There’s no shortage of horror films that have been set in Wisconsin. In recent years, independent filmmakers have also been known to shoot frightening footage within the borders of the state itself with more regularity. The latest Wisconsin-made horror project to be released is Murder Cabin, a short film that was shot in the northern part of the state—as well as some filming in and around Milwaukee— by a local cast and crew.
In advance of Saturday night’s Murder Cabin premiere at Times Cinema, Milwaukee Record asked writer and co-director Nick Bankhead about the movie’s background, the process of making a short film on a tight crowdfunded budget, the state of horror in Wisconsin, and what the future holds for Murder Cabin after this weekend’s showing.
Milwaukee Record: As the film’s writer, can you give a broad synopsis of what Murder Cabin is about?
Nick Bankhead: The script started as a feature. It told the story of a cabin, seen through different time periods—the 1950s, the 1990s, and the present day. The movie explored my love for nearly every horror genre. As a screenplay, it won a few awards at festivals across the country. Some of the feedback included, “You need to try and bring this to life.” My friend and co-director, Brian Redmond, agreed. At its heart, though, it’s about a mother’s love turning sinister—about stepping into that cabin and slowly unveiling the family secrets hidden within.
MR: Can you talk about the filming process? Where and when was Murder Cabin filmed?
NB: We filmed in the beauty of the Northwoods, where we joked that the ticks and mosquitoes were becoming executive producers. We also shot across our beautiful city—Bay View, Elm Grove, and Grant Park all served as key backdrops.
MR: Even though the project had some support from Kickstarter backers, the film operated on a shoestring budget. How did you and Brian pull this off with limited time and resources?
NB: The Kickstarter helped. Friends, family, and even anonymous donors chipped in to help us build the cabin. We offered swag like stickers, T-shirts, and “name-in-the-credits” perks to entice donations. To get the family into a proper whip, Brian dropped $6,000 on a 1948 Plymouth. Luckily, he was able to resell it for the same price after we wrapped.
MR: As you mentioned, it seems as if friends, Kickstarter supporters, and others in the creative community really stepped up to help bring Murder Cabin to the finish line. Can you speak on the collaborative spirit behind this project?
NB: It was so rad. Not only did we have a solid cast, but a crew that stepped up hardcore. Brian is a genius behind the camera. He was able to bring in Leah “L2” Schlageter to run a second camera. We also had Eric “The Professor” Hahn help structure sound design and edit outlines. He works in the biz as a side hustle, so that was super rad. And a great encounter with Britney Ison, who showcased a true organic approach to FX and make-up applications. Ryan Gehrig—of Live Tetherball Tonight and other music projects—not only composed the score for the film, he also served as our catering chef while we were on site in the Northwoods. He made the best damn cornbread I’ve ever put in my mouth.
MR: There’s a long history of horror movies being set in Milwaukee, but it seems like in recent years, there has been an exponential increase in horror movies being shot in the state. Do you think the state of Wisconsin horror is in a good place?
NB: Absolutely. One many people probably don’t know about is Blood Hook from 1986, a great “campy” horror and slasher filmed up in Hayward, Wisconsin. In fact, I’m in the process of writing another screenplay titled “Wallpaper” that set in early ‘90s Milwaukee. It’s a disturbing tale of curiosity and devotion.
MR: What’s next for Murder Cabin after Saturday’s Times Cinema screening? Are you planning to show it at any festivals or host any more screenings around the state? Will it be streaming anywhere soon, or is this perhaps proof of concept for an eventual Murder Cabin feature-length film?
NB: Film festivals—and more film festivals. The goal is to gain recognition, bring the entire cabin to life, share the screenplay portfolio, and attract producers who might be willing to dish out a bigger budget. The horror genre is getting a fresh spotlight, and I like to think Mia Goth’s advocacy for the genre and Jordan Peele’s unique visual approach to horror are breathing new life into the community.
MR: Is there anything else you’d like to say about Murder Cabin, its making, the importance of independent horror films, or anything else?
NB: Thank you to Brian, Cydney, Andy, Chloe, Ender, Kevin, Eric, Britney, Leah 1, Leah 2, Jodie, Satchel, Andy, Anthony, Ryan, Joel, Kevin, and Jerry. Thank you for helping bring this wonderful, kind of demented story to life. I’m so stoked to be part of such a smart, thoughtful, and creative community.
Murder Cabin premieres at Times Cinema on Saturday, May 10. The event begins at 7 p.m. and includes a Q&A and cast/crew meet and greet in addition to the screening. Tickets cost $7 and they’re available here.
