SAW VI Producer Mark Burg and Co-Writer Marcus Dunstan talk SAW 7 3D and SAW 8

by Sara Wayland    Posted:October 14th, 2009 at 5:45 pm


Saw movie slice.jpg

Since the first installment’s surprise hit at the box office in 2004, there has been a new Saw film in theaters every Halloween. While the release of Saw 6 is still over a week away (opening in theaters on October 23rd), producer Mark Burg and co-writer Marcus Dunstan are already well underway with Saw 7, which they will be debuting in 3-D.

During the film’s press day, held at Universal Studios, which is currently hosting the Saw maze as part of their Halloween Horror Nights festivities (running through October 31st), Mark Burg revealed that they have the storyline figured out through Saw 8, but then the franchise’s future beyond that is undetermined. Read more after the jump:

Saw VI Saw 6 movie poster (1).jpgQuestion: As the Saw series goes on, do you want to get further out of those rooms with the traps and explore the broader implications of the character?

Dunstan: We are, already well underway into Saw 7. Often, with these movies, the marketing for the present movie leads to what the sequel after that is, in a lot of aspects. I think we’re doing that now. These movies are very serialized, which helps make it different from a lot of the horror franchises, where it’s just a one-off and it’s like, “Okay, now we’re back in the haunted house again. How are these people going to get out?” This is much more serialized, with these questions that continue on.

So, at the end of Saw 6, you get a real clear understanding of what John Kramer’s (Tobin Bell) overall plan was and, in turn, what Hoffman’s (Costas Mandylor) plan was ’cause they, of course, differ. Hoffman is someone that we introduced in Saw 5, with a very different philosophy from Kramer. So, slowly throughout Saw 6, we are pulling out of those rooms a little bit more, and we’re definitely seeing the social implications of this iconic killer. That would be a big, huge deal, if that was happening in real life, and we try to keep these films as realistic as possible, so you definitely see that in Saw 6 quite a bit.

I think that’s just how the series has evolved. It started in a tiny little room, and we just heard about this guy. And, by Saw 6, we will see the implication that it has on the people around it, and it is leading towards how this would affect other people, who aren’t necessarily in the traps, or who aren’t necessarily morally corrupted. I think that’s where it will naturally lead.

Is the budget still staying at about $10 million?

Burg: Yeah. The first film was $1 million. The second film was $4 million and change. Since then, depending on the dollar fluctuation, they’ve all cost between $10 million and $11 million.

Any plans to go 3-D, in the future?

Saw VI Saw 6 movie poster (2).jpgBurg: For Saw 7. It’s 3-D. Absolutely.

Will that still stay within the same budget?

Burg: No. 3-D costs more money. It’s a longer prep, a longer shoot, a longer post, more expensive cameras. It costs more to shoot and it costs more to market ’cause you have to buy the glasses. It’s an extra $2 million in marketing, just because you have to buy the glasses. But, it’s worth it. I think Saw itself, just the way the films are shot, lends itself to being a 3-D movie.

We saw a test that somebody did, that was a minute of Saw, that they just transferred from 2-D to 3-D, and it looked great. So, we were like, “All right, screw it. Let’s do it!” But, we’re not going to transfer it. We’re actually shooting it in 3-D. A lot of people just do the 2-D to 3-D transfer, but we want to be able to build the sets in a way that takes advantage of depth. We’re going to design traps to come at you. The pendulum trap that opened the last Saw movie would have been great in 3-D.

Have you determined what way the 3-D will be used? Will it be more about the depth of the film, or will you use it similarly to My Bloody Valentine 3-D?

Burg: We’re planning a lot of the movie to be through the victim’s eyes, seeing stuff as it’s coming towards them, in their point-of-view. But, I think the audience wants a couple My Bloody Valentine type moments, where the gun comes into the audience.

Saw VI Saw 6 movie poster (3).jpgNow that Saw 4 and 5 really cemented the idea that this is a series that is going to thrive, live and drive forward off of the flashbacks and the inter-connectivity of everything, how far in advance do you get to plan?

Dunstan: When (co-writer) Patrick [Melton] and I had an opportunity to work in this series, (producers) Mark [Burg], Oren [Koules], Jason Constantine and Peter Block had an end-game in mind and that is there. Piece by piece, if we’re so fortunate as to continue telling the story, there is a way to get there.

Burg: We’re definitely making Saw 7. We’re starting in January, and it’s going to be in 3-D. The storyline that we started in Saw 5 and carry through Saw 6, ends at Saw 8. Where it goes beyond that, I couldn’t tell you. In my mind and in Oren’s mind, we have the story threaded through Saw 8. After that, I can’t tell you that the franchise will continue.

Dunstan: That helps when writing, though. Even if it’s a small detail, you know that this element has to happen in Saw 7 and this has to happen in Saw 8, so that we know we’re getting up to that point. But, that isn’t to say that there isn’t definitely a clear resolution at the end of each story because there is, especially with Saw 6. Once you see Saw 6, you’ll understand how it’s supposed to end, and then, oops, something else happens and that will lead somewhere.

Burg: Saw 6 has a great twist. You’re going to look at the film and be like, “Fuck, they got me again! How did I not see this coming?”







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104 Comments

User Comments (104 Responses)
  1. jack @

    I can’t wait to see saw 7 I think it will mostly be about hoffman getting revenge on jill or something. They are gonna start in January but i’ve looked online everywhere for the casting call but never found it.

  2. jack @

    I can’t wait to see saw 7 I think it will mostly be about hoffman getting revenge on jill or something. They are gonna start in January but i’ve looked online everywhere for the casting call but never found it.

  3. jack @

    I can’t wait to see saw 7 I think it will mostly be about hoffman getting revenge on jill or something. They are gonna start in January but i’ve looked online everywhere for the casting call but never found it.

  4. Samantha @

    OMG R U KIDDING ME!! sweet saw 6 is out in cinamas and there gonna be a 7 and 8!!! keep on comming with the grossem ! i got every singile movie , PLEASE KEEP ON GOING UNTILL IM 21

  5. Samantha @

    OMG R U KIDDING ME!! sweet saw 6 is out in cinamas and there gonna be a 7 and 8!!! keep on comming with the grossem ! i got every singile movie , PLEASE KEEP ON GOING UNTILL IM 21

  6. Samantha @

    OMG R U KIDDING ME!! sweet saw 6 is out in cinamas and there gonna be a 7 and 8!!! keep on comming with the grossem ! i got every singile movie , PLEASE KEEP ON GOING UNTILL IM 21

  7. James @

    Electro_Nomicon wrote a song for SAW 7. It is called SAWTOOTH. They are releasing it Jan 1st. They look similar to KISS and sound very original with a hint of Megadeth crashing into Alice n Chains. Legendary Producer Beau Hill just finished the mix for Electro_Nomicon. The director for ROB HALFORDS videos is editing their 4 th video “SAWTOOTH. You should contact them or me for more info. This tune is perfect for Saw 7. See them at http://www.myspace.com/dreamensemble Thanks, James

  8. James @

    Electro_Nomicon wrote a song for SAW 7. It is called SAWTOOTH. They are releasing it Jan 1st. They look similar to KISS and sound very original with a hint of Megadeth crashing into Alice n Chains. Legendary Producer Beau Hill just finished the mix for Electro_Nomicon. The director for ROB HALFORDS videos is editing their 4 th video “SAWTOOTH. You should contact them or me for more info. This tune is perfect for Saw 7. See them at http://www.myspace.com/dreamensemble Thanks, James

  9. James @

    Electro_Nomicon wrote a song for SAW 7. It is called SAWTOOTH. They are releasing it Jan 1st. They look similar to KISS and sound very original with a hint of Megadeth crashing into Alice n Chains. Legendary Producer Beau Hill just finished the mix for Electro_Nomicon. The director for ROB HALFORDS videos is editing their 4 th video “SAWTOOTH. You should contact them or me for more info. This tune is perfect for Saw 7. See them at http://www.myspace.com/dreamensemble Thanks, James

  10. Josh @

    To all u guys who say that saw has been worse ever since 3 then ur completely fucking wrong it isa great storyline and they are great movies if u dont like them then dont watch em so all u haters just STFU

  11. Josh @

    To all u guys who say that saw has been worse ever since 3 then ur completely fucking wrong it isa great storyline and they are great movies if u dont like them then dont watch em so all u haters just STFU

  12. Josh @

    To all u guys who say that saw has been worse ever since 3 then ur completely fucking wrong it isa great storyline and they are great movies if u dont like them then dont watch em so all u haters just STFU

  13. Emily @

    Now now, haters. Saw is one of the best horror movies of all time for me. I saw the first one when I was what, 10? I thought, fab, another shitty film, that’s just about the gore. That’s fine if you’re squemish, but I’ve always had a strong stomach and to be frank, gory films were just boring. But when I watched saw, as hard as it may be for you to believe that a 10 year old girl could understand something so complex, I did. Like no other film, it wasn’t just about ripping guts out, it had a story that left me dying for more. I think most horror films lack this, so you’ve gotta give it some credit. The directors are seriously messed up, but that makes it good. Bring on Saw 8! Or possibly, Saw 10? I love the franchise, and I honestly don’t give a fuck if you think it’s too many films. What a crap reason to end the greatest horror of the decade!

  14. Emily @

    Now now, haters. Saw is one of the best horror movies of all time for me. I saw the first one when I was what, 10? I thought, fab, another shitty film, that’s just about the gore. That’s fine if you’re squemish, but I’ve always had a strong stomach and to be frank, gory films were just boring. But when I watched saw, as hard as it may be for you to believe that a 10 year old girl could understand something so complex, I did. Like no other film, it wasn’t just about ripping guts out, it had a story that left me dying for more. I think most horror films lack this, so you’ve gotta give it some credit. The directors are seriously messed up, but that makes it good. Bring on Saw 8! Or possibly, Saw 10? I love the franchise, and I honestly don’t give a fuck if you think it’s too many films. What a crap reason to end the greatest horror of the decade!

  15. Emily @

    Now now, haters. Saw is one of the best horror movies of all time for me. I saw the first one when I was what, 10? I thought, fab, another shitty film, that’s just about the gore. That’s fine if you’re squemish, but I’ve always had a strong stomach and to be frank, gory films were just boring. But when I watched saw, as hard as it may be for you to believe that a 10 year old girl could understand something so complex, I did. Like no other film, it wasn’t just about ripping guts out, it had a story that left me dying for more. I think most horror films lack this, so you’ve gotta give it some credit. The directors are seriously messed up, but that makes it good. Bring on Saw 8! Or possibly, Saw 10? I love the franchise, and I honestly don’t give a fuck if you think it’s too many films. What a crap reason to end the greatest horror of the decade!

  16. sryanb @

    SAW movies rule. I am a music fanatic and read the above posts. I agree SAW 7 should have the band ELECTRO_NOMICON on the soundtrack. That new tune they wrote for the movie is killer. SAWTOOTH. Plus their image is totally SAW. Mark Burg could always use Electro_Nomicon as characters in the film too. That would be SIK. They just look the part .S Ryan B

  17. Robert @

    Dude, I just went to Electro_Nomicons myspace and heard the song SAWTOOTH. Bad arse for shizzle. I hope it makes the soundtrack for SAW 7. Where has this band been all my life. Totally SAW music. robert

  18. Robert Hinjos @

    i went to the http://www.myspace.com/dreamensemble site like you said. I must say ElectroNomicon would be a great addition to the Saw soundtracks. They sound cool and look great. Robert Hinjos

  19. Robert Hinjos @

    do you think the band ElectroNomicon will be on a SAW game for SAW 7 does anybody know? Robert

  20. Saw addict @

    Saw 6 was fucking awesome! One of the best movies I have ever seen! Please guys continue to make SAW movies they are GENIOUS, INTELLIGENT, ARTFUL AND JUSTIFUL.
    Don't stop at Saw 8! Keep them coming. However if you intend to ruin the next Saw series by changing the way Saw 5 and especially 6 were, you better stop.
    Saw 6 like I said was THE BEST!

  21. William @

    I like your style, SAW ADDICT. Did you follow up on the bands for the SAW 7 Soundtrack. I saw some stuff above about Electro_Nomicon so I visited their myspace. Check it out. I think their sound and image will land them a deal on SAW 7. The myspace addrress looks like it is http://www.myspace.com/dreamensemble SAW movies kick A**. William.

  22. BRennen Mcguire @

    fucken eh ahaha i agreee 100% man the saw franchise is the most amazingest franchise of movies i have ever seeen and they will never get old although i tinhk that number 2 was the worst out of all of them… i tink that its good to drag the plot out because it helps to create a better understanding of the current situation and of who jigsaws new apprentices are ( amanda, and others and now jill after the 6th one). I think that they should continue making the saw franchise 4 ever cause i think that its amazing how they can think of those sick and twisted traps .. it really amazes me!! LOVE YOU guYS!!

    CONTINue making them dont listen to what oters say , they are not forced to watch them so they will have to deal with it and just not watch them .. Easy as that ! <3

  23. RANDOM SAW LoVER! @

    SAW 6 WAS THE AWESOMEST ONE BESIDES #1 because number one was the shocking one where ur like wtf! is that. then u fnd out oh the produceers are sick minded ahah they like thinkingof things like rippinig peopled faces apart and shit !
    so FUCK THAT!!! i think that the best trap was when the fat guy was on the bed and he had to push the 2 buttons but i think that he wouldve died anywasy because when he pressed the last button all his limbs were ripped off so there was no point on living>> but anywasy how could u think that way about saw 6???

  24. pey12cin @

    YOU ARE SO RIGHT!!! I mean if you dont want to see it then dont.To me and a lot of other people SAW ROCKS and i think that they can make it go on as long as it makes sence:)

  25. pey12cin @

    :( dude saw 6 rocks i just saw it and it was awesome and if you think it sucked well keep it to yourself

  26. tia @

    oh my ,lord saw 7 is coming to town i can't wait to be scared some more bye this genuis writer

  27. Doug @

    Hey Robert, I am a huge Electro_Nomicon fan and HUGE SAW fan. I agree with you man. This band would be great for the SAW 7 movie. I even think they should find a role for the band in the flick. Their image is as bada** as their music. What a combination, Electronomicon and SAW movies. Doug Centalia

  28. Karen @

    You seem to have knowledge about SAW movies, Do you know if the band “ELECTRO_NOMICON” are actually in the movie(#7) or are they just writing music? I understand that they wrote a song for SAW 7 called SAWTOOTH. Please send info if you know. Karen.

  29. Jesse @

    Electro_Nomicon will not be on SAW 7 unless something changes. The music is already picked . The drummer told me.

  30. M.RAMESH KUMAR @

    I WATCHED SAW SERIOUS FILM MORE THAN 50 TIMES.SIMPLY SUPERB.

    • Geena @

      Do you know if Owen Bryant is in the SAW 8 movie. His band wrote music for it and I hear he is acting now. He plays in Electro_Nomicon and I heard he has a small role in Saw 8. Is it true? Maybe his other band with Diego Valdez will be the soundtrack.

      • Carry @

        I heard the same thing. Owen and Diego should be on the next soundtrack. Diego is the closest thing to DIO I have ever heard. Electro_Nomicon is cool but I think the Valdez/Bryant Project will dominate.

  31. Rock Source 101 @

    I understand that Electronomicon WILL NOT be on the SAW 7 soundtrack. The producers said the music for SAW 7 is already contracted. Electronomicon still may be on it if another band does not fulfill their contract. They may also be on SAW 8 if Saw 7 does well. This is from the horses mouth and factual. I personally spoke with ALL parties involved. Saw producers and Electronomicon band members. Rock Source 101

  32. Diego, Gonzales @

    This is a true statement. Electro_Nomicon may actually be on the SAW 8 movie if SAW 7 does well. I am also under the impression that the band may have acting roles in the film.

  33. Diego, Gonzales @

    This is a true statement. Electro_Nomicon may actually be on the SAW 8 movie if SAW 7 does well. I am also under the impression that the band may have acting roles in the film.

  34. Hhimm2001 @

    They are being considered for Saw 8. The Saw 7 rumor was a partial truth. RUMOR!. E_N did submit some music for the soundtrack but it was after the all contracts were signed for music.

  35. jim @

    Electro_Nomicon for SAW 8-9-and 10. Best new band out there and hands down a great band with perfect music for movie scores. E_N all Day baby. SAW and Metal Music = LOVE


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