Welcome back to Monte Light, director and screenwriter, who today talks to us about his new horror project, Unit 6-66.
Welcome back, Mr. Light, to B-Movie Films to speak about your next project, Unit 6-66: Midnight in the Black Ambulance. Can you speak in detail about this movie?
I’m excited to share. Unit 6-66 takes you on a thrilling journey into the heart of a world where magic and supernatural creatures coexist with our everyday reality. The story unfolds in one night, as a team of first responders tackles extraordinary emergency calls involving monsters, and the stakes keep rising to dizzying heights, until reality itself is on the line.
Imagine a blend of adventure and cosmic wonder, reminiscent of a classic monster movie matinee, but with my unique twist. This story is anchored by a cast of compelling and quirky characters, each harboring their own secrets and rich backgrounds. It’s an exploration of their journeys as they navigate the chaos around them.
‘m calling this my “Guillermo del Toro” project because it’s packed with nonstop action, stunning production design, and intricately crafted practical effects. It’s a visual feast with a thousand captivating components to immerse yourself in. Get ready for a wild ride filled with heart, humor, and all the monster mayhem you could wish for.
In our previous interview, you said this movie is also a horror movie about the American healthcare system.
Just like in our world, these first responders face numerous ethical dilemmas, finding themselves at the mercy of the powers that be in a Dickensian, bureaucratic healthcare system just like our own. A system that quite literally labels patients as “monsters” and “diseases” rather than individuals. That’s what ultimately drew me to the material. I love the lore, the matinee monster vibe, the Grand Guignol fantasia of it all, but it’s the story, the characters, and themes that always drive me the most.
Actresses Debra Lamb and Autumn Ivy have just joined the cast. You worked with them in Blood Covered Chocolate and Bittertooth. Some old faces are coming for this movie?
Debra won the Best Actress award at Shockfest for her role in Blood Covered Chocolate—how cool is that? And then there’s Autumn, who is full of surprises. Not only will she shine as the villain in Unit 6-66, a Jason Voorhees type called The Butcher, but she’s also taking on our practical werewolf effects—can’t wait to see that. Working with both of them has been such a delight, and I felt from the beginning that they were the perfect fit for this project.
How did this new project come about?
t felt like something straight out of a movie, honestly. Kyle Gibbs and I were on the set of Bittertooth. He was holding a chainsaw, and I was working with my cinematographer to set up the shot. “Did you know I used to be a first responder before getting into horror effects?” he said, and I was taken aback—had no idea! I was intrigued by this guy. “What if they were out there answering calls about monsters, using magic?” That thought got my brain buzzing. I started imagining what alchemy would be like if it were part of healthcare. Ideas just poured out, and collaborating on the script with Kyle turned out to be one of the best experiences of my creative life. It was the kind of script you write with Opeth and King Diamond in the background. Totally metal.
As always, a campaign to fund this film will be launched on Indiegogo. Does it worry you in any way to always face this step?
o be honest, this is my first time running an Indiegogo campaign. It’s been uncharted territory for me, but I’ve had an amazing team supporting this campaign, including Debra and Autumn, screenwriter Kyle Gibbs, and my producer, Dane Petrali, each with their own experience in crowdfunding. I listened to them and learned from them. Their collective knowledge was an absolute godsend during the campaign’s more challenging moments. What we created is an Indiegogo that is designed to serve as a love letter to horror fans. It has fun, unique perks and autographed memorabilia, along with numerous opportunities to get involved in the film and be part of our movie.
Where will this film be shot? Have you found the locations yet?
We have been considering several locations in Los Angeles, but nothing is booked just yet. I prefer to shoot in California. Having lived and worked here for fifteen years, I believe the talent in this city is truly exceptional. Additionally, I appreciate the quality of light we get here, especially at magic hour.
What would you like to say to our readers to get them to participate in the fundraiser on Indiegogo?
Unleash your best scream on camera and face your death at the foot of Autumn Ivy’s witch throne. Picture yourself winning one of Zodiac’s bloody axes, signed just for you, along with a framed “kill shot” from the film. Imagine receiving a call from The Butcher himself, hearing your name spoken on screen from the magical book of death. You can access all of this when you visit our Indiegogo page. This is not just an experience; it’s a thrilling adventure that you won’t want to pass up.
Our Indiegogo link is: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/unit-6-66-midnight-in-the-black-ambulance#/