Nerdly » Horror-On-Sea 2018 Interview: Actor Daniel Wilkinson talks ‘Pitchfork’

22nd Jan2018

Horror-On-Sea 2018 Interview: Actor Daniel Wilkinson talks ‘Pitchfork’

by Philip Rogers

With the new slasher style horror Pitchfork selected to play at the Horror-on-Sea Film Festival on Friday 19th January. I got chance to ask actor Daniel Wilkinson about; preparing to play the role of Ben Holister Jr. / Pitchfork, what makes his character stand out so much in the genre as a horror icon and his favourite scene in the film.

What can we expect from the film Pitchfork?

This generation’s horror film. It’s an homage that plays to millennials.

Can you tell me a little bit about your character?

There’s a lot more behind the mask. The subtleties. The story behind the story to really shape the trilogy.

How did you become involved in the film?

Nicole Dambro put in a good word for me. I spoke with Glenn Packard (the Director) and loved how much passion and soul he was bringing to it. Realised I was going to be a part of something that would always hold a special time and place in my heart for me.

What preparation did you do for the role?

Committed whole heartedly. Lived off my credit card for the month prior so I could break down the script, integrate the director’s vision and then started the creative process. Studied a lot of cases that were similar to what Pitchfork went through. Studied the animal that was layered into him, worked with a good friend Matt Fahey on ideas. He was really there, encouraging me in the discovery process especially with the animalistic traits I had been playing with.

How much input did you have regarding the look and movement of your character?

The look really came from Glenn’s sick twisted mind. Ha! Darryl F. Gariglio [the producer], and Chris Arredondo and Candy Domme [special effects], helped shape the look and feel for the character. I wanted it to look believable. My hand was bound quite a bit so as to appear the same size as my wrist. It took a bit to get the feeling back by the end of the day

What elements of your character make it stand out from other horror icons?

This is the first of 3. Pitchfork has a quite a big arc coming. One thing that stands out is hearing how sorry people felt for Pitchfork, even while he was killing the girl. Kinda was an eye opener. Glenn and I wanted the audience to be on a journey with Pitchfork and to have empathy for him.

What was your favourite scene in the movie?

As Pitchfork… what my character does with all the dead bodies behind the shed… it’s hard to disassociate myself from him as I really lived inside that character’s headspace while shooting.

There has been talk of a possible sequel and prequel to the Pitchfork series. Would you be interested in reprising the role?

Yeah for sure. If I had been able to name this movie it would have been The Journey of Pitchfork. He really is coming into his own. The next one’s gonna be on a whole other level

Do you have any other projects which you are working on at the moment?

Are you hiring? Ha! I always have the option for something. I really have to love the project, or get paid really well to give me the freedom to do smaller projects that I love.

What advice would you give to someone who is looking to get into acting?

It’s cheap therapy… you’ll probably figure out you don’t want to be an actor but hopefully find something else in the process so be open for change and jump when you see it. You’ll be happier unless you like torturing yourself… I’m a bit of a masochist, what can I say?