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Your new movie The
Changing of Ben Moore - in a few words, what is it about?
The
Changing of Ben Moore
is about a young man with no recollection of his
childhood
starts on a journey of self-discovery. While living alone in his
aunt's
house, Ben starts experiencing blackouts and health issues. His
friends
are concerned and start a video diary and soon realize that things are
not
as they seem, and they become entangled in a demonic nightmare.
What
were your inspirations for writing The
Changing of Ben Moore?
I
always wanted to make a lost footage movie, and having a great title like Paranormal
Activity to inspire me, I was able to actively create an original,
realistic
spin. It was amazing to me how Paranormal Activity could make
you
feel, and I wanted to see what my imagination could create for The
Changing of Ben Moore.
As soon as I start writing, I am able to envision the journey in which
the
character needs to take. Then, the scary parts really start to kick in!
Of all the main
characters with all their strengths and flaws, who did you identify with
the most?
Each
character has something unique that I could identify with in myself, but
if
I were to choose one, it would have to be the one and only Ben Moore. Ben
is
ever evolving in the film, not only physically but mentally, and as an
artist
in
the transforming industry, it takes passion and persistent to be where you
want
to be. Ben faces many obstacles and challenges along the journey, and
I
feel as though I am experiencing the same thing, but not demonic!
Why go the found footage-approach with The
Changing of Ben Moore - what were the advantages and challenges
here?
I
wanted to make this movie as realistic and up close and personal as it
could
be. I wanted the fans to see Ben in his most vulnerable states. Lost
footage
has always been an interest of mine and I thought the story of Ben
Moore
fit perfectly with this way of filmmaking. Some of the advantages
were
being able to set up shots quickly and efficiently, however, having a
small
space to work in with all the equipment was difficult, especially taking
into
consideration the actors' space and thought process. However, we were
able
to make everything work and get the feel of realism into the movie.
Do talk about your movie's
effects-work that went into the actual changing of your title character for a bit!
There
are a lot of benefits having an visual effects artist as a brother. I am
really
thankful for my brother, Simon Mills, who is there to support me in my
work.
It is such a great feeling being able to bounce ideas back and forth and
create
something extremely scary for people to watch. I wanted Ben to look
as demonic as possible; the eyes penetrating your soul.
What can you tell us about your
key cast, and why exactly these people?
The
wonderful thing about independent filmmaking, is being able to find up
and
coming actors in our local film market. I want to be able to use people
who
love what they do. I wanted them to have as much passion about the
project
as I did, and I feel they worked extremely hard and were so focused
on
doing the best job possible.
Do talk about
the shoot as such for a bit, and the on-set atmosphere?
Filming
a lost footage movie compared to my first film Above
Us Lives Evil (AKA They
Came from the Attic) was a complete change. The
Changing of Ben Moore was shot in only five days! So it was definitely fast paced, all-nighters
and a lot of coffee. Being able to use a solid location helped
enhance
the transition between scenes. The cast and crew were a blast to
work
with.
Anything
you can tell us about audience and critical reception of your movie yet?
I
am so thankful for being able to share my work with everyone, and the fans
that
support me. My main focus is to make sure my story is being received on
all
levels, and being reviewed and talked about!
Any
future projects you'd like to share?
I am pleased to say that I am currently working on editing my third feature horror
film called 3 Hours Till Dead. It tells the story of a young A.W.O.L soldier,
along with his brother and close friends, who find life turned upside
down
when they come across a farm with hidden secrets. An outbreak from
the
city is heading their way, transforming people around them into
"Passers". It's up to the survivors to band together to fend off the living dead.
This
is a definite zombie flick. I have an IndieGoGo campaign, raising funds to
finish
off the last touches to the movie before we release. Please feel free to
check
it out and share on Facebook! http://igg.me/at/3hourstilldead/x
Your feature debut They
Came from the Attic/Above
Us Lives Evil has been released on DVD in the US only recently,
right? So you obviously have to talk about that one, its
plot, the story behind it, the shoot, and whatever else there is to tell?
My
first movie was Above
Us Lives Evil
(AKA They
Came from the Attic) which
was bought by LionsGate UK and now is in distribution with Chemical
Burn
Entertainment in the U.S.A and Canada. Above
Us Lives Evil starts
when
an accidental death takes the life of a young boy, the family moves to a
country
home for a fresh start, only to discover there is something much
worse
than their memories and guilt living in the attic. Creatures were
the
main theme of the movie, and since it was my first, I was able to put my
imagination
to the test.
What
got you into filmmaking to begin with?
I
have always been passionate about horror movies from a very young age. I
have
been into film in one way or another for most of my life. I have always
liked
to tell stories. You have free range in filmmaking to be able to create what
you want. Back in high school, I had a writing assignment, and instead of
just writing something, I also made a short film to go with it! That’s
when I knew
that this wasn’t going to be just a hobby for me, but a life passion
that I
wanted
to pursue.
What can you tell
us about your filmwork apart from The
Changing of Ben Moore and They
Came from the Attic?
I
have been able to work on various short films and independent projects, as
well
as shooting music videos. But my main focus has been on writing and
shooting
my own films!
How would you describe
yourself as a director?
I
am a very hands-on director, being able to spread myself across the
project
in
all forms. I try to work with my cast and crew as a solid team, giving
everyone
the opportunity to be heard! Everyone's opinion counts, and we are
all
striving for the same goal, to make the movie the best it can be. I
consider
myself
to be very approachable, and a fun guy to be around! Sometimes
going
against the grain helps to make unique shots and choices in the
movies.
I am passionate about my work and want to tell the story to the best
of
my ability. It’s about the love of the art.
Filmmakers who inspire you?
I
would have to name a couple great names in the industry, including
Wes
Craven, Steven Spielberg, and Oren Peli. They all see to push the
boundaries
of what is possible and I can really relate to that in my own
work.
Being able to have mentors to look up to helps me push myself
harder,
to see what I can bring to the table next!
Your
favourite movies?
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All
of my favorite movies have to be horror films! Some of those
include Scream, The Descent,
Paranormal Activity and Child’s Play.
... and of course, films you really
deplore? Anything
without blood and gore!
Your/your movie's website, Facebook, whatever
else?
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Changing-of-Ben-Moore/180011858692775
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/millspictures
Instagram:
https://instagram.com/millspictures/
Anything else you are dying to mention and I have
merely forgotten to ask?
I
would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who helped out
with
the film, as well as my fans and supporters. I believe independent
filmmaking
opens up a lot of opportunities to artists in the community
and
brings people together to enjoy the results!
Thanks for the interview!
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amazon.com
amazon.co.uk
amazon.de
eThaiCD.com
find Jason Mills at adultvideouniverse.com
