Escape The Field director Emerson Moore talks his new horror thriller must-see, filming during pandemic and more (Exclusive)
The wait is finally over - Escape The Field is out and ready to be both screened and viewed at select theaters. With everyone crammed up at Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness screenings across the nation, give yourself a break from your typical superhero craziness and invite a little horror into your life with filmmaker Emerson Moore’s newest flick now available to watch.
In celebration of today’s massive rollout, the Hollywood director spoke to Attack The Culture to dish on everything from the motivation behind putting together a wild new thriller packed with mazes, puzzles and - you guessed it - corn plus his personal favorite genre of movies, filming during the pandemic and if there’s possible sequel - or prequel - thoughts in his head.
Check out a few of Emerson’s notable comments during the chop up session and keep scrolling to watch the nearly 10-minute convo - and don’t forget to check for Escape The Field streaming on-demand and in limited theaters across the nation.
Let’s just talk about the excitement overall. Of course you’re doing multiple media days, there’s a scrambling of trying to get people to talk to you, how exciting is this entire process for you right now?
Emerson: It’s great. I’m really excited. Lionsgate is doing an amazing job. I’m super happy and I feel like it’s a great home for the film. It was my first choice. Yeah. I’m feeling good.
Let’s talk about that for a brief moment. Lionsgate is known for being a powerhouse of amazing blockbusters - why does it feel like a perfect fit for you?
Emerson: They have a long history of films that are in this genre, that are in this lane, and they’re a director’s destination. They’ve treated me so well and super engaging and really trying to steer the film in the exact direction that I’m going and they’re a great partner. They’re a great partner to be with for sure. Come on, Cabin Fever on down the line, Saw.
How did this non-stop adventure of Escape The Field come together?
Emerson: We’ve been talking about it for years and it just all, it all congealed - we took it to Cannes, met with some partners, and then the pandemic happened and I thought, ‘Uh oh. This isn’t happening.’ And then the next thing I know I’m in the middle of a corn field in September 2020, in the heat of the pandemic. So, there were challenges that were presented but that’s the short version of how it happened.
Blessed to be able to work during that time and get this film done. That’s the backstory.
As a filmmaker but more on a personal note, what’s your favorite genre of movie? Nowadays you have the Marvel Universe, the superheroes and the dramas, but just you, I guess as both a filmmaker and maybe even in your personal life, what do you find yourself latching onto for viewing. Just for personal?
Emerson: Gosh, you know there are a lot of films that kind of shape what I gravitate towards. But I’m a huge horror thriller fan. I’ll get drawn into Haunting of Hill House in three seconds, that’s easy. Or gosh, more current films would be - and I know it’s 20 years now - but The Ring I remember and it’s so elevated. … You still look at The Conjuring and that movie is terrifying and no one dies. That’s fantastic. That’s the stuff I lean towards. Anything with great characters and a strong story and you’ll get it.
As a filmmaker, you want to get this out to everybody and have them see it however they see it but personally, do you see Escape The Field as a better experience on the big screen or at home with family and friends? How do you envision it?
Emerson: It plays really well on the big screen. I’ve seen it a few times on the big screen and you engage much quicker. At home, it plays great there as well. I encourage everybody to see it. Go try each.
One more thing for you Emerson! I do get answers but this is the type of film that could go either or. I could see a sequel or I could even see a prequel. Maybe you haven’t even thought that far in advance. Was that intentional or are you waiting to see the results? Do you have maybe what’s next in this if it hits ‘Squid Game’ level possibly?
Emerson: Yeah, I know where it’s going. I’ll leave it at that.
Catch the entire Emerson Moore conversation with his signature personality, quirky remarks and everything in-between below!
