Before "Stephen King's Children of the Corn" there was "Disciples of the Crow"

As "Stephen King's Children of the Corn" hit theaters and frightened moviegoers everywhere in 1984, many probably didn't realize that Burt and Vicky had taken this trip before! Released in 1983, "Disciples of the Crow" was a short, small budget student film directed by John Woodward and was to be one of the first so-called "Dollar Babies" that Mr. King allowed to be made of his short-stories by student filmmakers. Starring Gabriel Folse as "Burt" and Eleese Lester as "Vicky", the film centered around a boy named Billy and instead of Gatlin, Nebraska, the name of the town was changed to Jonah, Oklahoma. For those of you who have never seen it or don't remember it, here it is as we have included it here in both parts for your convenient viewing.

Read Mark Morton's Children of the Corn (2009) and 25th Anniversary Limited Edition CD Review

Hot on the heels of Jonathan Elias' cd releases for his music to the SyFy Channel 2009 version and the new 25th anniversary (FINALLY!!!) limited edition cd of his original 1984 classic score, Soundtracks Examiner Mark Morton has released a great review on both in an article entitled - "Haunted Halloween Harmony: Children of the Corn soundtrack by Jonathan Elias". As part of his "Halloween Harmony" series, Mark discusses these two new releases, one of which fans have been clammoring to get their hands on for years! To read Mark's variety of soundtrack reviews, head over to www.examiner.com/x-12873-Soundtracks-Examiner or click here to go directly to his Children of the Corn article.

SyFy Channel's Children of the Corn Uncut, Uncensored DVD Winners Picked

Hey everyone! Just wanted to send out a quick note to let everyone know that the winners have been picked and notified for the SyFy Channel Children of the Corn Uncut and Uncensored DVD Giveaway! We sure had a great response from Children of the Corn fans this time around. We will post the winners names as soon as we get a chance. Thanks to all who entered and stay tuned to ChildrenoftheCornMovie.com for more contests on the way!

"You Have The Gift of Sight...." The Drawings of Judeanne Winter Wiley

"It happened everywhere in Gatlin that day. That's when Sarah started drawing these pictures...."

If you are a fan of Children of the Corn, then you definitely remember this line as it gave light to the horror that was unfolding in the rural, midwest town of Gatlin, Nebraska. As the town's future was foretold by a child's artisitic hand, what many may not know is that the drawings were, in fact, not drawn by a "child" at all. In actuality, the creative task of creating Sarah's visions was given to illustrator Judeanne Winter Wiley. We recently caught up with Judeanne who took the time to talk with us about Stephen King, daytime drawing and surprising friends.

COTCM - Before we begin, we would like to thank you Judeanne for taking the time talking with us and the fans about your involvement and insights into the production and creation of the original, 1984 classic film, Children of the Corn. It is a pleasure and very much appreciated!

JWW - You are welcome.

COTCM - By 1984, Stephen King was becoming a household name as his novels and movie adaptations like The Shining, Christine, and Carrie were already very well received and known. When did you develop an interest in art illustrations and how did you first become familiar with a girl named Sarah, cornfields and a little town in Nebraska?

JWW - I have been drawing since I could hold a crayon. I became familiar with Sarah and the cornfields when I was asked to make Sarah's drawings.

COTCM - To make the audience believe these were the drawings of a little girl, they had to be simple yet they were crucial to the storytelling and had to be recognizable. How did you prepare yourself to draw with the child-like qualities that were required and was a certain look needed for them that the producer and director felt could not be accomplished by an actual child?

JWW - I did some drawing with my left hand to make it appear as if someone younger created them. Even at this age it is easy to remember how I felt about many things as a young girl. Sarah's drawings were my first job as an illustrator. I thought it was ironic that after years of art school, my first job was to draw like I did as a child.

COTCM - As three years pass for Job and Sarah, through her pictures we are able to witness what transpired after the cafe incident as Isaac took full control of the children of Gatlin. Were these scenes depicted in the actual script for you to work from or was it through verbal discussion with the director that these "unfilmed ideas" took shape?

JWW - I remember speaking with the film's Art Director more than anyone else about the look of Sarah's drawings.

COTCM - Early on, we see that Sarah has "The Gift of Sight" as her drawings predict the events that have unfolded in the town of Gatlin thus giving the audience their own sight into what came to be. Did you and AnneMarie McEvoy (Sarah) meet prior to filming and also, was the role of Sarah explained in detail to you since you were actually a part of the character too?

JWW - I have never met AnneMarie McEvoy but I did read the movie script and the part of Sarah was explained to me.

COTCM - Storyboard artists usually produce multiple art panels that give the movie makers a visual tool to work from and to see how each scene will work. Did you start with sketches first to give the director an idea of how your interpretations would look or was the first drafts basically what we see on film?

JWW - I met with the Art Director, he described his vision of what Sarah's art should be and then I got to work on the drawings.

COTCM - Throughout the production of a film, many people are needed in specific areas to bring together the overall final product that the audience will see on the screen. Being your first job as an illustrator, was it exciting to be working on something as big as a major motion picture?

JWW - It was very exciting. It's always fun to be on a movie set. I would go in and meet with the art director and the producer, but I did do the illustrations at home in my studio.

COTCM - The Hansen's Cafe Massacre drawing is absolutely stunning and depicts the grisly scene as nothing less than "An Adult Nightmare." During your initial meeting, was it made clear by the director whether they would be crayon-based or was it a decision that was left up to you entirely as an artist? Also, was the presence of full color discussed as being an absolute definite?

JWW - I believe they wanted crayon from the start. I knew it would be in color from the onset.

COTCM - From looking at the characters, we notice that two of them have the absence of color as they are drawn completely black. Was this a subtle way to show there was a connection between Isaac and He Who Walks Behind The Rows?

JWW - Yes, I was instructed to draw these characters in black because of Isaac's connection to He Who Walks Behind The Rows.

COTCM - The drawings, because of the necessary relationship and interaction with the character of Sarah, were essential to the story. Were you given an approximate allotted time frame to have them completed and what was the total number of drawings you were commissioned to do for the film?

JWW - There was a time frame for the completion of the art work because it had to be done before filming started.

I have absolutely no idea how many drawings I did.

COTCM - As actors have a stunt double to perform for them when calling for dangerous scenes, many key prop items that are essential to the movie storyline are sometimes duplicated in case of accidents. Was it required that you make an approximate second drawing to resemble the originals in case something happened to them?

JWW - I don't remember making duplicates but that doesn't mean I didn't.

COTCM - Since it's release in 1984, Stephen King's Children of the Corn has been released many times on vhs, laserdisc and dvd formats. What are your memories of the first time you saw it in a theater and what was it like seeing your drawings "super-sized", especially in the opening credit montage?

JWW - I enjoyed seeing my artwork "super-sized". It's always exciting to see your work produced and out in public for the rest of the world to see.

COTCM - In the movie, as Burt (Peter Horton) ventures through the deserted town, he stops inside the "Town Hall" building where he picks up a drawing of a fire-breathing dragon. Was this one of your original pieces and if it was, what was the idea and inspiration for it? Also, how did your drawing technique differ as compared to that for the Sarah drawings?

JWW - Yes. It was intended to depict the horror in the cornfield.

COTCM - Although the drawings have an innocent quality about them, the smiles on the children's faces send chills down your spine. That's what makes them so horrifying! Does the movie ever come up in conversation and what are people's reactions when they find out you gave Sarah her "Sight"?

JWW - It had been a long time since I mentioned Sarah's drawings to anyone. So, the other night at a party I did. My friends were surprised. I had not seen the film in the last fifteen years so I watched it again with a couple of friends, Yvonne and Alex. We had a great time watching it. We all enjoyed it.

COTCM - As the drawings were completed, an approximate number of 18 different pieces of artwork appeared on screen. As the biggest number of them were shown in the opening credits of the movie, did any of the drawings you created for the film end up "on-the-cutting-room-floor" so to speak?

JWW - Lots of drawings ended up being redone and I'm not certain all were used in the film.

COTCM - If Burt would have known the history of Gatlin, he could have recounted the events when he saw a collection of drawings hanging on the wall as he and Vicky searched the house of Job and Sarah. The house itself was actually filmed in two different locations in Iowa as the exterior was in the town of Hornick and the interior used was a house in Sioux City. Were you available to visit any of the "On Set" locations as production was filmed there?

JWW - I did not go on location. I have never been to Sioux City or Hornick. I am considering a road trip next year with my ten-year-old son. Hopefully, when we drive through the midwest we won't end up in Gatlin!

COTCM - Throughout the movie, Sarah's drawings begin with the cafe massacre and carry on to predict the coming of the interlopers. Were any of the drawings more interesting to draw than others or, in other words, more creatively challenging?

JWW - I enjoyed working on all of the drawings. The creative challenge was to keep the naive feeling in all of the drawings and to never let them look "polished." I did make a point to work on the drawings during the day. It was just too creepy to work on them at night.

COTCM - Since Children of the Corn, you have worked as title graphics designer on the documentary film A League of Their Own, as well as illustrator on the book The Tree Of Life: The Wonders Of Evolution with author Ellen Jackson. Judeanne, what are the differences between working on visuals for the screen as compared to pictures for the reader and also, what projects have kept you busy since?

JWW - Most of the work I've done for the screen has been for print ads. Artwork for books is done larger and then reduced to give it a crisper, tighter look.

From 1984 until 2000, I worked as a freelance graphic artist and illustrator for commercial and editorial projects. I have almost completed my middle grade novel, but it's my ten-year-old son who keeps me busiest.

COTCM - It's been twenty-five years since Job, Sarah and a cornfield of children graced the screen and the names "Isaac" and "Malachai" were forever thrust into cinematic horror history. Since then, the film itself has seemed to have grown to "Cult Classic" status and has recently sparked a Sci-Fi Channel remake by original COTC producer, Donald Borchers. In retrospect, what are your thoughts on the 25th anniversary of the movie and did you ever think when you started on the drawings that your work would become so well known and remembered as fans still go out to buy this film after all these years?

JWW - I was totally unaware of the "Cult Classic" status. I think the people are Stephen King fans, not Judeanne fans. I also believe Stephen King is a great writer and deserves greater critical acclaim.

COTCM - As the anniversary brings new fans and a highly anticipated blu-ray release of the original film, we have a question that has been on our minds. After filming, what became of the drawings, were you able to keep any of them and were you given anything from the production?

JWW - I do not have any of the drawings. The producer would know more about the whereabouts of the original artwork than I do.

COTCM - Judeanne, thank you for this amazing interview and giving us a look into the making of "The Drawings of Sarah". I'm sure fans will agree that, along with the great performances, your outstanding drawings helped catapult the film as one of the most memorable and terrifying movies to ever come out of the cornfields of the horror genre!

JWW - You are welcome.

We would like to personally thank Judeanne again for her time answering our questions to give us her views on what it was like being involved in creating this classic film with her unforgettable drawings of Isaac, He Who Walks Behind The Rows, and the little town of Gatlin. Twenty-five years later, these illustrations still have the same effect as when we first met Sarah and her "Gift of Sight".

The Americanvirus Picture Series Continues With - Locks

Well Outlanders, it is time for another entry in Jonas Marlowe Seaman's Americanvirus Picture Series. Every month, you can always be sure to see something new and creative from Jonas and this month is no exception as we are pleased to bring you - Locks. And don't forget, you can view more of Jonas' work at his Americanvirus.com website and as always, you can also follow Americanvirus on Flickr.

Time For Another Contest From ChildrenoftheCornMovie.com and Anchor Bay Entertainment!

On October 6th, Anchor Bay Entertainment will be releasing the SyFy Channel "re-harvesting" of Stephen King's Children of the Corn on dvd. The movie, which premiered on Saturday, September 26th, will be available in an uncensored, uncut version that you couldn't see on television. And if you missed out on catching the broadcast, here's your chance! Starting today, you can win a copy of the SyFy/Anchor Bay release. All you have to do is send in your name and mailing address to - contests@childrenofthecornmovie.com with the subject line - DVD Contest and you're entered! And guess what? Anchor Bay has graciously given us not one, not five, but TEN copies to giveaway this time around! Next Friday, October 9th, is the deadline for entries so send in those emails! If you have yet to catch a glimpse, here is the official dvd trailer to view. Good Luck Outlanders!

ChildrenoftheCornMovie.com mentioned in Quad-Cities Online Article

Recently, we were asked to contribute a comment to the Quad-Cities Online website that covers news in and around the Quad-City area in Iowa. The article, which centers around the SyFy Channel version of Children of the Corn that premiered last Saturday, discusses the filming in the Iowa areas of Bettendorf, Davenport, LeClaire and Lost Nation and talks with ChildrenoftheCornMovie.com, film consultant Doug Miller, and centers around Donovan and Charlie Klutho who played two of the children from Gatlin in the new "re-harvesting" of Stephen King's classic short story.

The article is now online for viewing and you can see it here or by clicking on the logo above.

"The Children of Gatlin" - 25 Years Later The Anniversary Interview Series

It was 1984. Ronald Reagan was president, Van Halen made us "Jump", and we made our way into theaters to witness a small town in Nebraska overrun by a religious leader and his group of community children followers. That movie was, of course, Stephen King's Children of the Corn. And as this year marks the twenty-five year anniversary that this milestone in horror was released, we wondered "What was it like on the set for the Iowa-extras that rounded out the children population of Gatlin?" So after much searching through the cornfields and tracking them down, we were pleased to get in touch recently with Russ Roach who played one of the Gatlin-natives led by Isaac. So Outlanders, here it is. After months of planning we give you, the fans, "The Children of Gatlin" - 25 Years Later.


COTCM - Before "Field of Dreams", Iowa was chosen to host another feature about a cornfield with a voice of it's own. Although the story was depicted and set in the state of Nebraska, Iowa had just the right qualities to make it work. Do you remember the excitement surrounding the fact that a major motion picture was to be filmed in your town?

RR - I can't say that when I was auditioning that I knew what the movie was about. But at the auditions, there was a lot of excitment about trying out.

COTCM - As characters like Isaac, Malachai, Vicky and Burt were needed to make the story believable, the "Children" were essential in making the story work. Did your parents encourage you to be in the film or was it something that was initially pursued and suggested by you?

RR - I had a part in a few plays at the community theater and they recommended everyone should try out. At ten years old, I was up for anything.

COTCM - Once the cast was hired, production was ready to begin on Stephen King's Children of the Corn. As far as filming goes, did they release you from school to shoot your scenes or did it revolve around summer break?

RR - Filming started while school was in session. I can remember missing about two weeks of school.

COTCM - For actors, anything can exist while filming including script re-writes, shooting delays, multiple takes and additional camera angles. Thinking back, what was the schedule like for you on a day of filming? Was it hard to get some much needed sleep the night before?

RR - As a child and only an extra, it seemed like we waited around a lot and the filming went pretty smooth.

COTCM - Although Children of The Corn held an array of accomplished actors, for some, it was their first film role. Were you aware of who the lead actors were as they arrived in Iowa and filming began?

RR - Definitely Linda Hamilton was someone I knew about and some of the other actors just seemed familiar.

COTCM - From what we understand, the weather went from hot to very cold temperatures by the end of production. Did this make it difficult for the director, crew or actors to complete specific scenes as the key sequences of the movie take place in the cornfield?

RR - I guess at my age I didn't notice those things. I can remember specific moments like when they blew up the cornfield.

COTCM - It took a lot of kids to complete the look of Isaac's students-turned-followers who abruptly trimmed down the adult population in the quiet midwestern town of Gatlin. Did director Fritz Kiersch give you much input as to what your motivation should be and also, did he address his direction to all the kids as a group or individually?

RR - I can remember being directed as a group for the most part. Only in one scene I was given a little extra advice.

COTCM - Since filming, it seems the "Children of Gatlin" have spread out all over the country. Over the years, have you stayed in touch with any of the Iowa extras or kept in contact with the principal actors?

RR - Most of the kids I knew were from the community theater and a lot older so not really.

COTCM - One of the big events called for a huge fireball in the sky as "He Who Walks Behind The Rows" is perceived to be destroyed in the final minutes of the movie. Were you able to witness the making and completion of any of the behind-the-scenes effects as they were being created? For you as a kid, being on a movie set must have been exciting!

RR - I can remember staying up pretty late to see the explosion. It was pretty awesome.

COTCM - While Hollywood had it's big premiere, Sioux City had an opening night of it's own. Did you get a chance to see it in a theater when it opened in March of 1984 and was seeing yourself on the screen something that will always be etched into your memory? I'm sure that night was the talk of your school the next day!

RR - It was very exciting to go to the Sioux City premiere. I was really only in a few scenes as an extra, but it nice too see many faces I was familiar with on the big screen.

COTCM - From the cafe massacre to the overthrow of Isaac's reign, Iowa locals can be seen giving their performances, enthusiastically with style and talent. Russ, could you tell us which scenes you were involved in, what it was like filming them and what was your favorite part about helping create a town called Gatlin?

RR - I can remember being in the scene with the blue man in the cornfield, in the beginning and the one with Linda being lifted on to the cross. Also, the scene in the church where Amos is getting himself ready for He Who Walks Behind The Rows and last, in the barn before they go out to the cornfield.

COTCM - Over the years, this film has grown and cut it's way into the genre of horror with a cast of superb actors and an intense screenplay. Now, it has been twenty-five years since horror fans first heard the famous "Outlander!" line and with that, made it's mark in pop culture. With the anniversary and a SyFy Channel remake on the way, why do you think the popularity of the movie continues to grow and still brings the audiences, young and old alike, back to the cornfield?

RR - I would hope it's the ability of the viewer to see movie for what it is. A bit of Americana with a hint of one's yearning thoughts of rebellion mixed with sheer horror.

COTCM - Russ, thanks for giving us and the readers an interesting look into the making of a movie that over the years, undeniably put the "Nicest Little Town in Nebraska" on the road map of horror!

RR - Thanks. I hope what little memories I have are benificial for you and your readers.

A big "Thank You" goes out again to Russ for sharing his memories about filming a movie that made kids in the midwest, to this day, frightened beyond imagination. And stay tuned for the next interview in "The Children of Gatlin" - 25 Years Later anniversary series coming soon from ChildrenoftheCornMovie.com!