The Scream in the Dark Film Festival - The Golden Plates
One Housecall, Two Mormons, Three Hipsters...what could possibly go wrong?
Director: Tara-Nicole Azarian
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Thank you! I'm excited to see my film, "The Golden Plates" doing so well. I came up with the concept after watching some really, let's say, interesting old PSAs from the 1950s. The topics such as: "Duck and Cover," "Homosexuality" and "Stranger Danger" were all portrayed in such a manner, that with my warped sense of humor, all I could do was laugh. The concept for this film stemmed from this experience. I wanted to spoof the PSA format of the 1950s and poke fun at the sterotypes.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
Ohhhhh goodness. Well, if you have a dark and sharp sense of humor this is your film.
I'm completely upfront that my film, "The Golden Plates" is NOT for everyone. In 7 minutes we completely offend pretty much everyone...but in a good way. I feel that poking fun at hard and difficult issues and laughing about them helps people realize that some things need to change. That being said, not everyone shares my views on this. In this day and age of political correctness, not everyone should see this film. Personally, I think that's one thing, about the film, that makes it so wonderful. :)
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
From a personal aspect: my pet peeve in horror films is that, primarily women die...usually after managing to remove all their clothing. I mean, ok, I understand the horror film formula and the primary audience...but shouldn't guys get killed off too? Do women always have to get naked before they die? I mean...really? With any horror film I make (this is my third) I flip this sterotype on it's head.
From a Universal perspective: tolerance is something our world desperately needs. I chose to poke fun at the 1950's ideal housewife - at swingers - at religion and homophobia - just to name a few issues. Sometimes when people see topics in a bizarre, comedic setting...well, the lightbulb goes off.
The Golden Plates
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?
I wrote the script in one day. It just happened. I wrote until I was done. The film stayed true to my original concept and I'm pleased with the result. We took about 8 weeks for pre-production, including SAG paperwork, we filmed for 1 day with an additional day of ADR.
Post production took about 5 months.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
Ohhhhh my goodness! Great question! I get two reactions. Only two. People either see it and think I'm a genius or they watch it and think I'm going to Hell. There is no in between. It either impresses or offends. I expected that and it's the point, really. Art should challenge people. Good art will sometimes make people uncomfortable.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
Actually, the feedback is exactly what I had anticipated and prepared for. I knew some people would get it and laugh their pants off. I also knew some people would watch it and not be able to handle the parody. We really go places with some topics and we leave nothing untouched. It's raw and dark. If hearing "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas" offends you...this is not your film. LOL.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
Way back when...I began making films when I was just 11 years old. That alone was a hurdle. To be an 11 year old GIRL made my journey almost impossible. But, ultimately, with hard work, I found people who believed in me and my script. That first film, about eating disorders, played 12 film festivals and won two Telly Awards. Just because I was young and FEMALE, did not mean my voice and my ideas had no value. They DID. They still do. That film, "My Name Is Anna" has quite a following on YouTube and it is helping people. I am lucky to have a mom who has instilled confidence in me. She's taught me that barriers are just something in your way that you break to move forward. They should never prevent you from doing what you love. My family was there to encourage me, (and six films and 150 festivals later, I'm doing well), but not everyone has that support system. I hope that reading about my journey, on your site, can inspire another female filmmaker to just get out there and do it, the heck with what people say!
The Golden Plates
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Well gosh! Heck, I am open to offers on the film. I have had some inquiries. I would like it to play in festivals for a few more months, so any open minded festivals out there...let me know about your event! I'd also love to talk about my film with anyone who'd like to write about it! Basically, just, "yes", contact me with any / all questions or offers! :)
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I hope my film does two things; 1) makes the viewer laugh 2) makes the viewer think.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
How do you feel about Mormons and cannibals?
Works every time.
Would you like to add anything else?
Yes! I had an amazing cast & crew! My actors were talented, ego free and hard working. This allowed our film to be made withing our tima and budget constraints. Also, a big thank you to Duane A. Sikes, one of my Executive Producers, who really believes in my work. I am very grateful for his support!
What are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I am currently working on a documentary project. It will be the first feature I produce. Stay tuned!
Interview: October 2016
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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
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The Golden Plates
One Housecall, Two Mormons, Three Hipsters...what could possibly go wrong?
Length:
7 mins
Director: Tara-Nicole Azarian
Producer:
Ex. Producer: Duane A. Sikes
Ex. Producer: Jen Azarian
Producer: Tara-Nicole Azarian
Line Producer: Melanie Star Scot
Writer: Tara-Nicole Azarian
About the writer, director and producer:
Tara-Nicole Azarian began her career as a filmmaker, at age 11, with the film, "My Name Is Anna." The film was a success, playing 12 festivals
Key cast:
Buffy: Tara-Nicole Azarian
Jackie: Laci Kay
Elder Romney: Nick Azarian
Elder Dugger: Josh Feldman
John: Kyle Klein
Narrator: Dave Tunik
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): Yes
Funders:
Ex. Producer: Duane A. Sikes
Ex. Producer: Jen Azarian
Made in association with:
Front Porch Film
www.frontporchfilm.com
Release date: World Premiere was at Dances With Films on June 11th, 2016
Where can I watch it in the next month?
Sunday, October 16th it plays in three states:
1)The Awareness Film Festival in Los Angeles, Ca
2) The Scream In The Dark Film Festival in Nebraska
3) The Upstate New York Horror Film Festival in New York
In November the film will be showing at the ITSA Film Festival in California. Check our Facebook film page for details!