Chris Bower was my main connection to this film. We met on a short film set probably four or five years ago. We worked together again about two years ago on a film where I met Johnny Holt and Austin Madding for the first time. When Chris asked me if I’d like to be a part of VOB: HS (Volume of Bloods: Horror Stories) I knew it was going to be a great time. I’m a little ashamed to say it, but I don’t remember if I had to audition for this film!
indieactivity: As lead on the project, how did this ‘choice’ work for you?
Caleb Shore (CS): It’s funny, I don’t consider myself the lead in ‘Feeding Time’. To me, that was Shelby Taylor Mullins. Her character seemed harder to play and required more of her. I was also there.
Sean Blevins on making the anthology Volumes of Blood: Horror Stories
What part of the story challenged you when you read it? What drove you to get on the project?
Caleb Shore (CS): I think the most challenging part of the script was making the connection between my character, Boone, and Shelby’s character, Mallory, seem believable. The age gap between Shelby and I wasn’t drastic, but the gap between our characters was a bit more. We also had two characters who were going through some really tough stuff in their personal lives. So to make those two characters connect on any level in the small amount of time they had on screen was probably our biggest endeavor as actors.
You’re not new to indie films. What do you enjoy about the work that keeps you working?
Caleb Shore (CS): I’m happiest when I’m working. If I’m not working, I’m thinking about the next time I’ll be working. Set life is hell to some, and definitely has its challenges, but that’s where I live. Screen or stage, my natural habitat is on set. That’s ten-fold when I already know some of the people I’m working with.
Give an example of a direction you received from the director during the production?
Caleb: Johnny is an easy director to work with because he’s responsive to what’s happening during the scene. My character has a moment of self-realization midway through our story, and I’ll never forget Johnny and Austin trying to keep their reaction under wraps until the scene was over. I know that isn’t exactly giving direction, but sometimes that feedback helps even more.
How did you create your character from ground up?
Caleb Shore (CS): My character wasn’t a difficult one for me to build. Boone was pretty simple once we landed on what his thoughts and intentions were. He’s not as confident in conversation as I am in real life, but his reaction to uncomfortable situations matches up closely with my own.
John William Holt reveals inside of Volumes of Blood: Horror Stories
Describe the responsibility you shouldered. Did it fire you up? What scenes where difficult to shoot?
Caleb Shore (CS): ‘Feeding Time’ had two main characters, Boone and Mallory. When you have a small number of characters, it’s really important to bring the A-game because it’s not like audience has a bunch of other characters to distract them if you don’t bring it. It’s just you. If you slack on your character, what’s the point of playing it?
Explain one creative choice you made on set during production?
Caleb Shore (CS): One creative choice I made in the film was during the scene in which Mallory asks Boone for help. I hate giving spoilers so I won’t get too into it, but Boone makes a very quick move from being unsure what he should do, to being very sure what he should do. His reaction to Mallory’s plea for help is the moment I mentioned earlier with Johnny and Austin. I just put myself in Boone’s shoes and kind of just flew off the handle.
