DRAGN Interview: Peter Webber, James Paxton + Franz Drameh Talk AI Horror and Practical Effects

Peter Webber, James Paxton and Franz Drameh recently sat down with The Fan Carpet to discuss DRAGN, the low-budget, fast-paced sci-fi thriller inspired by AI, military drone warfare and classic 1980s creature features. The film follows American everyman Tom Wilson as a corporate retreat in rural Serbia descends into chaos when an experimental military AI drone begins hunting its creators through the forest. Drawing inspiration from vintage video games, VHS horror, practical effects and contemporary anxieties surrounding artificial intelligence and surveillance, DRAGN aims to entertain audiences first and foremost while delivering what director Peter Webber describes as "nasty fun." The trio discussed the film's origins, practical effects, the importance of entertainment and what they hope audiences take away from the experience. 00:00 Intro 01:01 What is DRAGN and what attracted the team to the project? 03:14 James Paxton on joining the film 04:28 Franz Drameh on horror, AI and coming aboard late 06:30 What storytelling means to them at this stage of their careers 08:42 Franz Drameh on entertaining audiences 09:41 James Paxton on creativity and collaboration 11:42 Why films need to take risks 11:54 Peter Webber on Blade Runner and finding an audience 13:02 Practical effects and the physical DRAGN creature 15:26 Why actors prefer practical creatures over CGI 16:45 James Paxton versus the DRAGN 17:46 What do they hope audiences take away from the film? 19:15 Could there be a sequel? 21:00 Outro #DRAGN