Other Worlds Austin 2018 - Malacostraca
A failing writer looses his grip on reality as his wife grows pregnant with their child. 'Malacostraca' was shot by DP Ava Benjamin Shorr.
Interview Writer/Director Charles Pieper
Watch Malacostraca here:
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I made 'Malacostraca' since it was a story that had been plaguing my mind for a decade and I needed to be purge it out of my brain through cinematic form.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
'Malacostraca' should be watched as it is a deeply psychological and worrisome film that may be more relatable than it seems upon first glance (as it's wrapped up in 'genre' and 'exploitation horror' visuals).
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
This film evolved out of my most personal fears and worries. The more I wrote and worked on it, the more I realized these issues were pretty universal. So, in a way, perhaps by making it as awkwardly personal as I could, I hopefully made it universal as well. We shall see! I sure hope so.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
From start to finish, this short film took about four and a half years of work due to all sorts of frustrating issues that had to be worked through (in particular, my own health held the film back for a long while). This lengthy process, while annoying, made for a better film in the end, since I kept revising the script over the years. The final shooting script was certainly stronger than the original draft.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
Mostly feedback that I've enjoyed. Audiences have responded to it very much in the way I hoped they would. People seem to be genuinely horrified and startled by the film, especially its ending, and this is what I wanted the film to do, so that's been very good indeed.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
Different audiences react in different ways which is always interesting, but so far there have been no surprises or challenges in that regard. It's only gotten into a few festivals so far though... So that may change!
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I'm looking to widen the film's audience and get it out to as many interested eyes across the world as possible.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
At this point having it known to more journalists, possible sales agents and the like would be best. It's been in four festivals so far with a fifth to come, and has been shown in three special screening events, but I'm waiting to hear back from 30-plus more festivals going into 2019. The more the merrier in all aspects.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I'd like to make everyone who sees this film feel as uncomfortable as possible and have this film lead to interest in my feature length screenplays which I want to direct.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Why do so many people, in particular men, feel that they are owed what they want – their 'dreams' so to say – even when it may be very evident that they shouldn't have it and most certainly don't deserve it?
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Right now I am developing a feature script of mine into a possible episodic series with one of the producers of 'Malacostraca,' as well as working on the pre-production of a new short film I am to direct called 'When we Dance.'
Interview: November 2018
We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. 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
Malacostraca
A failing writer looses his grip on reality as his wife grows pregnant with their child. 'Malacostraca' was shot by DP Ava Benjamin Shorr.
Length: 15:36
Director: Charles Pieper
Producer: Case Barden, Joel Garay, Boman Modine, Travis Cultreri, Kimmie Yan
Writer: Charles Pieper
About the writer, director and producer:
CHARLES PIEPER (writer/director) is a filmmaker in LA. He's created numerous short films and feature screenplays. He dabbles most within the realm of horror.
Key cast: Charlie Pecoraro, Amber Bollinger
Looking for: producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists
Facebook: Malacostraca
Twitter: @inherentcharlie
Instagram: @cpieper
Other: https://vimeo.com/cpieper
Official Website: http://charlespieper.com
Funders: IndieGoGo
Made in association with: 'Tonight I'll Make It' productions
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? At the Other Worlds Austin Sci-Fi & Horror Film festival in Austin, Texas.