From Pandemic Isolation to Silver Screen: Director B.C. Jones Screens Short Horror Film 'The Red Hourglass' at Gardena Cinema
Director B.C. Jones orchestrates a pivotal scene on the set of "The Red Hourglass," filmed almost entirely in his Gardena home during the pandemic.
During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, filmmaker Brad Jones, professionally known as B.C. Jones, found himself confined at home with his pregnant wife. This unique experience inspired his latest short film, “The Red Hourglass," which masterfully blends fantasy and reality to deliver a chilling narrative that blurs the line between fact and fiction.
The film centers on a devout virgin woman who experiences a bizarre encounter with a black widow spider, leading to a mysterious pregnancy. Following the birth, a sinister cult becomes inexplicably drawn to her home, captivated by the newborn.
“Having a baby during the pandemic, plus kind of crazy stuff going on also in the world—like fascism on the rise—made me think about things like indoctrination," Jones said. “So I made a horror movie with that theme in mind."
For his wife, Sally Jones, the experience of filming in their home was both challenging and rewarding. "We had a baby during COVID, so I was pregnant in March 2020," she said. “It was a very lonely time to have a baby."
Lead actress Caroline Quigley portrays a devout virgin woman confronting the mysterious child born after an unsettling encounter with a black widow spider in "‘The Red Hourglass.'
Photos provided by B.C. Jones
Embracing the constraints of the pandemic, Jones transformed his Gardena residence into the primary filming location. “We had to shoot shorter days so my family could come home," he said. “That was very challenging."
Despite initial reservations about shooting in their house, Sally acknowledged her husband's talent and vision.
"Even though I was not exactly thrilled about them shooting in the house, he’s a talented director and it did come together well in the end,” she said. “He has a creative vision and follows it, and it really comes through in his work."
Director B.C. Jones collaborates with actors and cinematographer Michael Schilling during a pivotal scene in ‘The Red Hourglass,' filmed almost entirely in Jones's Gardena home.
Lead actress Caroline Quigley found the filming process both challenging and rewarding.
"“It was just me and the baby, or the 'baby,' so that kind of made it a unique experience as well," she said. “So much of a performance can come with acting with somebody—with this, it’s me alone almost the entire film."
Portraying a character in such turmoil required Quigley to delve deep into her emotions.
“The more difficult thing was it’s such a grueling story for the character," she said. “She’s torn internally and externally, so I really gave myself permission to go there emotionally."
Producer Amanda Sweikow, who has collaborated with Jones on previous projects, praised his organizational skills and creative vision.
“Brad is super organized and efficient and has a great way of keeping everyone on track but also having a lot of fun," she said. “It's a great combination."
Jones credits the film's extraordinary visuals to the dedication of a small team of filmmakers, actors, and horror enthusiasts, including Director of Photography Michael Schilling.
Sweikow also commended the film's artistic elements.
“It's beautiful," she said. “While it's really disturbing and messed up, it's also beautiful and very artistic in that way. I think it deserves all the praise it's getting."
“The Red Hourglass" has received positive feedback, winning Best Horror Film at the Oregon Screams Horror Film Festival and screening at events like HorrorHound and Nightmares Film Festival.
Jones expressed gratitude for the reception. “I've gotten a lot of great feedback," he said. “People seem to dig it for sure."
"I think they have done such an outstanding job," Quigley said. "The shots are so cool, and the way they told it is really captivating."
"The Red Hourglass" marks Brad Jones' latest venture into filmmaking. His previous works include writing and directing “Dada," “Write of Passage," and “Sister of No Mercy."
“You just formulate it and envision it," he said. “The whole thing was envisioned from top to bottom."
In addition to his filmmaking endeavors, Jones hosts a monthly podcast titled “My Dad's Video Store." The podcast explores obscure VHS titles from the '70s, '80s, and '90s, delving into the wild world of forgotten cinema. “Together, we are going to discover the weirdest, campiest, craziest films you’ve probably never heard of...inside My Dad’s Video Store," the podcast description reads.
The screening at Gardena Cinema offers a chance for local audiences to experience this South Bay-produced film firsthand. Doors open at 7:30 PM, and tickets are $15.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Gardena Cinema's official website.
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