Cherokee Hall-From Dark Woods Con, to Filmmaking and Acting

The IMM spotlight turns next to Cherokee Hall, whose activities in the independent film world run the gamut from directing and producing to acting and events.

One of the most prolific individuals within the Kentucky independent film community, Cherokee is on the cusp of completing and releasing his first feature film, Mountain Mafia. As if that was not enough to occupy his time, in the past year, Cherokee moved forward with Dark Woods Con, a convention project that is going to be a fantastic addition to the constellation of independent film events in the region. The addition of Dark Woods Con to the region's schedule can only help to strengthen independent film, and create more opportunities for fans and filmmakers alike.

IMM visited with Cherokee a couple weeks out from the premiere Dark Woods Con event, which is taking place from March 5-7 at the Landmark Inn, in Pikeville, KY.

In my opinion, it is really beneficial for independent filmmakers and fans to have an event like Dark Woods Con in this area of Kentucky, at this time of the year, as it will be a great compliment to Lexington events such as ScareFest, and Louisville events such as the Fright Night Film Fest. At the end of the day, Dark Woods Con represents good overall progress for everyone, making all of the events in the state, and the independent film community as a whole, that much stronger. Cherokee Hall and all the staff of Dark Woods Con should definitely be commended for this very considerable, and worthwhile, undertaking.

-Stephen Zimmer for the IMM Blog Site, February 10, 2010


SZ: For those that might not yet be aware of Dark Woods Con, give us the particulars and what to generally expect as far as activities.

CH: Aside from the vendor booths and celebrities to meet, we’ll have free daily contests for door prizes, as well as a scream contest and costume contests and some other surprises. Plus we have the Rad Girls there, and they are always doing stunts.







SZ: Focusing in on the film festival. How big is the film festival going to be at this initial event? Any premieres that you would like to mention?

CH: We got the word out a bit late about the festival so it’s mainly going to be short films. Yes, John Cosper’s Fluffy 3 will premier at the event.

SZ: As far as advance registrations go, are you seeing primarily a regional audience, or do you see some attendees coming from farther distances?

CH: We’ve been hit up from as far away as Rhode Island, but mainly it’s all regional.

SZ: I always applaud sponsors that come behind a first event. Feel free to highlight any companies/organizations that have gotten behind you on this premiere event.

CH: Southern Steel Tattos, Bourbon n’ Toulouse, David Fultz, clearmyrecord.com, Eagle Creek Massage, Page 3 Comics, Crawford’s Roots, Jim Hinkley’s Motorvation Car Care, YellowBird Insurance, Stewart & Stafford Tire & Custom Wheels.

SZ: What was your inspiration for starting Dark Woods Con?

CH: It was an idea that me and David Gooslin had back in 2007 but realized just how successful one could be after Scarefest had their 2008 show. It’s been something that both of us have wanted to do for a long time.



SZ: As a very busy actor and filmmaker yourself, who understands just how tough the indie world is, how can attending a convention such as Dark Woods Con be beneficial to other actors and filmmakers?

CH: Networking, networking, and networking! You meet so many people that can help you out along the way. All you have to do is talk to them.

SZ: Who are some of the other “big names” involved with Dark Woods Con?

CH: Michael Berryman, Tiffany Shepis, Al Snow, Daniel Emery Taylor, Jim O’Rear, Dick Warlock, Ari Lehman, Stephen Zimmer…We got a lot for our first year. The list keeps on going.


SZ: About a month out from the big event, how are things shaping up, in your estimation?

CH: We are right where we need to be. Of course I’d be a little less stressed if we were a little bit ahead of where we need to be too though.

SZ: I cannot resist asking you one humor-laced question, regarding one particular guest: Do you have to import extra security to deal with cult indie filmmaker Jerry Williams? Is it wise to have Jerry Williams as an official guest Don’t you fear massive community protests?

CH: We have had more females ages 75-90 call us and tell us that it’s about time someone brought in a real man to Pikeville Ky!


SZ: Give us some contacts, websites, Facebook pages, etc. where people can connect with Dark Woods Con?

CH: Sure thing. Check out our website at:
www.darkwoodscon.com

Myspace at: www.myspace.com/darkwoodscon

Facebook at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pikeville-KY/Dark-Woods-Con/114704353191?ref=ts

SZ: Finally, what’s coming up on the near horizon for Cherokee Hall, (at least once you’ve taken a few days off and rested up, following the big Dark Woods Con weekend)?

CH: Actually I’ll go back to work on my film. My first feature film is rapidly approaching post production and we’ve already secured a distribution deal. You’ll be able to get Mountain Mafia (Staring Rupert Boneham, Tiffany Shepis, Al Snow, Tim Wilson, Amy Hayes, Casey Miracle, and Mike Holman) this summer at Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Target, NetFlix, and the Redbox too.