Dave Flores doesn't need to go to War to experience hardship, scrapes and bruises or pressure - he's been working for the Sci Fi Channel for the last few years. His latest film is arguably his most ambitious - if only because he's sequelazing a film that's developed sort of a 'cult' following over the past years - Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment's "Lake Placid 2". Moviehole chatted to the very frank filmmaker about shooting giant computer-generated crocodiles in Bulgaria - yes, Bulgaria.

Your best known for the films you direct for the Sci-Fi Channel – when and how did your relationship begin with them?

My relationship started when Jeff Beach, a producer with Unified Film Organization, recommended me to direct the SciFi original movie Crimson Force.

What are the limitations of doing telemovies?

The limitations, say compared to any major studio release, are ridiculous to even try and compare. Mostly though I think it comes down to the scripts and the budgets. The scripts are usually very rushed and are consciously guided to borrow characters, dialogue, clichés, and styles of other movies. They’re like some kind of pop-culture smorgasbord which people either love or hate. The actual budget limitations are tough because we’re expected to do so much with so little. It’s all a challenge- but an extremely fun one.

Were you a fan of the original “Lake Placid”?

Yes and no. It never really clicked with me on a campy self-aware level like say Tremors did and it wasn’t exactly trying to take itself seriously either. I kind of felt like the movie rode a fence between silly and offbeat character study. But maybe that’s why people remember it and that’s why I tried to recapture some of that same conflicting tone with our movie.

How did the “Lake Placid 2” job come up?

I don’t know exactly. I know I wasn’t their first, second, or third choice. I think they some how settled on me because of Boa Vs Python.

At first, was it hard to imagine Bulgaria standing in for the U.S?

Bulgaria is always hard to imagine as America. Luckily this movie takes place in forests, one small town, and on a lake. Bulgaria has many forests and lakes to offer.

Casting-wise, John Schneider and Cloris Leachman are probably the biggest names. Was there pressure on you to cast bigger – or bring back some of the original stars of the first film?

The only original actor I know we were in talks with was Betty White and I think she actually would have done it had the movie been filmed in the United States.

How did you create the crocodiles in the film?

Computer graphics mostly. We made a mock up which floated but it was limited to long shots or swim bys. To answer your real question, no, we didn’t get to use that awesome animatronic from the first film. I’m as bummed as you.

Any talk of a “Lake Placid 3” yet? Any ideas for one?

Interesting question. I would say likely since it rated fairly well for the network. Will I be involved? I would say unlikely since I wasn’t their first choice to begin with.

What’s next for you?

Oh haven’t you heard? I’m directing the next Batman.
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LAKE PLACID 2 is on DVD via Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment