Since we last checked in with KitSplitter and filmmaker Kansas Bowling a lot has changed, but her determination to create hasn’t. At 17 she was writing and directing Troma’s B.C. Butcher, a full-length prehistoric slasher film. Since then she’s finished another feature, shot about 2 dozen music videos and even had a cameo in Quentin Tarantino’s recent Once Upon a Time In Hollywood.
We got in touch with Kansas again recently to talk about life, work and gear.
Tell us a little about your work and background. We covered it a little here but would love to hear how you’d summarize it today!
I am a filmmaker who writes, directs, edits, and shoots 16mm film! I’ve just completed my second feature and have directed over two dozen music videos and I am about to release some of my first shorts as well!
You were just in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood!!!! Tell us about that…how did it happen? Walk us through the process!
To summarize it all – I completely manifested it! There’s a long version of the story too but I’ll just say this for now – I couldn’t have done it without the actual Phil Spector’s help!
What was it like working with Tarantino?
It was an actual dream come true…putting aside the fact he was one of first crushes (I was 11), his sets are super fun and really easy. He’s very passionate and it resonates through everyone involved!
Was this your first time working on such a big set? What was that like?
I’ve worked on big sets like that and have been involved in productions with one or two people on the crew and they’re all fun to me. I just like to be involved in things I believe in and am passionate about and this was definitely one of them.
Any favorite crazy stories from your years on set?
I just recently directed a video where I needed a sheep and instead of paying thousands of dollars for an animal wrangler, I bought one from a slaughter house for $150 and then gave it to an animal sanctuary when we were done. The thing was though, the time between adopting it and shooting it had to live in my house. That was crazy.
What else have you been working on lately?
I just finished my second feature so I’m working on the final edit of it! The second it’s done I’m beginning my third!
Tell us about another recent project you were excited about. What was your role in this project?
My friend Tori Pope (who is my favorite short film director in the world!) recently directed a short Sugar Off the Button and I shot it on 16mm. It was the first project that I shot that wasn’t my own. It just came out a couple weeks ago and is screening at the Topanga Film Festival this month!
What’s your favorite piece of gear and why?
My Aaton LTR. And my Angenuiex 12-120mm lens. They’re perfect. They make things look exactly how I want them to always!
Who are your favorite filmmakers?
Russ Meyer, Orson Welles, Andy Warhol, Lucio Fulci, Roger Vadim, Ingmar Bergman
What’s the best piece of advice you got when starting out?
Herschell Gordon Lewis told me to always add more blood. (RIP my hero)
What advice would you offer to other folks just starting out?
Don’t listen to anyone and do whatever you want.
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