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An Interview with Andy Crane, Co-Director of Dead Before They Wake

by Mike Haberfelner

January 2025

Andy Crane on (re)Search my Trash

 

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Your new movie Dead Before They Wake - in a few words, what's it about?

 

It's a story about a man who gets paid to save a girl from traffickers and ends up going down a rabbit hole he might not return from.

 

How did you get involved with the project in the first place?

 

Having worked with co-director Nathan Shepka [Nathan Shepka interview - click here] since 2014, firstly on shorts then as DOP on one of his first features, When Darkness Falls. He always keeps me in mind for future projects.

 

A few words about your directorial approach to your story at hand?

 

I think the approach was to keep it as real as possible, avoid any clichés that go with the genre.

 

You've directed Dead Before They Wake together with Nathan Shepka - so what can you tell us about him, and what was your collaboration like?

 

As I said our relationship goes back to 2014, and I think since the get-go we've always been on the same wavelength. We collaborate well together and trust each other's opinions. As Nathan had quite a big role in the film, it felt like taking some of the pressure off him in a directorial sense so he could concentrate on the acting was good move.

 

You have worked on a few of Nathan Shepka's recent films as a cinematographer - so do talk about your previous collaborations for a bit, and how did the two of you first meet even?

 

We first met on one of Nathan's short films, I was at uni studying film and TV, and one of the actors for our uni project said Nathan was looking for stunt actors for some fight scenes, so I saw it as an opportunity to chat to people making films! After some questionable stunt acting from myself, I got the ear of Nathan which led to me doing some post work on Nine Iron, then for his next short he was looking for a cam op and I jumped at the chance. Which leads us to today - 5 features done and one on the way!

 

You of course also have to talk about the stuntwork in your movie for a bit!

 

The stunts in this film honestly felt low key compared to other films we have done, especially compared to Lock and Load. The only really choreographed fight in the film is the knife fight between Nathan and David, and even that we tried to keep basic but brutal. Then blowing up a car is just another day on a Shepka set, haha.

 

What can you tell us about Dead Before They Wake's cast, and why exactly these people?

 

Although not having a huge part in the casting itself I felt that everyone playing their part was spot on. Was an honour to work with them all. I must admit, being my directorial debut I was a tad nervous on the days Patrick Bergin and Sylvester McCoy were on set, having been fans of their work long before I'd even imagined I'd ever make a film let alone one with them in it!

 

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

 

It was a relatively smooth shoot apart from maybe slightly over blowing up an old Jaguar, haha! (Cue intervention by the fire brigade.) The mood on this film was pretty mixed, I think that came down to the subject matter. We are making a film about one of the darkest realities the world faces, so naturally while you are creating these scenes you can't help but think about the real horror of it.

 

Anything you can tell us about audience and critical reception of Dead Before They Wake yet?

 

The reviews that I've read so far have all been really positive and fair. The film doesn't really take the foot of the gas in terms of its grim nature which might not be received well but it was fully our intention.

 

Any future projects you'd like to share?

 

We are currently halfway through a project, again with Shepka. Not sure what I'm allowed to divulge so will keep it at that!

 

As far as I know, you've entered the filmworld as a cinematographer - so do talk about that aspect of your career, and did you receive any formal training on the subject?

 

I did go to college and university to study the subject but I think the most valuable education you can get as a cinematographer is getting behind the camera and shoot and then don't stop shooting. I was fortunate enough to get in early doors with the journey Nathan has gone on and grown with it. I would certainly say I'm probably lucky that I've gotten to miss a few steps that people usually take, cam assistant and so on, but while that might be a negative as I would say I'm not a technical savvy DOP but a creative one. I know what I think looks good and tend to go with my gut. Could I tell you what's the best codec to shoot in or how to set up remote monitoring for a focus puller? Probably not, haha.

 

What made you want to move into the directing chair for Dead Before They Wake, and how does it compare to being a cinematographer?

 

I think in my heart I've always wanted to direct film more so than being a cinematographer. I think both go hand in hand though and are easily transferable. I think the most daunting part about directing was telling people who have vastly more experience than you what to do!

 

Do talk about your filmwork before Dead Before They Wake, in whatever position!

 

I did do a bit of editing and colour grading early in my film career but mostly for my own projects and purely out of not having the money to pay someone else to do it!

 

How would you describe yourself as a director?

 

Tough question, I'm still figuring that out I guess! When directing a scene I'm always looking for what's driving it and how do we sell it. My approach to directing an actor is definitely more about what I want to achieve in the scene and me trusting that they have the rest, they were cast in the role for a reason. I think I need to work on giving actors feedback but generally if I'm not saying anything to them after a scene it's because they have nailed it. I'm not trying to be a Kubrick, haha.

 

Filmmakers who inspire you?

 

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I think I'm pretty vanilla in this sense, haha, Spielberg, Richard Donner and Rob Reiner, they've all made film I grew up with and made me want to be part of the filmmaking world.

 

Your favourite movies?

 

Well given my last answer it's no surprise that The Goonies, Stand by Me and Jaws are amongst my favourites!

 

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

 

Generally I don't diss on any film as I know how hard it is to make one! That being said Open Water still owes me 1hr 20 minutes back.

 

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

 

I think I'm showing my age here but I tend to not go near social media, haha.

 

Anything else you're dying to mention and I have merely forgotten to ask?

 

Not that I can think of. I am really excited that I got to answer these questions for a couple hours and avoided the redecorating of my lounge for a brief moment. Back to it I suppose! Thanks for the interview and go watch our film everyone!

 

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

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Vimeo

 

 

 

Robots and rats,
demons and potholes,
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Tales to Chill
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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
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