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An Interview with Lee Greenhough, Director of A Kidnap

by Mike Haberfelner

August 2020

Films directed by Lee Greenhough on (re)Search my Trash

 

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Your new movie A Kidnap - in a few words, what is it about?

 

A Kidnap is a new Midland based thriller feature film that I’ve written and directed. Its about when an adopted brother and his younger sister get kidnapped and how they must escape before the kidnappers and their twisted relationships implode.

 

What were your sources of inspiration when writing A Kidnap?

 

Alfred Hitchcock and his 1948 film Rope was a massive inspiration for this film.

 

Each scene in A Kidnap was shot in one continuous take - what was the inspiration for that, and did you intend to make the movie that way from square one, or did you just decide on that approach during preparations?

 

I've always been a fan of the long take but also, I knew if we were to make it on a micro budget we didn't have time to do it the conventional way. It also offered lots of other advantages such as less set ups and more organic scenes. I also knew the actors would like the challenge.

 

As a director, what kind of an extra challenge is it to film scenes in long, continuous takes?

 

Firstly, everyone had to know the screenplay thoroughly, how the filming process would work, and where everyone’s individual roles fitted into that development. The second and most challenging part was the long take process. For the crew, they needed to know exactly the director's vision and how each take would pan out. For the actors, it was almost like a mini stage play, having to learn large chunks of dialogue and ensure they didn’t make any mistakes while acting for long periods. Once the camera was rolling the pressure was on, we could get nine minutes into a take and then if there was a problem we had no back up.

 

Given the long takes in A Kidnap, how precisely was everything plotted out, or was there room for improvisation?

 

I wrote the script with every detail in mind, the movement of the actors and the camera. However, I also knew that I wanted the actors to feel natural within their movements to help them perform. We did quite a few rehearsals and on the day the actors and my cameraman just pulled together. We had a limit of around five takes of each scene, by take three it flowed really well and was usually the best take.

 

A Kidnap is pretty much limited to two rooms and a hallway, location-wise - so what were your techniques to keep things visually interesting despite these limitations?

 

Initially the location was a basement but that fell through so we had to use a leisure centre, just a slight change, haha. I knew within the script that I had to keep things moving along or the audience would get bored, I also knew I had to utilise the two rooms as much as possible. I like to think I managed that but it did take some planning. 

 

So what can you tell us about your location, and what was it like filming there?

 

The same as with everything else, I planned the film to the layout we had. It worked out well because the lighting and space was good but everything you see in the rooms, even down to the posters on the wall, are planted.

 

Do talk about A Kidnap's cast, and why exactly these people?

 

I knew the actors had to be up for the challenge so I put a call out on Facebook and Star Now and was amazed at the wealth of talent that applied. I think if you have a good story and script, actors will respond. As far as casting that was down to me and my sidekick Abbie. I knew to go with my gut instinct and I think it worked well. Imogen Archer initially came in to audition for Angel, and afterwards I said to Abbie she had attitude so I cast her as Blondie and she was brilliant. When making a film there are always a ton of happy accidents that happen along the way, you definitely make your own luck.

 

A few words about the shoot as such, and the on-set atmosphere?

 

The shoot had a lot of pressure involved but it was such a buzz when we pulled off a take. I remember one scene where Blondie goes mad and we only had one shot at it. As we were shooting you could feel the energy, and when we pulled it off it was such a great feeling for all the team, I’m so very proud of them all.

 

The $64-question of course, where can A Kidnap be seen?

 

Distribution is a minefield but I've managed to get a great sales agent and hopefully people will be able to see it on VOD shortly, for updates join the Facebook page akidnapfilmmidlands

 

Anything you can tell us about audience and critical reception of A Kidnap yet?

 

It's been really positive, initially the film had a few audio issues but they have been sorted now. It's been seen by selective reviewers so far and they all seem to enjoy the story and how it was filmed.

 

Any future projects you'd like to share?

 

I have many projects on the go at the minute, but some of my feature scripts need a proper budget and the problem with that is that no one wants to invest in a first time filmmaker hence this film. A Kidnap came from my frustration at not getting a funded film off the ground and me saying “right I’m doing it without anyone’s help or money!” All the projects can be viewed on my website greenhoughfilms.co.uk

 

What got you into filmmaking in the first place, and did you receive any formal training on the subject?

 

I’ve always loved film and started out wanting to be an actor. I soon realised I liked the creative control too much and wanted to be behind the camera. I never did formal training but built up my skills with training myself on all aspects from writing and editing to directing. I even became a drone cinematographer for a while. At the start of the film that's my drone footage.

 

What can you tell us about your filmwork prior to A Kidnap?

 

Lots of short films and just playing with a camera and stories. There are so many free resources out there at present it's amazing. When I first started I learnt everything from books but now there is a wealth of knowledge available on YouTube, it’s amazing.

 

How would you describe yourself as a director?

 

One thing that is paramount is being able to orchestrate a great team, I like to think I’m good with people. I'm also always trying to push the boundaries and surprise the audience. When I first said I was doing this film some people doubted me but I like that, it pushes me on. As a director if I can keep people interested and emotional throughout a movie I’ve done my job. As far as style, I think the story dictates that - I do love Korean cinema though.

 

Filmmakers who inspire you?

 

So many but a few I could pick would of course be Hitchcock, I think Danny Boyle and Scorsese are geniuses, and I literally love anything Park Chan-Wook does.

 

Your favourite movies?

 

I get asked this a lot, and to be honest I have many because it depends on so many factors like where I was in my life or my mood at the time. But for sheer mastery of the craft I would pick Shawshank Redemption, Oldboy, Kes, Superman (the original), Terminator, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Pan's Labyrinth, The Shining... I’ll stop there for now!

 

... and of course, films you really deplore?

 

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I can honestly say I don't hate any movie, as a filmmaker I understand how difficult it is to make a feature and respect that. Someone has had sleepless nights over their film, you may not like it but respect the hard work that's gone in. To make a feature is heroic… yeah I’m a hero!

 

Your/your movie's website, social, whatever else?

 

Always happy for people to get in touch!

www.greenhoughfilms.co.uk - all my projects.

www.akidnap.co.uk - A Kidnap latest.

TW@leegreenhough - all the latest movie news.

www.mywayofthinking.co.uk - my weekly podcast.

 

Thanks for the interview!

 

© by Mike Haberfelner


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Thanks for watching !!!



 

 

In times of uncertainty of a possible zombie outbreak, a woman has to decide between two men - only one of them's one of the undead.

 

There's No Such Thing as Zombies
starring
Luana Ribeira, Rudy Barrow and Rami Hilmi
special appearances by
Debra Lamb and Lynn Lowry

 

directed by
Eddie Bammeke

written by
Michael Haberfelner

produced by
Michael Haberfelner, Luana Ribeira and Eddie Bammeke

 

now streaming at

Amazon

Amazon UK

Vimeo

 

 

 

Robots and rats,
demons and potholes,
cuddly toys and
shopping mall Santas,
love and death and everything in between,
Tales to Chill
Your Bones to

is all of that.

 

Tales to Chill
Your Bones to
-
a collection of short stories and mini-plays
ranging from the horrific to the darkly humourous,
from the post-apocalyptic
to the weirdly romantic,
tales that will give you a chill and maybe a chuckle, all thought up by
the twisted mind of
screenwriter and film reviewer
Michael Haberfelner.

 

Tales to Chill
Your Bones to

the new anthology by
Michael Haberfelner

 

Out now from
Amazon!!!