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Your upcoming film Olalla - in a few words, what's it going
to be about?
It’s about an
incestuous family of (genetic) vampires, and how they have survived
throughout the ages. As far as I know, Olalla
is still in
its fundraising stages - so what can you tell us about your fundraising
efforts? We
currently have an IndieGoGo campaign going, complete with an entertaining
pitch video. So far, we’ve reached over 60% of our goal! http://indiegogo.com/projects/olalla Olalla
is based on a story by Robert
Louis Stevenson - so what fascinated you about this story, and how
faithful do you remain to it? And other sources of inspiration for Olalla?
It’s
the first story that explores the possibility of genetic vampires living
among us. Gothic literature, my favorite.
I
pick up where Robert Louis leaves off. I felt that his story left much to
the imagination, it developed something very strong and hinted at much
more, so I’m taking it to a fever pitch.
I
love the taboo theme of incest, the idea of genetic decadence, vampirism.
It’s dark.
What
can you tell us about the intended look and feel of your movie?
I
have two eras in the film, and two different looks. One part is set in the
1880’s and has a softer, more Victorian interpretation of lighting.
It’s paced a bit slower in order to savor the details, the movement.
The
other part is contemporary, a whiter, harsher light, faster paced, and yet
these are people who exist somewhat outside of our time, so they clash a
little with technology, or reject it altogether. I empathize with that, I
have a phone that’s over 9 years old.
Olalla
is in part a period piece - so how do you go about that part of your
movie, also logistically?
We
found a great location in a colonial hacienda in a part of Bolivia that
looks very much like Spain. We have a fixer producing in that part of the
country, getting together extras, a horse-drawn carriage, etc.
The
hacienda has its own infrastructure in terms of lodging and catering, so
that’s a big help.
As far as I know, Olalla
will feature a massive burning on a stake-scene as one of its climaxes -
you just have to talk about that one of a bit!
This
scene is huge. I intend for it to be the most memorable scene of its kind
in a film.
The
original Olalla, of Robert Louis Stevenson’s story, commits an unpardonable act, which
gives the townsfolk, already living in fear of the strange family, an
excuse to put her to death.
But
they do it in the most violent way possible, dragging her from her house,
chaining her to a cross on a hill, whipping her in front of the angry mob,
and then burning her at the stake.
I
can’t do anything halfway, this scene is going to be crazy.
What can
you tell us about your projected cast so far, and why exactly these
people?
Mila
Joya plays Olalla's sister, Ofelia. She’s sexy, aggressive, and sinister
all at once. Mila has grown a lot acting with us in other films, and I
knew she would love the part. We worked on creating her character
together, which was lots of fun.
Jac
Avila [Jac Avila interview -
click here] plays Felipe, the original Olalla’s brother, in the contemporary
scenes. He was an obvious choice for the creepy uncle.
And
Alejandro Loayza plays Felipe in the 1880s scenes. Alejandro played a
younger Jac in a short film earlier this year, and Alej is a great actor.
Maria
Ester Arteaga plays Aunt Aurora, the matriarch of the family, full of
disapproval. She worked with us before in Maleficarum.
Beto
Lopez and Fermin Nuñez play the fraternal twin brothers, Uncles Edgar and
Orelio. They’re the comic relief in many scenes, but also incredibly
creepy. Fermin worked with us before in Maleficarum, and Beto, of course,
has been in all of my films.
Erix
Antoine plays cousin Bruno, prissy, cleaning up after Olalla (daughter),
and baking all the time. Erix is a big guy, tall, so playing the gay
cousin is interesting and new for him, and not typecast. He wanted to sink
his teeth into a more contemporary role.
I
cast myself as both Olallas (mother and daughter), which is always a bit
difficult, acting and directing, but I really wanted the roles, they’re
both so tragic. Their character arcs are great.
I know that while you're still raising funds,
you've already started production on Olalla - so what's the
schedule, and any idea when and where the film will be released yet?
We’re
more than halfway through filming, about 80% of the contemporary scenes
are done. We’re scheduled to finish the contemporary scenes in November.
And
we’re scheduled to shoot the 1880’s scenes the first or second week of
December.
We
have a 2014 release date for Olalla.
Any
future projects beyond Olalla? I
always have about 2-3 scripts waiting on the backburner. Jac and I have
discussed a Maleficarum II, and there is the second (and third) part of
Dead But Dreaming up for production next year. Your/your movie's
website, Facebook, IndieGoGo, whatever else?
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Feeling lucky ?
Want to
search
any of my partnershops yourself
for more, better results ?
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The links below
will take you
just there!!!
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The
IndieGoGo campaign: http://indiegogo.com/projects/olalla
The movie’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/OlallaTheMovie
My
Facebook: http://facebook.com/AmyHesketh
Our
website: http://vermeerworks.com
My
YouTube channel: http://youtube.com/AmyHesketh
Anything
else you are dying to mention and I have merely forgotten to ask? I
encourage anyone interested to contribute, or share the link, to the
Olalla IndieGoGo Campaign. This film is really looking great, and the part
set in the 1880’s, in particular the iconic crazy scene, can be that
much more powerful with everyone’s help! Thanks
for the interview! As
always, thank you!
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amazon.com
amazon.co.uk
amazon.de
eThaiCD.com
find Amy Hesketh at adultvideouniverse.com
