Being Bowled over by Kansas Bowling by Dale Pierce

Kansas Bowling has been interested in film her whole life. As a child, she made short films with her younger sister and began shooting Super 8 at 13.
Inspired by the likes of Russ Meyer, Annette Funicello, and Roger Corman, Kansas and her friend Kenzie began writing a script in high school about a tribe of cavewomen being stalked by a prehistoric monster. Thus, the first prehistoric slasher was born!
At only 17, Kansas directed, co-wrote, and funded her own feature film, entirely shot on 16mm, called “B.C. Butcher”.
From good word of mouth, she was able to cast such cult characters in her film such as Kato Kaelin (most famously known for the OJ Simpson murder trial), Rodney Bingenheimer (106.7 KROQ, “Mayor of the Sunset Strip”), and Kadeem Hardison (A Different World). The film is unique in many ways, being a horror flick and a comedy, featuring live music, gore, gags, and campy historical inaccuracy. Because of this, immediately after shooting, “B.C. Butcher” caught the eye of Lloyd Kaufman, legendary producer/director and founder of Troma Entertainment Inc. Troma acquired the film for distribution and is now slated for a 2016 release.
The film was also an official showcase at the 2015 Topanga Film Festival. Kansas has also directed various music videos on 16mm and 8mm for bands such as Alyeska (Lyle Lovett’s opening band) and CTZNSHP (indie Montreal group).
Kansas just wrapped shooting a beauty pageant inspired video for LA rock group Kill My Coquette, fronted by actress/model Natalie Denise Sperl (Around the World in 80 Days). The video features cameo appearances by Richie Ramone (Ramones), Cherie Currie (Runaways), and Rodney Bingenheimer (KROQ). Kansas remains fully committed to shooting film and making features and videos for the cult genre.
...www.kansas-bowling.com/


 

1. Indy film world at quite a young age. Tell people about yourself?

I've known my whole life I wanted to make movies and thought it'd be best to get a head start. I graduated high school at 16 and immediately started making films.

2. Now clue everyone in on your new film.

I directed my first feature B.C. Butcher when I was 17 and wrote it when I was 15! It's the world's first prehistoric slasher film starring Kato Kaelin and shot on 16mm. Troma Entertainment is distributing it.

3. This film has been generating a fair amount of attention?

Yes, it's been so exciting. I'm so happy people are responding to it they way they are. I couldn't have expected anything more for such a small film and I feel very touched!

4. have people been surprised to learn your age or has it ahd any effect at all upon them?

Most people who watch the film go into it knowing my age since it's been such a big part of marketing the film. I think it's actually helped more than hindered me.

5. Do you ave a webpage for yourself and your projects?

Yes! At www.kansas-bowling.com you can see all of the music videos I've directed as well as press about my film.

6. What are your future plans?

I'm directing a lot of music videos right now, but what I'm most excited for it working on my next feature. I'm still in the early stages of pre-production and really looking forward to shooting it.

7. Did you have any training in film making or just pick things up as you went along?

No, I have no training. I think it's a much better learning experience to make something than to have somebody explain to you how to make something... With my first film and all of the videos I've done, I feel like I grow as a filmmaker with every project.

8. What were some of the obstacles you faced while seeing your work come to be?

Since I made my film with little help, it was actually simple since I had full control over all aspects. There were things that were difficult but nothing was a burden or obstacle. Shooting my film was very easy going and I've felt that way about most aspects of the project.

9. What attracted you to the film world?

Watching movies like Creepshow and Pet Sematary growing up really changed the way I looked at art. And as I got older, seeing movies like Suspiria and Don't Torture a Duckling blew me away, doing things I didn't think you could do with film. I've always been so fascinated by film because it's a medium that moves people like no other and there are endless possibilities of what you can make of it.

10. What attracted you to the horror realm in general?

Horror is often the most stylized genre, probably because it evokes the most intense emotions inspiring very intense visuals.

11. Are there any people outt here you would especially like to work with in the future?

Michael Nesmith!!!!

11. Do you plan on attending any of the horror film conventions around the globe?

I will be at Stan Lee's Comickaze Oct 28-30!

12.Are there any other itneresting stories about yourself in general or the film realm you think readers might like to hear?

Everyone should be on the lookout for my sister Parker Love Bowling and her future projects. She's only 17 now and is going to do her first feature soon. And it'll be better than mine!!

13. Final comments?

Find me on Instagram @kansasbowling or Twitter @theBCButcher