An Interview with Ray Spivey – Director, Screenwriter, Producer

Posted on by Grimoire of Horror

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Ray Spivey is an American Director, screenwriter, and producer, most notable for his work with Allen Danziger on the horror film WeekHacker Massacre (2024). Beginning his career as a writer and co-producer of the 2016 documentary The Last of the Moonlight Towers, Ray would move on to co-direct, co-write, and co-produce the 2019 thriller Writer’s Block, as well as The Pro Bono Watchman (2022), Storage Locker (2023), and, of course, WeedHacker Massacre.

We had the opportunity to chat with Ray about his work in the film industry, as well as his role in creating WeedHacker Massacre (2024).

Ray, did you work closely with Allen on the writing of WeedHacker Massacre? Did you know right away what he wanted?

I did work closely with Allen on the script and he allowed me to write independently once I agreed to use the ankle monitor.  We had discussed elements of what he wanted and I’d make them fit the story.  For example, he had great ideas on living backwoods in the station wagon (he wanted a van ala TCM [The Texas Chainsaw Massacre] but our attorneys said it would be a station wagon. lol), eating armadillo, and the wonderful home invasion lawsuit at the end.  

How did you meet Allen?

My mom saw the same chiropractor and he fixed up a meeting.  I wrote a part for Allen in my previous movie Storage Locker and you can say the bug bit him.  He got a standing ovation on that set.  

In WHM [WeedHacker Massacre], I wanted him to do his first fight scene stunt.  He was a trooper as always.  

Ray Spivey with Barbara Crampton and Jeffrey Combs

Any horror films that inspire you?   

The Thing, 1982 (great scares and who is it?) and 1951 (snappy characters and dialogue). The Shining, Get Out, and I just saw the 40th Anniversary showing of Re-Animator.  Even met Barbara Crampton and Jeffrey Combs! 

Are there basic elements needed to writing a horror film script?

 Like all movies, let your characters breathe and have some fun, even as they are about to die.  I try to make the kills different.  In WHM, the Jersey Boys meat slicer type scene and camera lens death were favorites.  

This interview was provided to Grimoire of Horror by John Wisniewski

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