” Forbidden Games”, etc.. I have to also mention my
favorite, “The Night of the Hunter”. Of course, I was fortunate to be able to experience exploitation like Hooper, Fulci, Lustig,
and the rest on the big screen even as those classics were released. It was a great time to be alive, brother!


I read on another interview that when shooting MURDER SET PIECES you had the police bust down the doors and come
running in with their guns blazing. As the neighbors were concerned that the screams coming from the house you were
shooting in. Can you please explain what actually happened after that night?

The police were called many times during the shooting of the film. We all had guns pointing at us at one point or another.
Fortunately, I had a good friend who was a homicide police detective and he would bail us out again and again. The scene in
question, however, was during the infamous “chainsaw to the head” scene. The cops broke into the house and pinned us all
down, all the while telling the girl the ambulance was on its way! Strange but true.


Did you have any legal issues at the time when making MURDER SET PIECES, if so can you please fill us in?

No.


Did you ever expect that there would so much controversy over MURDER SET PIECES and in so many countries, as it cause
quite the stir in Europe and manage to be banned in the UK and Norway?

Never. I thought the “Video Nasty” era had ended years before. When I found out that my film had a vote taken on it in the
House of Parliament in England, I was floored. We may be the only narrative 35mm feature film in history to be banned by all 3
big film labs, Technicolor, DuArt, and Deluxe and banned in multiple countries in Europe. Its maddening and frustrating at the
same time. We made “Variety” and “The Hollywood Reporter” years apart. Amazing for a low budget 2 million dollar indie film
that did not have 2,000 prints made.