Writer/director/producer and Maryland native Kevin Kangas knows the difference between sociopaths and psychopaths, and how to craft creepy.
He also knows the best horror films play on our deepest fears, and his latest, “Fear of Clowns 2,” is no exception.
“FC2” premieres in Baltimore on Thursday at the historic Senator Theatre, more than a year after Lionsgate Films released its predecessor, “Fear of Clowns.”
The film takes place when ax-wielding Shivers the Clown, played by Mark Lassise, escapes from an asylum to continue his bloody hunt for artist Lynn Blodgett, played by Jacky Reres.
Doomed hero Detective Peters, the man who captured the killer in the original film, returns for the sequel.
“His last will and testament is to kill Shivers, to do itfor Lynn so she can live the rest of her life happy,” said Frank Lama about his character, Peters.
New to the massacres are Shivers? homicidal clown buddies, including 6-foot-8 Clarence McNatt, a former Detroit Lion and professional wrestler.
Shivers slaughters to a score by Chad Seiter, the lead orchestrator on ABC?s hit show “Lost” who worked on Pixar?s children?s flick “Ratatouille.”
Unlike slasher films? disposable characters, “FC2?s” players are not just “meat for the grinder,” Kangas said. ” ?Fear of Clowns 2? is much more of a suspense tale than purely an excuse to hack somebody up.”
Gore is an integral aspect of any horror film, so “FC2” has its share, Kangas said. “It makes the 14-year-old in me happy.”
“FC2” outpaces other horror films? chop shops with action and well-developed characters, Kangas said.
While on set, there was one real scare: A stunt involving fire caused a minor explosion, but no one was hurt, Lama said. Footage of the accident is on YouTube.com.
Kangas says he is proud of what he accomplished in the first “Fear of Clowns” but says the film failed by not including his protagonist?s backstory, left on the cutting room floor due to a lack of time.
Kangas promises “FC2” reveals Blodgett?s past.
Kangas and the crew shot “FC2” over 19 days in May and June 2006, primarily on the Eastern Shore in Easton.
“We have a film industry that?s percolating here,” said Lama, who co-produced “FC2” in addition to playing Detective Peters. “Maryland has varied looks. So many [directors and producers] are astonished by how great Maryland locations and crews are.”
IF YOU GO
“Fear of Clowns 2” premiere
» Venue: The Senator Theatre, 5904 York Road, Baltimore
» Time: Red carpet reception at 7:30 p.m., show at 8 p.m. Thursday
» Tickets: $20, free popcorn and soda
» 410-761-8224
