One of the horror films that genre fans have particularly enjoyed this year is X, the 70s-set slasher film from A24. Given the success of the acclaimed slasher, both a prequel and a sequel are currently in development. One person who was along for the ride from the start is executive producer Peter Phok of Phok Productions.
Phok's work on X will extend to both of its follow-up films. The filmmaker is also an executive producer on Graham Reznick's Shudder series Deadwax and is an award-winning producer of several films directed by X helmer Ti West that also includes In a Valley of Violence, The Sacrament, and The House of the Devil. Phok's producing work has also ventured outside of film into video games and commercial content.
In a new exclusive interview with MovieWeb, Phok touches on his production company, the X trilogy, and what else he has up his sleeve.
MovieWeb: We'll talk about some of your films in a moment, but first, let's touch on Phok Productions. In a nutshell, can you describe how you came to launch your own production company?
Peter Phok: As an independent producer, it made sense to launch my own production company to support the development of projects. I offer production consulting services, and having an entity ready to produce and deliver live-action production on short notice is essential.
MovieWeb: For months, horror fans have been discussing X, A24's 70s-set horror film that feels like a love letter to genre flicks of the era like The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. What are your thoughts on just how well the film was received by fans?
Peter Phok: It has been incredible to be a part of something that starts as an idea that goes from script to screen. X has transcended since it’s been released to the world. It’s out there and now a part of pop culture. The positive reception of X by fans and critics, along with all the memes and references, is extraordinary and fun.
Pearl Was Developed Alongside X
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MovieWeb: It's been reported that a prequel called Pearl is in the works. At what point during the production of X did it become clear that it needed a prequel?
Peter Phok: Ti had a clear idea for the prequel before production began on X. He wrote it while in quarantine upon arrival in New Zealand, where X and Pearl were filmed.
MovieWeb: I know you can't divulge any spoilers, but is there anything you can tease about the film for the horror fans who enjoyed the first movie?
Peter Phok: Mia Goth returns with a deep, nuanced performance as Pearl in a prequel set sixty years before X.
MovieWeb: There has been talk of a third movie to be released after Pearl. Is there anything you can share about that?
Peter Phok: Ti looks forward to the opportunity to complete this world with a cinematic trilogy and continue to deliver something original and unique.
MovieWeb: You're also producing Jenn Wexler's second feature for Shudder, The Sacrifice Game, starring Mena Massoud and Olivia Scott Welch. What can you tell our readers about your work on this film and what horror fans can expect?
Peter Phok: Jenn Wexler is an incredibly talented and creative producer, filmmaker, and storyteller. If you caught her first feature, The Ranger, you’ve already witnessed her skills as a director. Horror fans can expect to see her maturity with more resources and experienced craftspeople to share an original spiritual period piece with a unique, dedicated cast so committed to playing The Sacrifice Game.
MovieWeb: This film is also set in the 1970s, as was X. Is that a coincidence, or are you drawn to films with a 70s horror vibe?
Peter Phok: The 1970s in America ultimately led to the Satanic Panic era, which some say has never ended but continued to evolve. It remains an intriguing period with stories to tell of those who feared or worshiped occults still resonating with people today.
Peter Phok Has Several Exciting Projects in the Works
MovieWeb: I also want to hear about another film you're producing, Dear Zoe. What can you tell us about this film and how it's different from your other releases?
Peter Phok: Dear Zoe is a coming-of-age drama starring Sadie Sink (Stranger Things) from producers Marc and Brenda Lhormer (Bottle Shock), directed by Gren Wells and based on a young adult novel of the same title written by Philip Beard. The Lhormers invited Christopher H. Warner (Five Feet Apart) and me to produce the movie with them in Pittsburgh, where it is set. It’s a family film that follows a young woman whose family experiences unimaginable tragedy and overwhelming guilt that takes her on an unexpected journey to escape the loss and find support. This movie hopes to aid those who’ve dealt with grief early in their lives. It’s for a different audience from the thrillers I’ve produced.
MovieWeb: Beyond these projects, is there anything else you've got in the pipeline you'd like MovieWeb readers to know about?
Peter Phok: I’m executive producing other feature films in the genre space with exciting new voices in other writers/directors I hope to share soon and have been developing a new dark horror series with a mysterious anonymous online persona with the filmmaker, Eduardo Sanchez (Blair Witch Project), and producer, Alok Mistra (1BR), called Inside Your Skull.
You can check out more of Peter Phok's work at his official website.