Sunday, January 1, 2017

    Happy New Year folks I will be posting once a week now as a new year's resolution to you, this week is a double treat I have a movie review and a 10 question segment with the writer/director of film.

     The movie is Room For Rent a supernatural horror film from writer/director Richard Tanner, it revolves around David Bagley looking for aa roommate for a home he just purchased.  All shot POV style it builds and builds the supernatural suspense as strange things keep happening.  His sister and best friend get involved and more creepy stuff keeps the pace of the film moving.  I found it generally spooky and the characters very involved.  It also had a fitting ending to what you watched that made the film a nice piece of writing, I would say 8 out of 10, solid filmmaking.


     I knew nothing of Richard Tanner prior to viewing his film, Billy Pon shared a piece on Facebook that Richard was looking for people to review his film prior to it's release and so I asked, I am very thankful Richard was nice enough to accept and I am truly indebted this film was great and he agreed to do interview therefore I consider him a friend now.  Here are his ten questions:



Question 1:  Have you had any schooling or background in film?
     Richard Tanner (RT):  Schooling? Oh god no!  The only thing I know about filmmaking comes from hating sports and spending my childhood and teenage years going down the aisles of mom and pop video shops and watching everything.

     Steve (S):  Me too although not the sports part, inspiring for me maybe I'll get there sometime.
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     Q2:  What led you into filmmaking?
     RT: I have a background in writing and I think deep down I've always just been a story teller.  As I've gotten older, My dreams of being a novelist started to fade because I met too many people who didn't read.  People only read what fits on their phone screen.  Hell, even now I type this from my phone.  But movies have never dwindled.  No matter the economy, no matter the mood or atmosphere... Movies still rock.  I tried talking about films with a few podcast and then this prick (I say this with love), Jason Hoover, told me to go out and make my own. You have him to blame for my films lol.

     S:  Never heard of him but will be sure to look him up, and have tried writing several times since middle school just haven't been able to get the length of a novel done shorts yes but novel no way near that.


     3.  Is there one person you look up to as the best filmmaker?

      RT:  I will always look up to Hoover for opening my eyes to indie filmmaking.  I love his punk rock do it yourself attitude and the way he's willing to help anyone.  I love the indie guys that look out for me as well, Billy Pon, Fred Vogel, Brian Williams, Chris Woods, Stephen Biro and Marcus Kock.  That counts as one right?

     S: good enough for me I don't have "boundaries" every individual helps along the way.  Have done interviews here with Billy Pon, and Brian Williams both class acts I am always looking for more great interviews.  Sometimes tough love gets you where you need to be.


     4.  What lead you into the horror genre?

     RT:  That had to be my father.  He worked a lot when I was growing up so I didn't get to see home much.  Movie nights became special and man did my dad love some old universal monster flicks or atomic age sci-fi films!  I watched all those with him and loved every minute of it!

     S:  I understand that all to well.  My dad and I stayed up late and watched these two hosts on late-night TV with there special brand of comedy and films (mostly horror) and it is the fondest memory I have of me and my dad.


     5.  What is your favorite horror film?

     RT:  Jaws, hands down.  I still question it before ill even jump into a pool.

     S:  I feel ya there I never saw the ending until way later in life and always had a fear of water, still do sometimes today.


     6.  Do you prefer writing over directing?


     RT:   A year ago I would have said yea bit now I don't know.  Directing gives me a chance to fix anything writing missed and is a very gratifying thing.  Writing is your mind alone... Directing is physical thing that comes to life for everyone.  That sounds a bit pretentious... Lets dial it back...directing is aight.


     S:  I try to do both directing is yet a dream of mine but I feel I need to fulfill before I can say either way.


     7.  Who is the one actor/actress that you want to do a movie with?


     RT:   Big name has gotta be Jack Black... Could you imagine?  Indie world would have to be the wonderfully talented Ellie Church.

     S: That answer truly surprised me he is nuts though I think his head (now) might be too big for his britches, Ellie Church is right on she is amazing actress.


     8.   What do most people not know about you but should?


     RT:  Ya know that scene in Armageddon where Bruce Willis throws Affleck back into the space ship because he's gonna sacrifice himself and Affleck starts crying "I love you, Harry!" ... Yeah, that makes me cry like a baby everytime.

     S:  I had heard a lot of answers to that one but that is special a grown man crying about an action film awesome.


     9.  Did Room For Rent do well in the festival circuit?

     RT:  We've only had one showing so far in my home town of Atlanta but it did great.  We have a huge line up of shows for 2017 and its going to be pretty cool to see what happens.


     S:  I feel as though this film is award worthy, so the accolades should be coming for a great festival circuit run. 


     10.  Saying no budget restrictions, what type of horror film would be next for you (I.E. supernatural, blood and guts gory, or a monster of sorts)?


     RT:  Supernatural without a doubt.  Like a straight up satanic story where Satan actually shows up... Maybe he fights bigfoot... Maybe he fights Jack Black... Who knows?!? With no restrictions, Id be insane!


     S: Great answer with your mind I expect more awesome things in the future, grasp on and hang tight your in for a great ride!


That was a great interview (not to toot my own horn) he seems to have it together and what he feels we need.  I would suggest going to see this film if you get the chance on the festival circuit if you can, or keep an eye out for some sort of DVD or Blu-Ray release.  Until then check out his website Abuckshortproductions.com for future endeavors by him and look up him on FB.

  

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