Dead Boy Productions

 

06/11/07
Hell Cesar

Dead Boy Productions with writer and illustrator Gris Grimly

 

Tell the readers what you do?

I do many things. But mainly, I am a storyteller. I write and illustrate books, I'm a painter, and I dabble in animation and filmmaking.

When did it all begin?

It started about seven years ago, really, with my first book job. I was hired to illustrate a children's book called "Monster Museum". Even though, at the time, I was looking to work in comics, mainly horror comics. But this job came up and paid well for an independent barista slaving over steaming lattes. Ever since then, I've managed to maintain the book career mostly as an illustrator for young adult books. But I think due to my influences from comics and horror movies, my style is much more dark and twisted then your average picture book. Because of that, they have attracted an audience of all ages.

Name some of the books you've illustrated?

Well, there are 11 titles total but, some of the titles are "Tales of Mystery and Madness" written by Edgar Allen Poe, my dark adaptation of the original "Pinocchio" and the Wicked Nursery Rhyme series which I both wrote and illustrated.

What inspires your art?

Many things inspire me. Horror in general. Good art and bad horror movies. Music, live concerts, theatre and the arts.

Who and what are some of your influences?

My influences today are different then what they were when I started. I'm currently really influenced by some of the early periodical cartoonists like Winsor McCay, George Herriman, Lyonel Feininger and Sydney Smith. I've also really been fascinated by Aubrey Beardsley. But I think some of my earlier influences are stuck in me since I was young and they always tend to ooze out.

You do a lot of conventions like Fangoria, Comic Con, take us through a weekend at the conventions?

Well, there is the highly stressful set up. Then each day is exhausting, exhilarating and exasperating at the same time. Night comes and we all get trashed. Then each day gets more and more exhausting and less exhilarating until the last day when it's just completely painstaking to close up and load out.

How does music play a part in your work?

Music plays a big part in my work. The musicians as artist are inspiring to me. I'm never without music while I work

Did you go to a lot of shows growing up?

Not really.

Tell us about your film Cannibal Flesh Riot?

"Cannibal Flesh Riot!" is a quirky, campy and witty short film that everyone should check out. (www.cannibalfleshriot.com)

How did you meet Pete1?

I met Pete through a friend of mine who was dating him. We met at a business dinner. But during the dinner we drank a lot and bonded over comics and horror movies. Afterwards, we went out and got more drunk and stuck Mad Creator stickers everywhere.

How did Pete1's band, Hola Ghost, get involved with your film?

Peter came to me with an idea to release a 7" of horror music with a short horror comic. He would of course write and record the music and I would write and illustrate the comic. Peter recalls us talking about it over beers at a bar. True, we often end up in bars when he comes to see me, but I don't remember if that is where we conceived of the idea. I just remember him approaching me with the idea and I thought it was brilliant. About five pages in or so, I decided to make a movie out of it. I asked him if he would do the score. He agreed and the rest is history. Now that the film is done, we are revisiting the score/comic to be released this summer. We both think it is peculiar how we had to go through this long expensive project just to go back and do the smaller project that the film is based on.

How was the tour with Hola Ghost?

That was exciting and exhausting. I don't know how bands do it. Not being musically talented in any way, it was great to experience touring on a minor scale. I also think that it was a new fresh idea to underground society reflecting on drive-in's or grind-houses. We would bring a projector and white sheet on tour with Hola Ghost. We would set up and show the film in some seedy rock bar and Hola Ghost as well as the other bands would perform before or after. The concept had sparks to it. I just wish we all had more time and money to devote to a longer more extensive tour.

When is the next tour?

Peter is planning to be back this summer. We've talked about hitting a few places like San Diego and maybe Arizona, Utah and Northern California.

Favorite horror flick?

Tough one. I like different ones for different reasons. But I would have to say "The Bride of Frankenstein".

What kind of fans do you get being an artist?

Strange ones.

What is to come from Mad Creator in 2007?

2007 should bring the release of the "Cannibal Flesh Riot!" DVD as well as the score on both CD and 7". I will also be releasing my adaptation of "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow". Hopefully some other surprises as well.

The ultimate goal for Mad Creator?

To create and produce great independent films is one that is on my mind. I think, just to become a trusted name of quality unique media for all ages, be it books, film or merchandise.

Thanks a lot Gris, any last words?

Not really.