An Interview with the Writer of Lizzie

by Stefani Koorey

First published in Winter, 2009, Volume 6, Issue 3, The Hatchet: Journal of Lizzie Borden Studies.

A new film about the Lizzie Borden case is in post-production, with principal shooting completed. 

It is a psychological thriller that tells the tale of one Lizzie Allen, a modern-day woman who is suffering from childhood amnesia. Her father, whom she has no memory of, dies and leaves her his house. She believes that this will be an opportunity to start anew. 

She not only gets glimpses into her childhood but clues to what transpired in 1892 in the Borden household are revealed.

The film follows Lizzie’s journey as she tries to tell the difference between the two realities and arrive at some sort of sanity.

Actor/writer/producer Leif Holt is currently living in Hollywood, and making great progress in the Industry. As an actor, Leif has appeared on General Hospital, Days of Our Lives, In Enemy Hands with William H. Macy, and 10 other independent films, in addition to commercials, voice-overs and other projects. He credits his 4-year intensive study at the reputable Beverly Hills Playhouse for his success as an actor. 

Most recently, Leif wrote, produced, and starred in Lizzie, a psychological horror/thriller based on the Lizzie Borden murders. His second full-length feature as a producer is 5.4 A Love Story, which is also a psychological horror/thriller.  

A complete list of Leif’s work can be found on IMBD.com.

How and when did you become interested in the Borden murders of 1892? Was it the story, the people, the era, or the unsolved nature of the crimes?

I have always been intrigued by the story of Lizzie Borden as early as I can remember. Everything about the murders, trial, and aftermath is exciting and nothing like any other historical murders.

What is your film “Lizzie” about? How are you approaching the story? Do you offer some “solution” to the crimes?

Lizzie is a combination of a modern-day haunting and the events of what happened back in 1892. We have melded, if you will, the ghosts and spirits of Fall River with the story of a modern family struggling to live the life that they have built. In doing so, we reveal some accounts of what really happened in 1892 that has never been told or even speculated about.

How true is your tale to the real account? Who is your main protagonist?

Our account is born out of facts that have been passed down from generation to generation of our award-winning director, David Dunn. These facts, where were recently divulged to Mr. Dunn, led to the incredible journey that we have gone through to make Lizzie and, in the end, reveal the truth about Lizzie Borden.

I see you are not only the producer, but the co-star and the writer. In what ways was it challenging to wear so many hats? 

I think I speak with many of us that were the key personnel in producing this film when I say “I don’t know how we did it but we made it happen.” The obstacles that we overcame were tremendous and it took a super human effort to prevail. Something or “someone” was definitely trying to prevent this film from being made.

You have some “names” in the movie (Corbin Bernson and Gary Busey). What drew them to this project?

I can’t speak for Mr. Bernson or Mr. Busey whose agreement to work with us on Lizzie has really helped fulfill our dreams of what this project could be, but I can speculate that they enjoyed the script, were satisfied with our professionalism and ability to produce, and, most importantly, attracted to revealing the truth of this infamous historical murder.

I think you told me this was a two-year project. What kind of challenges have you had in writing and filming this movie?

I have been an actor for almost 10 years with varied success along the way. I have never been a writer and have never had the urge to write. But the job fell into my lap when I was approached by Mr. Dunn with his discovery. I did not expect the story to come together like it did and we all were very happy with the outcome. Not having had any training in story development and expression, I had to lean more on my acting experience to tell the story in a way that excites and stimulates the audience and moves them mentally and emotionally.

What moviemakers, playwrights, directors, have influenced your work?

I have, in this process, studied horror/thriller films to no end. Some of my favorite films are Nightmare on Elm Street, The Exorcist, Sixth Sense, The Others, Saw and The Orphanage.

How did you get interested in using film to tell stories?

About 10 years ago when I got into acting. At the time I wasn’t really sure why. It is one of the hardest industries to get into and sets you up for major failure, but I did anyway. Later, I discovered how powerful films can be and how they can enhance and let the audience escape the stress and pressure of life.

What are you planning next? What what subject matters interest you?

We as a group of independent filmmakers, (Dark Morgue Pictures, Efish Entertainment) are looking to produce, at the vary least, two more films this year. We may stay on the horror/thriller genre. We are in development for a John Wayne Gacy film at the moment. This all depends on the success of Lizzie and the other feature that we produced this year, 5.4 A Love Story.

Yours appears to be the first full-length production with big name stars since the Elizabeth Montgomery version. Can some comparison be made between the two productions or is your take a completely different genre?

Lizzie is not necessarily a biography type feature but more of a psychological thriller with the Lizzie Borden story combined. This is a very exciting film.

How much research did you do to begin your production, or were the facts secondary to the plot of your film?

This film was about five years in the making. I can’t reveal the facts yet before our release date.

Are you planning a debut release in Fall River or is this exclusively a west cost project?

We would love to do a Fall River debut. But we may need some help from some of our East coast contacts.