Plainly put, The Flood is some of the most fun you’ll have watching a movie in 2023.
The balls-to-the-walls movie puts an action-packed spin on “man vs. nature,” locking a group of inmates, including stars Casper Van Dien (Starship Troopers) and Louis Mandylor (My Big Fat Greek Wedding), in prison with a horde of human-eating alligators.
While most directors would shy away from such a hostile environment, Brandon Slagle knew exactly what he was getting into, as his days as a heavy metal frontman prepared him for any situation.
Slagle Knows How to Work a Crowd
The Illuminerdi got to sit down with director Brandon Slagle ahead of The Flood’s worldwide release, talking about everything from his latest alligator-infested project to the greatest ’80s movies of all time.
During that time, Slagle shed some light on how his days in the heavy metal scene prepared him for a career behind the camera. According to the director, leading a project like The Flood boils down to having a sense of rhythm and addressing a crowd, although both are easier said than done.
“On this movie, and the other one I did in Thailand, there’s like 150 crew members, and you have all these actors and everything, and you can’t let them get the best of you. Some directors have more of a timid, reserved personality, but you kind of have to be a drill sergeant. Having been the frontman of a nu metal band 20 years ago, and having played in front of thousands of people, it’s kind of second nature to just, you know, have no fear, and take on 200 people and tell them what to do.”
– Bradon Slagle – The Flood
Slalge’s success in the movie industry proves he has what it takes to sit in the director’s chair, offering any aspiring filmmakers some wise words of wisdom.
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Despite entering the entertainment through his nu metal band, he ultimately pivoted into moviemaking, which he now comfortably does with his two good friends, Casper Van Dien and Louis Mandylor. The Flood marks the third time Slagle has worked with the two actors, and he reassured fans that whenever he has the opportunity, he wouldn’t hesitate to continue bolstering his filmography with Van Dien and Mandylor by his side.
“Louis is someone I’ve known for a very very long time because we kind of come from the same circle of action-movie guys. Casper, I met once many years ago at the premiere of Danielle Harris’s movie, Among Friends, and I was just like, “Yeah, he’s just a normal guy.” He and his wife and my family and everyone have all become friends, so he’s inner circle now. So anytime I’d be able to cast him, absolutely.”
– Brandon Slagle – The Flood
Check out the trailer for The Flood below!
About The Flood
Release Date: July 14, 2023, in theaters, on-demand, and digitally
Director: Brandon Slagle
Producer: Daemon Hillin
Cast: Casper Van Dien, Nicky Whelan, and Louis Mandylor
Synopsis: After a massive hurricane floods Louisiana, it unleashes a threat even deadlier than the rising water level: a relentless horde of giant hungry alligators. When a group of in-transit prisoners and their security guards seek shelter in a local prison, they become prey for the flesh-eating attackers. To survive, the prisoners and guards must fight together, in this action-thriller packed with slithery scales and jaw-clenching suspense.
What do you think about The Flood? What are your thoughts on Brandon Slagle going from heavy-metal musician to movie director? Will you be checking the movie out once it releases? Let us know your thoughts on social media!
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