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Your new movie Exteriors
- in a few words, what is it about?
Exteriors tells three different
stories about three separate gay men who find themselves confronted with
an incredible coincidence related to a prior life-changing experience. Exteriors
sees three characters from your earlier film Brotherly
Lies reappear - so how closely are the two films actually linked,
and did you always intend to expand the story of these three? And is there
a cance these three (or any other characters from both movies) will pop up
in other films of yours? I’ve always thought of Exteriors
as being a “sort-of” sequel to Brotherly
Lies. It does feature three previous characters from that film (and performed
by the same actors) but they are supporting characters this time,
playing a key part in each of the main character’s coincidences. I
didn’t originally intend to expand on the characters after completing Brotherly
Lies, but when I was trying to think of a new project, my
husband suggested it might be fun to do what Bret Easton Ellis does in
his books - which is to have characters from his previous novels cross
over and make an appearance in the current one. That definitely sparked
the idea of bringing three of the Brotherly
Lies characters into Exteriors. I enjoyed that creative process
and I think the actors did as well so I might experiment with it again
if the actors were open to it. (Other) sources of inspiration
when writing Exteriors,
and is any of the film based on personal experiences?
The main inspiration for Exteriors
was
a wonderful film by Ryusuke Hamaguchi called Wheel
of Fortune and Fantasy which also uses the anthology
format to tell three stories about misunderstandings and chance
encounters. None of the three stories are from direct personal
experiences but I don’t think a writer can avoid at least a
little of themself coming through in the characterizations based on
one’s past experiences.
Basic
question, why an anthology movie, and what would you say is the common
theme of the three segments? The anthology format from Exteriors
was solely
used because of Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy. The
common theme of the three segments is coincidence and never judge a book
by its cover. What can you tell us about
your directorial approach to your story at hand?
The most important factor, to me, is making sure the
story (or stories) I’m intending to tell come(s) across as coherent
and interesting to the viewer. Directing a feature film involves so many
moving parts, and even though I’m not personally executing every moving
part, I am responsible for making sure they are all in sync and working
well together in service of the story we are telling. Do talk
about Exteriors'
cast, and why exactly these people?
Three of the cast members were from Brotherly
Lies, so that was easy. Christian Lopez (who
plays Wyatt in the first story) I had worked with on a previous feature
film, Shadows In Mind, as was Michael Champlin (who plays Dr. Kessler in the third story). The others
were actors I had admired when I saw their previous work. All of
them were carefully vetted by me not just for their talent - that was
obvious from the start - but for who they were as people.
A few words about the shoot as such, and the on-set atmosphere? On
independent film sets, it is vital that everyone can click and enjoy
working together. Thankfully, my instincts were correct and working
with this cast was superb. I’d work with all of them again in a
heartbeat. I like to shoot quickly but not
“rushed”… I’ve been on sets as a crew person where there is just
so much time wasted standing around. I make sure to keep that to an
absolute minimum so the actors can stay engaged. I always have fun
shooting movies and I want my cast and crew to enjoy the experience as
well. Exteriors was organzied, on-time and
on-budget with a cast that was always prepared. Ergo, it was a great
experience for me and, I think, the actors as well.
Anything you can tell us about audience and critical reception of Exteriors?
So far, audience reaction is similar to my previous films
- very mixed. My work seems to get better critical reviews than audience
reviews usually. The people who like Exteriors really
enjoy it and tell me it’s an indie film that feels fresh and new and
intelligent (it did just win Best LGBTQ Feature Film at the Poppy Jasper
Film Festival). The ones who don’t seem to find it too intense or
talky or dark. Personally, I feel all three of these stories are
ultimately hopeful but I won’t begrudge anyone’s experience. I’m
just thrilled they took the time to watch movie - even if they hated it.
Any future projects you'd like to share? Yes! I’m very excited about my new feature film that I
start shooting this May. It’s called Cutaways and
it’s definitely the edgiest - and funniest - movie I’ve ever
attempted. It’s about a former Sundance Award-winning director who,
after becoming a victim of online cancel culture, has been
reduced to making internet sex videos for a website. I’ve got an
incredible cast for it and I can't wait to get on set. What got you into
filmmaking in the first place, and did you receive any formal training on
the subject? I was very lucky that both my parents loved movies so I
grew up admiring them. Then I found a circle of friends in high school
that also liked movies and we started making our own back in the 80’s
on VHS tape. It was glorious. And, yes, I did get formal
training when I attended Vancouver Film School in the late-90s which
was also a fantastic experience for me.
What can you tell us about your filmwork prior to Exteriors?
Unlike a lot of filmmakers, I love all of my previous
work and stand by it proudly. I think it you take a chance on an
indie film, you won’t be disappointed if you watch Shadows
In Mind, Brotherly
Lies or Exteriors. You’ll
definitely see something that’s original, mature and thoughtful.
You’ll also get a genuine story without an agenda. My films never
go out to try and pound a message or tell an audience what they should
think or feel. I want to keep you interested for the 90+ minutes you are
being generous enough with your time to focus on my movie.
How would you describe yourself as a director?
I like to think I am professional, organized and accessible to the cast and crew I am working with. I am open to
ideas if mine aren’t necessarily working. Mainly I want to be the
guy that creates an arena for everyone to play and create within. Filmmakers
who inspired you? There’s plenty but I’ll narrow it down to three.
First is Sidney Lumet. Such a fantastic career of making movies of all
genres and with a marvelous reputation in the industry across the board.
And all of it done with no ego. Lumet is the greatest director that
never put his name or his “stamp” on his movies. He let the stories
and the actors speak for themselves. Second would be John Waters. I love
how he just grabbed his friends and went out and made his movies no
matter what, usually in freezing Baltimore winters. He was the ultimate
case (to me anyway) of “If he can make it, I can make it.” Third
would be Gregg Araki. When I first saw The Living End back
in 1991, I’d never seen a movie marketed under the New Queer
Cinema label and I was totally enthralled with it. Araki gave me the
courage to never be afraid of making an uncompromising gay-themed film. Your favourite movies?
Again, that’s always a complex list, but I’ll name
some from the filmmakers I listed in the previous question: From Lumet,
Dog Day Afternoon, Network, Running on Empty, The
Verdict. From John Waters, Female
Trouble, Polyester, Serial Mom. From
Gregg Araki, The Living End, Totally F*cked Up, Mysterious Skin, Now, Apocalypse. ...
and of course, films you really deplore?
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That’s a tough one for me. I admire pretty much any
film that manages to get made since I know how challenging it is. It’s
almost impossible for me to criticize any indie filmmaker who pulls it
off. I guess, in general, I deplore any film that has almost unlimited
resources and comes off dull and incoherent. Your/your
movie's website, social media, whatever else?
You can see what we’re up to at www.ditrfilms.com and
@ditrfilms on both Z and Instagram. Anything
else you're dying to mention and I have merely forgotten to ask?
Just that I’m so grateful that you’ve taken the time
to watch my films and interview me! I feel very fortunate and
I’ll keep making movies for as long as I can. Thanks
for the interview!
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