I managed to have a quick chat with Director Jeff Burton lately, to coincide with the release of his new film 'Invitation'. The film is out now in the UK and US so check it out.

How did you first get interested in film?
I did my first film so I could score it. Nobody was giving me work, so I made some.

Are you a big fan of the horror genre?
Love it! Especially late 70's and early 80's stuff.

Did you do any formal training?
None, I went out and did it. Trial and error.

How get you get started in the field?
I wanted to make music for films and decided after makiing my first movie THE NIGHT DIVIDES THE DAY, I was pretty good. So I went out and got some better equipment and made TERROR AT BAXTER 'U'.

Jeff: "It was still an awsome time".

Invitation has just been released here in the UK, where did the initial idea for the film come from?
I had an idea for a short called "FOR RENT" about a caretaker who brings in tenants to an old house for ghost children to "PLAY" with. With the help of SIMON SYKES it snowballed from there.

How long was the complete process from script to screen?
As much as a year, as little as 6 months.

How was the project financed?
Out of our pockets.

How did you find your cast and why did you select them?
For INVITATION we used college actors from MICHIGAN STATE and a few local actors, also.

Where did you film?
Gaylord, Michigan & East Lansing, Michigan

Jeff: "I think for the budget it kicks ass".

How long was the shoot?
15 days.

Can you highlight some of the problems that you ran into during principal photography?
Good looking 20-somethings "hooking up". Drinking, partying, not enough money, not enough time. It was still an awsome time.

How long was the film in post?
3 months, then a massive computer crash, then 2 months.

How has the film been received since it's release?
Great. Can't complain. I think for the budget it kicks ass.

Please tell us a little about your current projects?
DEAD END ROAD(www.deadendroadmovie.com) six figure budget, big stars, suspense thriller about a serial killer who uses EDGAR ALLEN POE writings as his motivation for killing.

What can we look forward to in the near future?
Promotion on INVITATION and DEAD END ROAD then we start our new project in the fall. I can't tell you much about it yet, but it will be the scariest one yet.

"Thank you ever so much for taking part in this interview Jeff.
And we wish you the very best of luck in the future."