Five Horrific Questions with Jeff Miller of ‘Axe Giant: The Wrath of Paul Bunyan’

The Axe Giant gives chase.

We first met Jeff Miller in March, just as he and filmmaking partner Gary Jones were wrapping work on what was then called Bunyan (and is now known as Axe Giant: The Wrath of Paul Bunyan).

The terrifying spin on the classic tall tale was shot on location at Mohican State Forest and Park, Loudonville, Ohio, Malabar Farm State Park, Lucas, Ohio, and Pleasant Hill Dam in Ashland, Ohio. Part of the film was shot in and around Onaway, Mich., including actor Tim Lovelace’s home.

In the film, a young group of first-time offenders who, while doing time at a secluded boot camp deep in the woods, discover that Paul Bunyan is more than just a tall tale. They come face to face with the true story of Bunyan’s hidden dark past and feel the wrath of this legendary folk hero.

“It’s is a dark, contemporary take on the tale of the giant lumberjack,” says Miller. And a lot of bloody fun.

If you’re keen on checking out the film, catch it now on Netflix streaming or set your DVR for the Syfy Channel on Nov. 8. If you’re in Saskatchewan, Canada, anytime between Oct. 31 and Nov. 3, you can see it at the Regina Public Library. It's also available via iTunes, Amazon, Family Video and Blockbuster.

Five Horrific Questions for Jeff Miller

MMM: What’s makes a horror movie scary?

Jeff Miller: Taking you to an unknown place or upsetting the balance of things.

MMM: What’s the scariest movie you ever saw?

Jeff Miller: The original Halloween and Friday the 13th were scary when I saw them as a kid. More recently, Sinster was one of the scariest and creepiest movies I'd seen in awhile.

MMM: Who is your horror inspiration?

Jeff Miller: John Carpenter. Also, Wes Craven.

MMM: Why do we like to be scared?

Jeff Miller: It gets the adrenaline going. It's a rush. It gives you an excuse to pull your girlfriend close.

MMM: What movie would you like to turn into a horror movie? And how would you do it?

Jeff Miller: Pick one. Make 'em zombies.

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