Austin Film Festival - Gorilla
Henry Corso performs as a costumed gorilla in several different Hollywood films in 1952. Despite falling for an actress in his most recent project, he’ll remain committed to his terrifying role.
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Tibo Pinsard
Watch Gorilla here:
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Because I love films like Greystoke, the original Planet of the Apes or the 1933 King Kong. When I found out about Hollywood gorilla men through the wonderful blog www.hollywoodgorillamen.com, I let my imagination go. I wanted to tell a story about that unknown kind of movie workers. No matter how we could do it, considering everything had to be filmed in France.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
Because there’s simply no other short film like Gorilla, with a story taking place in Hollywood, in the 1950s. Plus our film has low budget but high production value. It’s funny, weird, about desire and the masks we are all wearing in a certain way!
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Loneliness, desire, lack of communication between people… such themes concern us all. But working on these themes doesn’t mean that you can’t be entertaining. This is what I tried to do with Gorilla.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?
In fact, the script and the film are pretty the same. I filmed what I dreamed of. My main issue was to recreate the Californian 1950s with almost no budget. So I had to make some choices, as screenwriter, director and producer. Luckily I had a wonderful crew, with a great DoP (Philippe Brelot), the Academy Award nominated production designer Anne Seibel and two good FX magiciens: Stéphane Keller and Julien Roger. Thanks to them, the story takes place in Hollywood, no doubt. Even if we filmed in Burgundy, France, not at all in California!
What type of feedback have you received so far?
Pretty good! People like the tribute I’m paying to some kind of old movies, but are also touched by the story which is contemporary. Stephane Coulon, who plays the gorilla man (with or without the ape mask) is often praised and has been awarded several times for his performance.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
As a director, you try to lead a project in a certain way. When you discover that it goes the way you wanted it to go, it’s an amazing feeling.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
A film only exists if people watch it. Your website is a good way to give exposure to Gorilla. I hope more and more people will want to see it, including film festivals.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Producers, buyers, film festival directors and journalists !
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
Gorilla already has more than 40 selections in international festivals in only 3 months, all over the world. I don’t know how long it’s gonna last, but I want things to keep going that way ! I wish some tv channels will be interested to broadcast it.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
How do you manage to talk sincerely about loneliness and desire, with a film with a guy in an ape suit?
Would you like to add anything else?
A huge thank you for helping filmmakers!
What are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I’m developing two feature length projects, as well as a digital series. I’m not sure if I'll ever work on a new short film, but never say never.
Interview: October 2016
_______________________________________________________________________________
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
_______________________________________________________________________________
Gorilla
Henry Corso performs as a costumed gorilla in several different Hollywood films in 1952. Despite falling for an actress in his most recent project, he’ll remain committed to his terrifying role.
Length: 14 minutes
Director: Tibo Pinsard
Producer: Tibo Pinsard
Writer: Tibo Pinsard
About the writer, director and producer:
French guy starving to tell stories, always.
Key cast: Stéphane Coulon, Flore Bonaventura, David Coburn, Nathan Rippy, James Gerard
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists):
Funders: Darrowan Prod, Burgundy Regional Council, Kickstarter funders
Release date: June 2016
Where will it be shown in the next month?
November 2016 :
Ø Fenêtres sur Courts Festival (Dijon, France)
Ø Longue Vue sur le Court (Montreal, Canada)
Ø Razor Reel Flanders Film Festival (Brugges, Belgium)
Ø Festival Internacional de Cine de Almería (Spain)
Ø Euroshorts (Poland)
Ø Lone Star Film Festival (Spain)
Ø Bucharest Short Film Festival (Romania)
.