Logline: A power hungry young cook whose pathological need to control people can only fit in amongst the weirdos and drop outs of hospitality. But when he steals the new menu from a Michelin star restaurant to use at his own job, there are dire consciences that spiral out of his control.

Length: 12 min Proof of Concept for Feature.

Director: Samuel Galloway

Looking for producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists

Release date: TBA

Why are you making a film called GASTRO?

I worked as a chef in Melbourne for four years and I haven’t seen a film that really captures the life of a chef, and the tone of a commercial kitchen.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

Gastro is a dark drama with psychological thriller elements. If you were into Whiplash, Nightcrawler, or American Psycho this is for you.

What are the similarities and discontinuities between GASTRO and your other work including WAITING ON SOUND and PAST THE SECOND STAGE?

Past the Second Stage was my first drama, and the experience gave the courage to work without the hooks associated with genre, which is continued here. Waiting on Sound was a comedy about social anxiety, and Gastro shares those themes, Billy is a lot like the Boom Operator.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

There are few places where social hierarchy are as clear as in a kitchen, this film is about a revolution which is a vicarious relief I think people need today.

How has the script and film evolved over the course of its development and production?

My DOP Justin Carrig bought an Arri Alexa mere weeks before I relocated to the UK, I had the story in the back of my mind but the opportunity to work with the camera brought it out very quickly. It was only once we shot the proof of concept I told Justin “hey by the way this is a feature.”

What type of feedback have you received so far?

Mainly how grim it is, and my girl friend can’t watch it because seeing me acting, as the worst version of myself, doing what I used to do, was a little too much “Sam” for her.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

I think that the idea that a film is “too much me” is what I want from everything I do from now on. There’s no one else doing that.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on this platform?

We are currently looking to attach a producer, and to start the search for finance. Getting into some great festivals with the short would be a huge help with that.

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

All of the above.

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

A parade in my name would be nice. No… TWO parades.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

The unchecked abuse that goes on (and is sometimes actually encouraged) in kitchens is the central question. There’s aren’t any answers in the film, it’s up to the viewer to make up their mind.

Would you like to add anything else?

Please check us out on Facebook and give us a like!

https://www.facebook.com/Gastro-204046143308617/?ref=br_rs