Writer/director Damien Leone’s horror trilogy “Terrifier” has defied the typical trend of increasing budgets with each subsequent film, with Leone believing that a lower budget enhances the series’ success. However, with “Terrifier 3,” Leone was given a higher budget due to the success of the first two films, allowing him to have more resources for the production. Set during Christmas instead of Halloween, the third installment brings back characters from the previous films to face off against Art the Clown’s demonic holiday terror.
With the increased budget, Leone faced new challenges during the filming of “Terrifier 3,” including working with a larger crew and more departments. The pressure of dealing with more people and the necessity to adhere to a strict schedule made this the most stressful and intense film Leone had worked on. He had less control over the production process and had to make quick decisions as the clock was ticking and money was being spent.
Despite the challenges, having a larger team allowed Leone to focus more on the filmmaking and performances rather than dealing with every detail himself. Additionally, Leone already has plans for “Terrifier 4” and knows how he wants the franchise to conclude, providing him with a safety net as he navigates the series. However, he acknowledges that changes are often necessary from script to screen and had to make tough decisions to keep the runtime of “Terrifier 3” under two hours.
Leone faced difficulties in editing the film to meet the desired runtime, having to cut out scenes he loved in order to streamline the story. While some character moments were sacrificed, Leone hopes to release an extended version at some point in the future. Despite these challenges, “Terrifier 3” premiered at Fantastic Fest and is set for release in theaters on October 11 by Cineverse. The film continues the terrifying story of Art the Clown and his reign of terror over the holidays, promising to deliver thrills and chills for horror fans.
Overall, even with a higher budget, “Terrifier 3” presents new challenges for writer/director Damien Leone as he navigates the demands of a larger crew and production scale. Facing a tighter schedule and the pressure to deliver a satisfying conclusion to the franchise, Leone must make difficult decisions in editing the film while staying true to his vision. As the film prepares for release, horror fans can expect another intense and terrifying installment in the “Terrifier” series that promises to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
