June is the new horror film starring Casper Van Dien, Victoria Pratt and Kennedy Brice that deals with a young girl trying to control her ever growing violent, telekinetic powers. Casper Van Dien and Victoria Pratt play two foster parents who adopt the supernaturally affected girl June, and as the mystery of why her powers exist begin to unravel, they must try to control June’s psychic outbursts while still trying to keep their family together.
Nine-year-old June (Kennedy Brice, The Walking Dead) has been shuffled in and out of foster homes for years. And though she tries to be good, no matter where she goes, a trail of chaos and terror seems to follow. It’s only when June is sent to live with a new couple, Lily and Dave (Casper Van Dien, Starship Troopers), that it looks as if things might finally work out. Except this innocent child with the face of an angel is possessed by an ancient, malevolent entity that has hijacked her soul. Unless June can defeat the demon within, her new family – and mankind itself – are destined for destruction.
How did you wind up starring in and producing June?
Casper Van Dien: I was directing a film called Patient Killer with a wonderful actress named Victoria Pratt. She was my lead actress in it and we had some down time, and I could see she was talking to this guy. He said that whoever they had for the movie had fallen out and she handed me the phone. Next thing I know, I was talking to this guy who was telling me all about his movie and I said, “Sure. Send me the script.” I ended up liking it and ended up doing it.
What made you want to be a producer on the film?
CVD: That was brought on because I think they really wanted to get me in on this project. I like directing and making films and this was a way to get me in, and I was thrilled. I probably would have been involved even without that.
What about the script got you interested?
CVD: I think that being a dad and having to see what a dad has to do; he loves his wife so much and he would do anything for her. You can see it in his character and even though things might not work out the way he wanted them to, you can still see that he’s a good man and his struggle is trying to make it work. Even though he’s in this foster family, he starts noticing these really strange things happening and going, “Wait a minute. Something’s not right.” I liked all the challenges that this gave for the father. I thought, “I could do something with this.”
Were you able to work well with Victoria Pratt and Kennedy Brice during filming?
CVD: Yes. Victoria Pratt, this is our third film together and I think she’s one of the most amazing and talented actresses. And then our little “wolf child” Kennedy is just so talented and it’s amazing that she’s that young and she’s fantastic. We really enjoyed working with her and she is really wise beyond her years.
Did you have a good time working with director L. Gustavo Cooper?
CVD: He’s such a great guy. I really liked him and I would hang out with him anytime. He’s just very enthusiastic and it’s a thrill to work with someone like that.
Are you a fan of supernatural horror stories and films?
CVD: I love all filmmaking, but for horror films I have a definite soft spot. There’s something thrilling about being terrified and they’re just great date movies. That girl’s just going to grab on to grab on to you afterwards and you’re going to be the one saving her, so horror movies are great. (laughs)
You’ve had a long career of action films, horror, sci-fi and more for over 25 years now. Is there any genre you are drawn to more than others?
CVD: I think I’m probably a bigger sci-fi fan and fantasy than I am most things, but I really do love horror. I love musicals, westerns, dramas, comedies; I love it all. I’m really old now so I have all this older taste. I like a lot of older films too. I love a lot of the new filmmakers and the new mediums, all these different online shows. It’s interesting and a lot of fun.
Are you planning to do more online and streaming shows?
CVD: I just did Crunch Time where I played Casper Van Dien, the perfect version of me which was hysterical. These guys were so funny and so honoring and it was a blast to do. I played Johnny Cage in Mortal Kombat Legacy: Season 2 and now just Season 3 so I’ll be coming out with that. I like doing that, I love making films; I love it all. It’s an exciting time to be alive and be an actor and making different projects and films and it’s absolutely a blast.
What inspired you to become a film director?
CVD: I love directors. I’ve loved great directors I’ve gotten to work with. They’re telling a story, they’re painting a whole picture; and I love actors. When you direct you get to work with actors on a more intimate level than I ever even imagined. I know actors so well; I am one, I’ve been married to different actresses. I just adore ’em and it’s such a thrill to be around ’em. You get to work with them and get things out of them and for me it’s a thrill I love. On the Patient Killer they called me the “Actor Whisperer” which is just a huge compliment.
Is there anything more you’d like to say regarding June?
CVD: June was just a blast to work on and I’m really excited for everybody to get a chance to see it. I hope it scares the crap out of everybody. (laughs)
June is now available on DVD from Image Entertainment.