In a British seaside town, Pepel tries to persuade Natasha to run away and start a new life with him. Away from his life of petty crime the cycle of poverty is holding them back.

Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Michael Ellis

Pepel "rescues" Natasha from doing something she might regret.

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

I work in post production for feature films but I love the entire film-making process and making this film allowed me to experiment with every part of that process. The location was also important to me. Lowestoft was once a popular tourist destination for wealthy Victorians, and a bustling and successful fishing port. Over the years it has deteriorated and now struggles to attract tourists, has few jobs, no fishing industry and many social problems. It is, however, a visually rich and naturally beautiful part of the country which I wanted to capture.

I love the sea and the mythology that past generations attributed to it. It can be violent and unpredictable but also offers the endless hope of new horizons. I also felt that Maxim Gorky's play "The Lower Depths" still has a resonance for people living in many parts of Britain; people stuck in poverty who find it impossible to escape.

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

Everyone has dreamt of escaping at some point in their lives. This is film about the moment that that dream switches to become action.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

Gorky's original play used an ensemble cast to illustrate the tragedy and comedy of life at the impoverished fringes of society. I've taken a short section from the play and tried to distill those larger themes down into an intimate interaction between two young people - each with their own hopes and worries.

The Lower Depths - Pepel isn't appreciated

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

The dialogue changed a lot. The translated version of the original 1906 version that I started working with felt too much of a stretch for a present day setting. I rehearsed with the actors to find their most natural way of conveying the same ideas as dialogue. Also I added in a magical realist element and started exploring more visual symbolism. I wanted something to embody the feeling of constantly being dragged down.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

Mostly very positive. There have been a few disappointments with festival submissions but I've been encouraged to continue making films and exploring the themes I'm interested in.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

It's surprised me that people have understood what I was trying to do!

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

To maximise exposure for the film and to increase my own exposure as a director.

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

I want to build relationships with producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors and journalists so that I can make more films.

The Lower Depths - Something menacing is holding them both back.

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

I'd love the film to be noticed and for people to recognise potential in the ideas, and setting behind the film.

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

Who or what is stopping us from realising our potential?

What are the key creatives developing or working on now?

I'm continuing my "day job" in feature post production, but also working on a a new short drama set in the same small town and a longer feature length script set.

Interview: May 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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The Lower Depths

In a British seaside town, Pepel tries to persuade Natasha to run away and start a new life with him. Away from his life of petty crime the cycle of poverty is holding them back.

Length: 6 mins 55 seconds

Director: Michael Ellis

Producer: Michael Ellis

Writer: Michael Ellis

About the writer, director and producer:

Michael Ellis is a VFX supervisor and Titles Designer for Feature Films. Recent projects have included American Honey, The Journey, Tulip Fever and Inferno. He was formerly a VFX supervisor for Double Negative and worked on movies such as Bourne Legacy, Prince of Persia and Cloverfield.

Key cast: Lewis Gadsdon, Lucy Atkins

Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): All of them!

Other: https://vimeo.com/171056320

Funders: http://eelfilms.com/index.html

Made in association with: Steve Gray

Where can I see it in the next month? https://vimeo.com/171056320