In the Woods centers around firefighters fighting a three-horned devil dog after his skull is dug up.
Lynn Drzick produced, directed and wrote the film. He was born and raised in Kalamazoo, so he knew exactly where he wanted to shoot it.
The movie was shot in the Kalamazoo metro area — viewers may recognize locations like the Henderson Castle or the now-closed Portage Pub — and in the forest in rural Van Buren County.
The movie was also supported by the Portage Fire Department, which helped out with the film’s more volatile scenes.
“There's an explosion scene where the main star of the movie tries to blow up the creature. And fortunately, we had the firefighter training ground, so we set off some real explosions.”
In 1998, the film premiered at the Lansing Film Festival.
“At the end of the movie, cheers, it just erupted. And that's where, you know, your heart swells. It's like, wow, we did it.”
Since then, In the Woods has gained a small cult following, due in no small part to its campy dialogue. But the camp was not intentional according to Stuart MacDonald, who played firefighter Al Fargo.
“None of us knew that it was going to come across cheesy until it was over.”
This following has lead to a novelization, director’s cut, and even an unofficial drinking game. The film has also seen releases in the United Kingdom and Japan. Drzick said this is all thanks to fans keeping interest alive.
“It's crazy to think about that. You know, 25 years later, somebody keeps on, no pun intended, digging up this movie.”
The film may also spawn a sequel. Drzick says he’s written a script, and adds, the original cast is on-board.
Michael Symonds reports for WMUK through the Report for America national service program.
