First off, tell
readers about yourself and your film background!
Well I didn't go to
school for it. One day I decided to pick up a camera and start shooting
anything and everything. I always feel like the best way to learn
something is to do it yourself. Besides as a director you want to have
your own influences because you discovered them yourself. That's what
makes the journey so special. I live life and go to the movies, that was
my schooling.
Tell us about
the new release of Zugzwang?
It's still early.
We've entered a few festivals and got in them which is a good sign.
Still trying to find a domestic distributor. I'm hoping the right one
will see the film sooner then later.
Many people
having not yet seen it will ask specifically what is a "Zugzwang"?
Well it's a term
used in chess. It's the term used before you get put into check mate.
Basically you have to make a move even if you don't want to and when you
make that move you're in a worse position than you already were
previously. It's not a good place to be… Especially in a
horror/thriller film.
Well, the title
does catch your eye and ear, does this not?
I love the title. In a market where it's so competitive you have to find
a way to separate yourself a little. Stand out from the crowd and be
original. So far everybody has responded positive to it.
Unlike many
independent projects, you actually used some recognized actors in this
film?
At the end of the
day it's about the script. And when I was offering the roles to certain
actors everybody responded to the material. It was edgy and a unique
concept that has never been done before. And the actors I was going
after wanted to take on the challenge of going into that dark place of a
character.
From your end,
what were they like to work with?
It was fantastic.
Everybody was professional which means everything to me. Being able to
direct actors that have worked with Christopher Nolan, The Coen
Brothers, Ridley Scott, Oliver Stone and Steven Soderbergh was a great
opportunity for me to be able to work with. After working with this cast
you can see why those directors hired them.
The production
has been seen in some prominent film fests already?
Two so far. Action
On Film International Film Festival and Shriekfest. We've won an award
already, best dialogue. Which is great because it is a dialogue driven
movie.
What was the
reaction overall?
18-30 year olds
loved it. It was fresh and not the same clique film you are used to
seeing in this genre, that's what the audience told me afterwards.
You are also
going to Screamfest in California?
Not Screamfest,
but Shriekfest… I live in LA. So yes I will.
This fest has
been around a long time and has really helped gain recognition for
independent cinema. Do you find the prospects of having this aired there
exciting?
It's a great
opportunity and I'm very privileged to be a part of it. Getting in the
festival is half of it. The other half is having the universe work in
your favor and the right people show up and watch the film. But that is
out of my hands. Shriekfest has been amazing so far with everything,
there is a reason why they are the best horror film festival in the
world.
Are there other
fan fests or festivals in the works for this production?
There are a couple
more were trying to get in. This film was tricky because you can't
submit it everywhere because it's so dark. And some festivals don't like
that quality.
Do you have web
pages where people may find out more about this film, yourself or the
company?
Like us on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Zugzwang/1468910323377185
What about
orders? I assume it will be sold at festivals? What about elsewhere?
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There are certain
distributors I know from selling my first film to Lionsgate. So I'm just
circling around to them and showing them the film as well. We shall see
how it all plays out. You never know with these things.
Future projects?
To be continued.
We'll see.
There is much
more we could cover, but this is a short interview. Is there anything we
missed that you would like to add?
We're good. I think
we got the basic stuff out of the way. I tried keeping it short for you.
Closing
comments?
Watch Zugzwang
if you come across it. LOL
Thanks for the Interview!
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