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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!
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