Exclusive: Writer Jason Scott Goldberg Discusses Shudder’s Gruesome Nazi-Horror Flick STAY OUT OF THE ATTIC
With a title like Stay Out of the Attic, one obviously imagines that nothing good will happen once that door is opened. In the case of Shudder’s new Nazi horror movie, it’s not only the attic viewers should be afraid of–it’s the attic, basement, and many other rooms to boot!
Synopsis:
A diverse group of ex-cons-turned-movers are convinced by their creepy client, Vern Muller (Michael Flynn, The Outpost), to pull an all-nighter for a generous pay bump. As the night progresses and rooms are cleared, they slowly uncover the horrors that exist inside his old Victorian mansion, including boobytraps, human experimentation, Nazi monsters, and more. Will they survive the night?
Stay Out of the Attic is written and directed by Jerren Lauder (Bug Bites); in addition to Flynn, the film stars Morgan Alexandria (Forever My Girl), Ryan Francis (Sisters), and Bryce Fernelius (Ruling of the Heart).
Related Article: Image Gallery: FX Wiz Vincent Guastini Discusses His Recent Projects
To learn more about how this outrageous film was made, we spoke to one of the writers, Jason Scott Goldberg (Metamorphosis, Flatwoods). Below Jason, breaks down everything from how the story came about, to what happened in the original ending.
Stay Out of the Attic is now streaming exclusively on Shudder.
Dread Central: You are one of the writers of Shudder’s Stay Out of the Attic. How did this story first come about?
Jason Scott Goldberg: I’m very much a character-based writer and I wanted to write a story about a moving company for some time. I’ve always loved home invasion flicks, like Don’t Breathe and The Strangers, but I wanted to tackle it from a new angle – contracted employees that can’t escape. Throw in a couple of monsters, human science experiments, an evil Nazi and that’s the equation for an exciting popcorn flick!
DC: Whenever you were writing Stay Out of the Attic, did you already know it was going to be on Shudder? I imagine you can get away with more on a platform like this.
JSG: I always wanted Stay Out of the Attic to be a Shudder Exclusive. Being a fan of their service and knowing the projects that they acquire certainly helped with writing the script. I knew the film needed a message, as well as water cooler moments – the extreme violence, incredible creatures and diverse cast would also garnish attention. This project was also Top Dead Center Film’s first feature, as a new company, and having worked with Gary and Julie for years in unscripted, I knew Shudder would be a great partnership. Now, I just need to fly to Utah and direct a feature under their banner!
DC: During the writing process, would you and the other writers all get in a room and just begin throwing ideas around. What did that process look like?
JSG: We met for a few drinks and discussed the project, but I set the foundation for the story. I was already planning on writing Attic, and developed the characters and situation, but invited Jerren into the mix. I tend to write alone because I am a sucker for deadlines, so I completed an outline/synopsis got a thumbs up and went to town on the script. I’d send over completed scenes and then he and his writing partner, Jesse would add their flare to it. I started the screenplay in March 2019 and completed in June. I was teasing the project to Top Dead Center for a few weeks and they bought it in July. There was a round of notes and then Julie added her magic to the script. That being said, I tend to write 4-5 features a year.
DC: There are some pretty gory scenes in the film, with eyes and tattoos being cut off. What goes into deciding how far you want certain elements to go? Is it about shock value or wanting to establish just how dangerous Michael Flynn’s character is?
JSG: As an avid horror movie fan, you always want to take it up a notch. From Hostel to Human Centipede, the goal is to get audiences talking and I know what it takes to get my butt in a theater seat (pre-Covid). We were lucky to have Vincent Guastini, as our practical FX guru. He’s one of the best in the business and understood that Nazi experimentation isn’t for the faint of heart. Vern’s mansion is a house of horrors and we wanted it to be as gooey as possible. There’s also no “nice way” to remove an eye or tattoo, so we went for it… and hit a bloody home run.
DC: Was there a particular scene in the film that was originally written a different way, then when filming began you had to change for one reason or another?
JSG: In the original ending, Carlos was actually dead. We had a post-credit scene where Schillinger crawls to his body and brings him back to life with the serum. In the film, Carlos wakes up in the library and that’s it. On a 12-day shoot, there’s only so much you can do in the allotted time. Fortunately, DP Brian Sowell did a fantastic job capturing every horrific frame.
DC: What is your favorite scene in the film? Why?
JSG: I always wanted to turn a bathroom into a gas chamber. I don’t know why. I’m just fucked up. Well, I pitched it. Everyone groaned, but it stuck. I just thought it would be interesting to create Holocaust-inspired traps. I’m sure my Hebrew school teachers are beaming with pride (not).
DC: In your opinion, what makes a good horror film?
JSG: Suspense and strong characters. Also, imagination. Let the audience do the work!
DC: Most of the projects that you work on are in the horror genre. Is this on purpose? If so, what is it about the genre that keeps bringing you back?
JSG: I love the genre. I moved from New Jersey to make horror movies. My first short, Metamorphosis was financed from a lawsuit, after being run over by a texting driver. Since then, I’ve written over a dozen features and try to hit every subgenre (survival, psychological, monster in the room) at different budgets. I’m just a sucker for story and putting characters in “interesting” situations. (Note: Interesting can be substituted with “hellacious.”)
DC: Whenever you are looking for inspiration while writing, is there a “go to” movie you watch?
JSG: The Descent is one of my favorite movies – the tone, location, psychological elements and creature FX are killer. It’s really a perfect horror film.
DC: What are you working on next?
JSG: I just finished writing a crazy buddy horror/comedy and have a dozen scripts being circulated. In addition, my Hit List feature, Flatwoods is scheduled for a summer shoot with Andy Palmer (Camp Cold Brook, Funhouse Massacre) at the helm. I’m also producing a crazy horror film written by Josh Hull – one of the best writers (and beer brewers) in the industry. I came across his script at the beginning of Covid and we just hit it off. We’re scheduled to film this May. I’m also working on an anthology project with one of my favorite horror vegans, Aaron Mento (Ugly Sweater Party). I just want to keep working with good folks!
Jason Scott Goldberg is rep’d by Citizen Skull and WPA.
Have you seen Stay Out of the Attic? What do you think of our exclusive interview with Jason Scott Goldberg? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram! You can also carry on the convo with me personally on Twitter @josh_millican.
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