Jaz is an agency worker given a simple task, to stay overnight at a student housing accommodation. There are just two problems; the weird lighting, and the unexpected coworker.
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1. What motivated you to make this film?
I’ve been in love with horror films since I was far too young to be in love with them (namely A Nightmare on Elm Street, I got in young enough to consider Freddy’s Dead a highlight of the series.) The full-length version of The Lights was born when I grew tired of horror protagonists never being believed in their films, and wanted to create something where they actually had a support network.
2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
From the original idea? It’s probably been seven years, after I met the best leading lady you could ask for in Fern Taylor. For the short film itself, between one and two years.
3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
Weird Lights.
4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
Our DoP/Cinematographer/Technical Boy Ash Betton is also in a pretty successful band and was called away to the other end of the country after the session musician his band was using dropped out. Thankfully we had a fairly long scene with a fairly simple set-up to shoot next and our Sound Operator Lauren Stokes knew Josh Bowker, who was more than happy to help out.
5. There are 5 stages of the filmmaking process: Development. Pre-Production. Production. Post-Production. Distribution. What is your favorite stage of the filmmaking process?
I think development was the only one without the looming threat of insanity or a mental breakdown so by process of elimination it would be that one. I like to wear a lot of different hats but if I could only do one part of the filmmaking process going forward, it would be writing.
6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
Probably as young as six or so years old. I remember wanting to be a part of the Scooby Gang watching the 2002 film on VHS.
7. What film have you seen the most times in your life?
In the early days of DVD you just rewatched what you had, so probably X-Men 2, but as an adult it’s probably Anna and the Apocalypse, my favourite film! (It’s a Scottish zombie Christmas musical and if you think that sounds cool, then you’re cool too and I think we could be friends.)
8. In a perfect world: Who would you like to work with/collaborate with on a film?
Emma Laird is an absolutely incredible upcoming actor who made her debut in Mayor of Kingstown, and has played some small roles in The Brutalist and the upcoming 28 Years Later film. I’m probably slightly too late to realistically work with her as she’ll probably blow up once people see her performance in Satisfaction.
9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
Every festival has their own unique and very specific process, so you can be accepted or considered an award winner without anything actually happening to your film. Then again, I’ve made some really strong professional and personal connections through a festival that had a gala awards evening, and the same from a festival that screened everything from a dodgy projector in the meeting room of a Novotel, so I guess you could say a mixed bag.
10. What is your favorite meal?
Lasagne. There are so many versions of good, no two lasagnes taste the same. The worst I’ve ever had? Takeaway lasagne using donner meat. The best? Any authentic Italian restaurant that serves it in that lemon-shaped ceramic dish. Also, I’m flexitarian so I can comfortably tell you the rainbow lasagne from Zizzi is absolutely stunning.
11. What is next for you? A new film?
Hopefully some wonderful soul with a spare 20k in their pocket likes The Lights enough to help me out with a full-length version! Failing that, there’s a comedy short called Another Audition I would like to make for a much more manageable amount of money.
Festival Reviews 