Monsters, Music, and Muscles

Fellow Pittsburgher John Russo is a veteran when it comes to creating horror movies. He wrote his first screenplay, Night of the Living Dead, in 1968 and hasn't stopped yet! He's helped create such movies as: Night of the Living Dead (My favorite movie of all time!), Midnight, Heartstopper, Children of the Living Dead, One for the Fire: The Legacy of 'Night of the Living Dead' to name a few.. He's a writer, actor, director, screenwriter, producer, and now teacher! I've had the pleasure of meeting him many times & becoming friends with him. So the next time you see him at a convention be sure to stop at his table and find out what this talented man has in the works!

1. What was your favorite thing to dress up as for Halloween in childhood?

I always liked to dress up as a pirate, and I wore parts of my pirate costume even after it got too small for me, so I can totally understand the appeal of THE PIRATES OF CARIBBEAN even though I have not seen any of those movies.

2. What is your favorite horror movie past and present?

Some of the horror movies that I think are special are the original INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS, HALLOWEEN, ALIENS and of course NIGHT OF TE LIVING DEAD, if I do say so myself. They all had good involving stories and characters and broke new ground in the genre.

3. Who are your favorite horror movie actors/actresses?

I think Debbie Rochon is one of the very best and that's why I have worked with her so many times.

4. Is there any particular monster that fascinates you?

The shape-changing monster in ALIEN was a knockout.

5. You've written quite a few horror movie screenplays. Which one was your favorite & why?

I liked MIDNIGHT a lot and wish I had had enough money to make it better as a movie -- BUT NOW WE ARE GOING REMEDY THAT BY REMAKING IT.

6. Who did you idolize as a child?

I don't know if I actually idolized anyone as a child, but my favorite cowboy was Roy Rogers and I really liked Batman and saw all the serials.

7. Going to conventions you have met a lot of famous people, who is your favorite?

I have met so many terrific people I don't want to slight anyone but again Debbie Rochon is bright and funny, and so are Kristina Klebe and Cerina Vincent -- both very down-to-earth so to speak and very bright and personable. George Romero is charming and witty and always fun to be with, too. Sam Raimi and Rob Tapert are very funny on stage together and maybe should have been standup comics.

8. What has been your favorite horror convention that you've been a guest at?

I think the best ever horror convention was ZOMBIE JAMBOREE '93 which I helped produce. I lost a lot of money, but the fans loved it. Another really good one was the one in Dallas which launched our 40th Anniversary Tour for NOLD.

9. What was your favorite movie to direct?

As far as pure fun and the kick of knowing we were making a good movie, I'd have to say SALOONATICS.

10. What made you get into the field your in?

I got bitten by the movie bug after I met George Romero and Russ Streiner and started to realize movies could be made in Pittsburgh. I've been zealous about it ever since.

11. What do you feel makes a good horror movie?

What makes any movie good is a good script, well-developed and interesting characters, and a vital theme and plot.

12. What do you feel makes horror movies so appealing to people?

Well, horror movies at their best are exciting. And people crave thrills. But the thrills have to mean something. That's why plot, theme and characters are so important.

13. Any current projects?

I always have books and movies I'm working on, like the MIDNIGHT remake I already mentioned. One of my top priorities right now is building the JOHN RUSSO MOVIE MAKING PROGRAM at DuBois Business College, with co-director Russ Streiner. If you want to learn how to make money making movies, check out the program at: John Russo Movie Making. You will see some terrific samples of our students' work.

I have had a long wonderful career and I am really grateful for it!

VISIT JOHN RUSSO