Short Of The Week - Night of the Slasher
A 'shot-in-one-take' slasher film about a teenage girl who must commit horror movie sins by drinking alcohol, doing drugs, and having sex in order to lure a masked killer and defeat him.
Interview with Writer/Director Shant Hamassian
Watch Night of the Slasher here:
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I was at a low point in my career and on the verge of giving up. I felt like a victim withsome of the harsh working environments. It made me think about horror movie victims. How do the survivors go on living? I realized that they need to overcome trauma... and like many PTSD victims, I realized they would follow a pattern of self destruction such as drinking, doing drugs, and having sex -- just like the horror movie sins! Except now it’s in a different context. This is how I thought of Night of the Slasher.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
Typically, my short film is a in short film block, so I imagine an audience is there to see a collective of fun horror shorts. Mine will just happen to be in it. And from my experience, the reaction of thrills and laughter have been beyond what I could have hoped for. If you’re near a festival that’s playing my film, come check out to see what the buzz is all about.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
On the surface, the universal theme of horror movie tropes can be relatable to anyone. The underlying theme that truly drives the film is overcoming trauma.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?
Night of the Slasher was first a horror screenplay. Ever since the short film caught the ear of the entertainment industry, I’ve been taking general meetings with a of interest in the feature script. The current state of the script has gone through several improvements and are a draft away before we officially let it be seen. It took me years to get to this point, so no need to rush it out if it isn’t perfect.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
After being accepted in 140 film festivals including SXSW and winning over 35 awards and being listed as #1 Horror Short film of the year in several publications... I can’t complain.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
I’ve always believed in the short film. I was just hoping festivals and audiences would feel the same way. I think I got the reaction I was hoping for and more. It’s one thing to believe you did good work. It’s another when masses of people validate and confirm your beliefs. But even when there’s a minority who disagree, a festival here, or a lukewarm review over there, strangely, it will always hurt to some degree.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I hope to keep spreading the awareness and growing the fanbase, so that we can have people lining up across the globe to see the completed feature version in the near future. I feel very fortunate to be profiled!
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
I’ve been keeping in touch with a variety of people who are interested in getting the feature film funded. At this moment, I’d like to keep things hush-hush until there is something official to announce.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I think I’m already getting the positive reception I had hoped for. It’s not something most filmmakers get the absolute pleasure of. Again, I am only grateful for it.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
“Do you like scary movies?” -Scream quote ;)
Would you like to add anything else?
If anyone would like to introduce me to their billionaire Uncle, let’s be friends!
What are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I’ve been getting some directing and writing job offers for other projects while still writing more spec screenplays for my own original work. Things are looking more sunny than they used to!
Thank you so much again for the interview!
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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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Night of the Slasher
Length: 11 minutes
Director: Shant Hamassian
Producer: Adam Lesar, Eve Constance, Shant Hamassian
Writer: Shant Hamassian
Shant Hamassian was born in Los Angeles and graduated from Art Center College of Design with a Bachelors in Illustration. He has been directing short films and music videos for ten years.
Key cast: Lily Berlina (Jenelle), Scott Javore (The Bait), The Killer (Adam Lesar), David Swann (Dad), Eve Constance (Mom)
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists):
Funders: Self-funded.
Release date: Fall 2016
Where can I watch it? Palm Springs International Short Fest