When a stranger confronts a priest on a bench, the unexpected happens.

Interview with Director Russ Emanuel

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

I was approached by producer/writer Troy Gabaldon who asked me to direct the film. I was very honored.

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

It’s a very controversial film dealing with a subject matter that I feel needs to be addressed.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

This is a film about choices and the consequences of those choices. Which path would you take in life. There was a time in my life where I could have gone into teaching English abroad in Japan (where I have also lived), but I decided to try pursuing filmmaking instead. What if I had chosen that other path, I always wonder.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?

The script and film has indeed evolved, albeit subtly. One change that Troy obliged me was adding the ‘Peterson’ name into the film – this has been a trademark of mine since my film “Girl With Gun” back in 2005 and I’ve used that name in every film since. Another thing is when we cast our actors, I knew it was necessary for my actors to say the lines naturally so I gave them permission to finesse which words they wanted to say. For instance, if someone gets tongue-tied saying a certain word, then they will focus on trying NOT to say it that way and hence they are ‘acting’ and not naturally performing.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

I think the best compliment we have gotten is that the film is ‘gutsy’. This is the reason I decided to direct this film, it really is controversial, and I knew would draw attention both positive and negative. But that was the point.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

I have directed four short films and five feature films since 2003 and so I’ve heard a lot. That said, I do get surprised now and then including when someone mentioned the film’s story needed to be told and shown to the public. I really was grateful for that comment.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

We are looking for publicity and for those who would be interested in being involved in our related television series of which this is the beginning of the already written pilot episode that Troy completed a few months back. And thank you for reaching out to us and helping to spread the word.

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

Distributors, film festival directors, and journalists would be very helpful in our endeavors.

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

I want people to talk about the subject matter we explore in the film because it really is a problem worldwide. I hope our short film is able to influence those who can make changes, even if just a little bit.

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

Do you prefer organized or personal religion?

Would you like to add anything else?

I mentioned before that this film is the beginning of the pilot episode for a television series we have envisioned. Troy and I are also gearing up to shoot a horror feature film in Houston, Texas next year.

What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?

My future projects include “The Assassin’s Apprentice”, an action short film starring Tarah Paige, Robert Picardo, and Marina Sirtis, which is a film about an apprentice assassin who must go on one final mission, but decides to do things her way. It involves lots of parkour and stunts and will be completed early 2018. https://www.facebook.com/taamovie/

My other project is “Wisper” which is my fifth feature film I just directed in July 2017 in New Jersey and Harlem. It is written and produced by my longtime producer Howard Nash and is a crime thriller about a man whose family was murdered and the aftermath of it all. This film will be completed around the summer of 2018. https://www.wisperproject.com/

Interview: December 2017

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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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Collar

When a stranger confronts a priest on a bench, the unexpected happens.

Length: 14 minutes 40 seconds

Director: Russ Emanuel

Producer: Troy Gabaldon

Writer: Troy Gabaldon

About the writer, director and producer:

Writer/Producer: Troy Gabaldon has directed several films including Uncle Alan (2014), Breaking Trump (2016), Allegedly (2018), and Lighter Than Air (2018)

Director: Russ Emanuel directed five feature films: P.J. (2007), Chasing the Green (2009), The Legends of Nethiah (2012), Occupants (2015), and Wisper (2018).

Key cast:

Sean Gunnell as Tall Man

Michael Ray as Father Harris

Denise Gossett as Mrs. Lawson

Jennifer Durst as Beatrice Bello

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

Buyers

Distributors

Film Festival Directors

Journalists

Social media handles:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecollarmovie/