Steve Niles is one of the world’s leading horror comic book authors following the success of 30 Days of Night, its sequel, Dark Days, Simon Dark and Criminal Macabre. He shared a few words with us ahead of the DVD release of the big screen adaptation of 30 Days of Night.
How come your screenplay differed so much from the initial instalment of 30 Days of Night?
Steve Niles: Well, partly because we were developing a feature movie from a three issue comic. There were a lot of blanks to fill in like populating the town and expanding the cast a bit. The other is because what’ve learned about making films is true; it’s all about compromise. The studio had notes I had to address and so did Sam Raimi and other producers. In the end you wind up trading one thing for another. I’m very happy with the way the film turned out. Director David Slade did a great job and got much more of the comic in then there would have been without him.
Are there any other planned on screen adaptations of your work?
SN: I’m always working on trying to get my character Cal McDonald on the big screen. We are currently trying to set something up under the comic title Criminal Macabre. I am also talking to studios about Wake the Dead, The Lurkers, Alistair Arcane, Freaks of the Heartland and even Simon Dark.
Is this just the start of an alternate version of screen adaptations of 30 Days of Night?
SN: I certainly hope so. In the end it boils down to money, so if 30 Days does well enough on DVD to add to the box office success I think we’ll be seeing more films. Personally I would love to see Dark Days and Return to Barrow done as parts two and three. It would be very interesting to see how those comics translate to the new 30 Days movie universe.
“What’ve learned about making films is true; it’s all about compromise.”
Have you thought about directing yourself?
SN: Definitely. It’s something I want to do, but I want to do it right. I have too much on my plate at the moment, so it might be a way off, but don’t be surprised if something is announced soon.
Which horror directors do you admire? Are there any that you’d like to work with in the future?
SN: There are a lot of young up-and-comers I’m watching like Joe Lynch. He’s nuts but he’s got style. I also like to look at a lot of non-horror directors. You’d be surprised how many dream of making a horror film and never get the chance.
