Final Girls 'Women in Horror' Film Festival Berlin - Bloodsport
Two hunters prepare their rifles, but their sights are set on something more sinister than animals.
Interview with Director Cara McWilliam-Richardson
Main Photo: Victim of the hunter's 'sport.' Actor Callum Forman with special effects by Theo Salisbury of Exilian Fx Studios.
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
We originally made our film as part of the 15 Second Horror Film Challenge. We were intrigued by the concept and wanted to see if we could tell a story in fifteen seconds, whilst making it both entertaining and shocking!
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
It is an original take on the horror genre. We also hope that it is thought provoking, as well as entertaining.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
One of the universal themes that Bloodsport addresses is that of fox hunting, and hunting as a sport in general. We wanted to challenge people's thoughts on this theme, by making humans the ones who were being hunted instead of animals.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?
When our writer first wrote the script, he had a very dark and sinister image in his head. The hunters, in their original format, were more simple minded serial killers. However, the image soon changed to that of the 'British Gentleman' or 'big game hunter.' With the role of the hunters now taking on a well mannered persona, albeit still psychotic, we used a subtler approach which made Bloodsport more ominous and almost satirical in tone.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
Fortunately, all the feedback for Bloodsport has been positive so far. I think people particularly appreciate that Bloodsport can tell a story in fifteen seconds, yet they are intrigued to know more. It has been great seeing the different reactions to it as well, some people find it disturbing whilst others find it entertaining.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
We have been happy with the feedback, but we know it may be challenged in the future.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
We hope to be able to show Bloodsport to a wider audience, and we would also like to connect with as many different filmmakers as possible.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Although Bloodsport is only fifteen seconds, we have a couple of different ideas for features based around its main theme. Should anyone want to help us bring them to life, then we would be more than happy to talk to them.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
As with any film we make, we want the film to receive a positive reception when people watch it. In the case of Bloodsport, we want the audience to feel as though it was successful in telling a story in a short amount of time but also that it is effective and original as a horror. In terms of its impact, we hope that it makes the audience think about the issues and questions it raises in regards to hunting as a sport.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Can you tell a horror story in fifteen seconds?
Would you like to add anything else?
We hope that people enjoy Bloodsport! Also on a personal note, I would like to thank everyone who worked on Bloodsport as it was my directorial debut and my cast and crew were fantastic.
What are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Our next big project is a sci-fi short that we are looking to get into production this summer. In the mean time we hope to make a few more smaller films, and enter more competitions. I am always kept busy with my film review blog www.end-seat.blogspot.co.uk which means frequent visits to the cinema, and watching as many films as possible!
Interview: February 2017
_______________________________________________________________________________
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
_______________________________________________________________________________
Bloodsport
Two hunters prepare their rifles, but their sights are set on something more sinister than animals.
Length: 26 seconds including credits.
Director: Cara McWilliam-Richardson.
Producer: Mark Mountford.
Writer: Lewis Pavlovic.
About the writer, director and producer:
Writer: Lewis Pavlovic is a writer with an enthusiasm for dark and sinister stories that audiences may not want to write, but love to read and watch.
Director: Cara McWilliam-Richardson is passionate about film. She has also worked on film projects as a writer and camera assistant. Bloodsport is her directorial debut.
Producer: Mark Mountford is a filmmaker with a passion for visual arts, camera tech and can often be found with a cup of tea in hand.
Key cast: Mark Mountford, Lewis Pavlovic, Callum Forman and Kirsty Nichols.
Looking for: Anyone who wants to come on board and work with us.
Funders: Bloodsport was a passion project, but we worked with Peterborough Films who were happy to provide the filming and editing equipment.
Made in association with: Peterborough Films.
Where can I see it in the next month: Bloodsport is being shown at Final Girls Film Festival in Berlin later this month.