Wonder Watchlist

For many of us, getting a chance to peek behind the curtain of films before they are made is rare. For most audiences, relationships with films and filmmaking begin and end in theaters or in the comfort of our homes. We watch new releases as they come out, or browse on our couches looking for something interesting. For those who like special features or commentary tracks, they know the making of a movie can be just as entertaining as the film itself.

Thankfully, I had an opportunity to discuss Spring Steel Killer (SSK), a new film from Michigan Film Network LLC, a film and TV production studio. Adapted from the novel Keeping Score by Miles Lawrence, a former detective and now an author. Much like the book, Spring Steel Killer appears to be a detective drama that delves into sex trafficking, corruption within the police, and drugs.

At the film’s helm is director Justin Sulham, whose previous work includes titles like Big Bad Betty and Stockings: Songbird. With countless music videos and short films under his belt, he refers to himself as “In the industry, we call people like me either a technical director or a ‘Swiss army knife.” Now, with the chance to bring such an impactful story to the screen as Spring Steel Killers, Sulham discusses his role and the work he’s already put in before the cameras roll below.

“You know, I’m a director. I’m creative, and I want to do my best to serve this project.”

– Justin Sulham

ML: “Tell us a little bit about yourself and your film background.”

JS: “I began working professionally in film and television just over a decade ago in set lighting. Prior to working in the business I was a lifetime hobbyist and film fanatic. Storytelling is something I have loved since a very early age, I’m grateful for every story I get to help tell.”

ML: “What made you want to sign on for Spring Steel Killer? Was there something that stood out from the script, or the pitch that hooked you?”

JS: “Honestly it’s a strong story with compelling elements that I think would have drawn in any dramatic storyteller. I think audiences are really going to find themselves immersed in it.”

“It’s a man who doesn’t know when to stop…And that to me is relatable (to myself) but also
related to a broad audience.”

– Justin Sulham on Spring Steel Killer

ML: “What collaboration did you have with Miles Lawrence?”

JS: “This is my first time working with Miles and it has been a fantastic experience. He’s a wonderful person and I’m thankful to help bring his words to life visually.”

ML: “What is your process like when signing onto a new film, especially on this project?”

JS: “That’s a great question. It all starts with the initial conversation with the writer/producer team. This is the point where we assess one another to see if things are a good fit personally and if they are it opens the creative passages almost immediately.”

ML: “In Spring Steel Killer current form, what has been the most exciting part of this journey?”

JS: “Analyzing the pages and visualization of the frames I see in my mind.”

ML: “As the feature is still seeking castings, what is that process like? And since this is a Detroit-centered story, would you prefer Detroit talent?”

JS: “I can’t say much to the casting other than to say there are several well known actors in talks with our amazing team and that I will be weighing in on casting at some point in the near future.”

“This is something that people will be able to relate to, and I think for some, it’ll be something
that can help…I still want to make people uncomfortable. I still want people to feel
uncomfortable watching the film because the subject matter shouldn’t feel comfortable. You
should not sit through this movie and feel good…Car POV driving down the street looking at the
homeless on the side of the road. Not in a cliche way, but because this is the way they actually
live…It’s a way for us to capture the realism while telling a fictional story. That’s how I’m going to
address the darkness. I’m just going to show it for how it is.”

-Justin Sulham on Spring Steel Killer

ML: “Speaking of Detroit, have there been discussions of what iconic sites to feature in SPRING STEEL KILLER?

JS: “There have not been talks of specific locations but I very much am looking forward to exploring the many landscapes of Detroit to help tell the story. The industry, the waterfronts, the beauty of Belle Isle all come to mind.”

ML: “What about the script has you most excited about Spring Steel Killer?”

JS: “The characters in this story are very relatable and that really helps the story stay grounded. I’m always excited for a plausible grounded story.”

ML: “The film so far deals with a lot of dark aspects, like sex trafficking, police corruption, and more. As these topics are increasingly prevalent today, are you hoping this film sheds light on the victims and gives them a voice?

JS: “This is a heavy question and one that I feel could be an interview all in itself (which I am open to). What I will say is I think this is the perfect time for a story like SSK to be told.”

ML: “To close us out, what are some films or filmmakers that give you inspiration for SPRING STEEL KILLER?”

JS: “To name a few I’d say Michael Mann, David Fincher and the Coen Brothers are directors whose style I’ll be leaning on heavily. As far as films go I can say I’ve researched Blood Simple, Thief, Prisoners, Manhunter, Blow Out, Seven and To Live and Die in LA. These films all have elements that inspire me as I dissect the pages of SSK.”

Thanks for checking out my interview with Justin Sulham for Spring Steel Killer! Make sure you subscribe for more reviews, lists, and interviews.