IFS Film Festival Horror Vanguard Award - friEnD ADd 6
A cult obsessed with sex, death, and blood has been plotting something diabolical on a global scale. This entry in the friEnD ADd series begins as a love story and turns into a fight for humanity. Old and new characters come together to tell this final tale in the style of a classic 50s horror mixed with sexual diversity and extra helpings of gore.
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Dean Littner
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Thank you, yes, I made the film to prove that a story may always rise above the means in which to tell it. A film on the smallest of budgets may communicate intergenerational terror, global domination, and gender identity relationships.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
You should watch it for “the get” and that is the moment that the film tricks into thinking you know what’s going to happen but really, you don’t… and the get happens on multiple levels with this film.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
As a queer filmmaker I identify with diverse gender themes. I prefer to spend less time convincing others of the perception I have of them vs. accepting their self-actualization. For example, I may identify as a gay man and my word about that should define who I am to the world, not a birth certificate. The theme of gender identity touches all of our lives because the sooner we begin to accept others for who they are, the sooner we may begin to tell larger and more engaging stories.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
That’s been a big leap, the film originated as a web based short and evolved into a crowdfunded festival feature. This film series started as small as possible in a 2010 10-minute web short and has since grown consistently in depth of characters and story development ever since.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
That it’s a fun film, there’s suspense, and unexpected excitement that engages the audience. I have been pleasantly surprised with the responses from those who don’t know my work, have not seen any of the prior films, but they enjoy the story. I have been told very positive things about the soundtrack music I composed and singing from vocal artist Leland Bourdages, you may walk away humming tunes from this low budget horror flick.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
Yes, I’m challenged to tell bigger stories with more layers, and in other genres. I’m surprised that at its first festival showing, friEnD ADd 6 won the IFS Horror Vanguard Award, that was beyond expectation!
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I am looking for ways to engage with a wider audience and to express the virtues of this creative venture. I like to share outrageous stories and I love to write and film them.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Mainly, a producer willing to take a chance on my next project and collaborate with those I may learn from with new projects getting off the ground. I would love for this film to be distributed as a cult classic (in the John Waters sense) to grow the message of a little choppy film with big scary ideas.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
To twist everyone’s mind and to teach the message, don’t go home with strangers! Especially, in the age of quick and easy social fixes, it’s time to take a step back, assess the situation, and not become someone’s dinner. I want people to be inspired to chase after their own creative ideas because if I’m able to do it, there’s no excuse in putting it off…
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
What could possibly happen next in a series like this? The answer may shock you. I’m waiting for the next inspiration to hit me so I have no idea. I have enjoyed the arc of the main story line and I’m open to exploring new ideas but what on earth or beyond could happen? I don’t know and that in itself is unsettling.
Would you like to add anything else?
I’m grateful for the opportunity to be on this platform, thank you very much!
What are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Oh, I have some stories for you and there are collaborations in the mix. One story is about a couple facing a supernatural force that threatens to destroy their relationship and there’s a big “get” in that one. I’m editing a short film, writing scripts, and completing a music video.
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
_______________________________________________________________________________
friEnD ADd 6
A cult obsessed with sex, death, and blood has been plotting something diabolical on a global scale. This entry in the friEnD ADd series begins as a love story and turns into a fight for humanity. Old and new characters come together to tell this final tale in the style of a classic 50s horror mixed with sexual diversity and extra helpings of gore.
Length: 66 minutes & 6 seconds (666)
Director: Dean Littner
Producer: Dean Littner
Writer: Dean Littner & Eli Rarey
About the writer, director and producer:
Producer and director Dean Littner’s body of work tackles a wide variety of subjects and genres such as LGBTQ awareness, addiction, comedy and horror.
Writer Eli Rarey is an independent filmmaker, a graduate of USC School of Cinematic Arts and taught in the Interactive Media Division. He has worked in the visual effects industry and also performs as a storyteller.
Key cast:
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists):
friEnD ADd 6 performances: our love story characters Elijah & Chad played by Eric Paul Leue and Chad Sanders, Jonny K. Jouet as Travis Drake, Dvin Kirakosian as Travis’ aunt Joanna Gosian, and real-life club impresario Mario Diaz using his impressive acting chops to play a twisted version of himself. The very handsome James Cerne made me want to write more scenes for him because he gave so much authenticity. Even on an over-the-top horror film, you want actors like James to bring strong integrity to shoulder the outlandish events happening around them.
Social media handles:
Facebook: Dean’s Movie Dimension https://www.facebook.com/groups/deanmoviedimension/
Twitter: DeanLittner
https://twitter.com/DeanLittner
Instagram:
Other:
Music
https://www.reverbnation.com/deanlittner and soundcloud https://soundcloud.com/deanlittner
Funders: Self-funded and through an Indiegogo fundraiser.
Where can I see it in the next month? Festivals are still being lined up and there will be updates on the Dean’s Movie Dimension (DMD) facebook group.