Psychos
When three young women receive shocking videos anonymously, a nightmare is reawakened that ignites a thirst for bloody vengeance. They embark on a journey to locate the house, their sadistic captor and to discover the truth behind those locked doors. But, the most shocking revelation of this chilling tale is the identities of the victims.
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer: Sandy Chukhadarian
Watch Psychos here:
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I wanted to create an alternate reality after seeing women or anyone powerless around the world being victimized which caused their trauma; especially how the brain alters these realities. I wanted to see how the mind manipulates itself in dealing with trauma, to get a perspective from within the mind.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
There are a couple of twists and story plot points that I guarantee you will not see coming as the script was carefully developed for this.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Horror is the closest genre for the exploration of the Oedipal (psychological) complex, particularly as it relates to the mother/father/child.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?
This is truly an indie film which is by definition “independent” of any outside influence or extravagant budget, in that we took extra steps not to do crowdfunding even. While the advice and suggestions by so many valuable friends and colleagues were taken into consideration, as I wrote the script, my immediate team (Gareth, Johanna and Rico) and myself had to figure out what worked and what didn’t for this story because there is only “what works” and “what doesn’t work.”
There are never, EVER bad ideas in a creative environment. To get the script into production, we obviously, had limited money, therefore, limited time on the set. Ultimately, due to the financial constraints, we had to cut out lots of shots and I had to rewrite the script for what was actually necessary for that scene. The rewriting on set was a common feature to avoid returning to pay for the same location, cast and crew and other production. It was imperative to stick to the days outlined in the shooting schedule so that we would finish filming.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
I’m truly amazed that the film reviews are coming back very favorably as a reflection that the point of the script was captured and I’m equally ecstatic by the recognition the fabulous Actors, especially the leads are receiving too such as Angelica Chitwood, Deniele Cloutier, Aubrey Wakeling and Vince Peagler III, etc. Without the fantastic work the actors put in, we wouldn’t have anything.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
I’m surprised to see the positive reviews that highly recommend the film Psychos that reconfirms that my instincts to keep my vision to “what works” for this story paid off.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
As a filmmaker, we are in the business to entertain. With that, especially with the Horror / Thriller genre, there must be a human connection with a grand twist. The crafting behind the story to deceive the audience is one of the things I am pleased that the Reviewers noticed. Everyone must watch it to see for themselves, of course...watch it to the end! The second point for the film’s visibility is to share with the filmmaker community about the lost love of creating, in the digital era of affording to make an indie, we are getting bulldozed by the so-called million-dollar indie films who claim they are in the same boat as us. If a film has a million dollar budget, then it’s not an indie film, SORRY.
I would like to start a dialogue about that and to send a message to all aspiring filmmakers out there who are constantly working to make something happen but are either getting overshadowed by big budgets where they can’t get in the door, or discouraged by fellow filmmaker (naysayers) who do not have the vision to rally behind each other or to do so they hate. That is one of the challenges I encountered and have lost a few long-time friends who just could not swallow the fact that I was pushing forward to make a film. Remember, “if you think you CAN or CAN’T, then you’re correct.”
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
We have a distributor and release date is March 17th VOD/MOD but it would be nice to get an LA Weekly review if we get a theatrical release in the near future. We could use buyers, especially worldwide sales and tv channels.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I would like to send my indie film message out so that other people see that they can also make their dreams come true. We would like to recoup the investments so far. It is a dream to make a film but like I mentioned previously, we used our own money.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Is mental disorder Nature or Nurture? In other words, is mental disorder strictly attributed to a trauma or is it inherited? Or both? In the film Psychos, I tried to explore that question.
Would you like to add anything else?
Hollywood indie film communities have lots of Naysayers who do not go into a film project wanting to get anything started or even completed because the vision is lost with big budget delusions of grandeur. I say to anyone out there, keep pushing forward and DON’T stop at anything. But, of course, be kind too! :)
What are the key creatives developing or working on now?
In keeping with my fascination with the brain and its unique quarks unknown still, I’m writing a script on the REDEFINED explanation of what makes a Zombie since George Romero’s (genius) initial definition from which artists always take. We love zombies and need a new take on this, though. It’s time! My Zombie script takes place in a 16-hour period and uses events like the recent Ebola scare. The root of the redefinition could be racially charged though but genetically factual. I see the movie in a combination of The Birds and Shawn of the Dead. Yeah, it’s gonna be funny.
Interview: March 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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Psychos
When three young women receive shocking videos anonymously, a nightmare is reawakened that ignites a thirst for bloody vengeance. They embark on a journey to locate the house, their sadistic captor and to discover the truth behind those locked doors. But, the most shocking revelation of this chilling tale is the identities of the victims.
Length: 82 MINS
Director/Producer/Writer: Sandy Chukhadarian
About the writer, director and producer:
Writer, Director, Editor and Producer of Horror feature "Psychos,” Sandy Chukhadarian, a USC Alumni, has many years of Post Production experience in TV and Cable at NBCUniversal, Disney, and FOX. She now puts her experience & education in Writing to use on her feature film out March 17th on VOD.
Key cast: Angelica Chitwood, Deniele Cloutier and Melissa Elena Jones, Aubrey Wakeling, Vince Peagler III
Social media handles: Psychos
Production Company Website: www.sunsetblvdfilms.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/psychosthemovie/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sunsetblvdfilms
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psychosthemovie/
Where can I see it in the next month?
On VOD from March 17th Amazon, MOD DVD/Blu-ray at Target, Barnes & Noble, Best. On VOD April 7th on Itunes.