IFS Film Festival - Bye Bye Bastard
When a Hollywood talent agent and his sister are compelled to look back on the abuse of their now deceased father, they find themselves bewildered with what to do with his remains. Neither wants his ashes, the only remaining souvenir of his cruel existence. Yet, unbeknownst to them, their father’s spirit is not at rest.
Interview with Director/Producer Keven Porter Jr
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
It has always been a desire of mine to produce a film that merged the genres of drama and horror. Too often, I have seen films where both genres contrasted each other, with horror becoming rather comical by the end of the film. Further horror is still undiscovered territory for minority leads, to which greatly motivated me as a Producer/ actor of color. Horror and drama together have a lot of stories yet to be told from a diverse perspective; and I am more than happy to step to the plate and tell them.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
Though highly entertaining, from my of course bias perspective, the core of this film is about family and those unresolved issues we all have with family. This is also one of the rare films to put people of color in the leading roel seat and tell such a story from their perspective. This film pulls the audience in from the start, then takes viewers on an emotional ride, all while building toward an unexpected and haunting ending. Not only will the audience walk away with shrivers going down their spine, but also with a hunger for more.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Family drama, love, emotional pain, anger, and betrayal have always worked well to fuel drama, and now thanks to Bye Bye Bastard will do the same for horror.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
In the original write the ghost was a little more prevalent, however, it was later discovered that this story was really about Junior and Patrice’s - my two lead characters - inner struggle. They are the foundation of this film, and the ghost is second. So the focus had to be kept on the story they needed to tell.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
At the conclusion of a recent screening the comments I heard most were “what happens next” “entertaining”, “didn’t see that ending coming”, “I am going through a similar issue with my family”, and “when will we see more”? Such feedback warms my heart and inspires my work on the feature script.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
I am surprised with how emotive the film leaves people feeling, how much they can relate to my lead characters from a personal place in their own life. As filmmaker, it brings me great joy to know that my work emotively moves someone.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I want to introduce audiences to the world of Bye Bye Bastard, while allows them to either be entertained as the story gently informs on issue of violence in the home.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
We, at Porter Productions Entertainment, enjoy meeting fellow Producers, film festivals directors, journalist, and look forward to working with more in the future.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I would love for viewers to have a hunger for more, because there is more to be told, while also opening up the discussion more on domestic violence.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Is death truly enough after years of verbal and physical violence, or is it merely an escape by the evil doer? In Bye Bye Bastard this question plagues Junior and Patrice as much as it’s an issue for any family.
Would you like to add anything else?
My team and I are very happy to have had the opportunity to work with actress Temple Poteat. She brought truth and passion to the role, and we look forward to working with her again in the near future. If you want to learn more please check us our on Facebook page and production website.
What are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I am currently working on the feature screenplay for Bye Bye Bastard. In addition I am also a solo music artist and am current writing on my next music album, while also writing an urban fantasy novel series.
Interview: May 2017
_______________________________________________________________________________
We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series and music video. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
_______________________________________________________________________________
Bye Bye Bastard
When a Hollywood talent agent and his sister are compelled to look back on the abuse of their now deceased father, they find themselves bewildered with what to do with his remains. Neither wants his ashes, the only remaining souvenir of his cruel existence. Yet, unbeknownst to them, their father’s spirit is not at rest.
Length: 11 min and 7 sec.
Director: Andrew “Sashi” Peterson and Keven Porter Jr
Producer: Keven Porter Jr
Screenplay Writer & Music: Keven Porter Jr
About the writer, director and producer:
Keven Porter Jr: Executive Producer, Co Director
Keven is a SAG-AFTRA and AEA actor/artist who has produced eight music records while steadily working on screenplays and his urban fantasy fiction novel series.
Andrew “Sashi” Peterson: Co Director
Andrew “Sashi” Peterson has been a freelance video maker who is currently writing two web shows along with a full-length play.
Key cast: Temple Poteat and Keven Porter Jr
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists):
At this time we are looking for Producers for a potential feature, and film festival directors and journalist to continue to promote the short.
Social media handles:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/byebyebastard
Other: http://www.porterproductionsentertainment.com
Funders/ Production Co: Porter Productions Entertainment
Where can I see it in the next month?
We are confident Bye Bye Bastard will be part of the Sunset Film Festival taking place May 19-20. The film will also be part of several film festivals across America, and a few international ones, though these details will be released on our website,
http://www.porterproductionsentertainment.com, and through social media in days to come.
THANK YOU!