Who is responsible for unleashing the half-piranha/half-anaconda on the unsuspecting masses? That would be writer Mike MacLean, who also penned Sharktopus and Dinocroc vs. Supergator for Syfy.
MacLean talked to Shock about writing creature features, working with Roger Corman, the differences between cable and theatrical movies, why comedy is a vital component of Syfy features, and more.
Shock Till You Drop: How did your relationship with the Syfy Channel begin?
Mike MacLean: I co-wrote Dinocroc vs. Supergator, which was later purchased by Syfy. But I didnt have any direct involvement with them until Sharktopus. Id written a few scripts for Roger Cormans company by then, and he told me about a project he had going with Syfy. He couldnt say the title without chuckling. Of course, I jumped at the chance to work on it.
Shock: You’ve written a few creature features for Syfy now. What kind of input do you have into the creatures themselves?
MacLean: With both Sharktopus and Piranhaconda the title dictated the creature design. I suggested giving Sharktopus the tail of a shark and the head of an octopus, but Syfy wouldnt go for it. I guess a toothless, balloon-headed fish doesnt strike fear in the hearts of men. (You guys know Im kidding, right?)
Most of my input involves the creatures behavior – specifically, how it kills. On Sharktopus, many of these scenes came out of a brainstorming session with Roger and Julie Corman. We were in Puerto Vallarta at the time, drinking pina coladas in a resort bar. Monsters and cocktails. Not a bad way to kill an afternoon. Dinocroc and Supergator were both established creatures, so my input was minimal.
Shock: These movies adhere to a certain formula and are made for a specific audience. What key elements do you feel are vital for these movies?
MacLean: I learned from Roger that a cable movie is a different animal than a theatrical release. First and foremost, cable movies must be faster-paced. With a theatrical release, the audience has driven to the mall, bought a ticket, and fought the crowds for a seat. Theyve made an investment in the viewing experience, so theyre not walking out on the film if its pacing is a bit leisurely. A cable movie audience has the remote within reach. Slow the pace too much and theyre clicking over to Family Guy reruns. So you have to keep things moving, which means showing the creature soon and often.
Shock: Is the Piranhaconda the creation of a mad scientist? What can you tell us about it?
MacLean: I dont want to give away too much. I will say that Piranhaconda was not created in a lab. So there wont be a ton of scientific exposition getting in the way of the chomping and the screaming.
Shock: With no budget limitations, what would be your ultimate creature feature?
MacLean: Thats a tough one. I think a mega-budget creature feature would lose some of its sense of fun. Instead of spending the budget on effects, Id drop it on casting, packing the film with famous, classically trained British actors. Imagine Jeremy Irons announcing that, Sharktopus wants your virgins. Or picture Piranhaconda crushing a screaming Dame Judi Dench before devouring her bikini-clad corpse.
Shock: Do you have any projects in the works?
MacLean: Im working on a new script for Roger. Its still in the early stages, so I cant talk about it much. I will say that its a sci-fi comedy that may top the outrageousness of Sharktopus.
