#crowdfunding - Ride or Die
Zeke and Christine thought their Doomsday escape plan was perfect… Until Kristin showed up.
Interview with Writer/Director Zeke Farrow
Watch Ride or Die here:
Congratulations! Why are you making your film?
This is my second short film. I had the idea in April, wrote it in May, polished it in June… And I shot last weekend with a wonderful cast and crew… I think when all of the stars align, you know it’s time to make something.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
You should watch this film if you have fantasies about the end of civilization and you wonder what you and your friends might do… Or not do to escape the city.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Universally, I think the fear of the fall of civilization can instill fear in all of us - that’s pretty universal these days. The idea of the dystopian present has been on my mind for several years now. Being an introvert, I’ve always been a bit socially awkward. So I think the idea of a very awkward social situation right at this nexus of the present and the apocalypse mixes my personal anxieties with the anxieties of the zeitgeist. What is that awkward situation…? How will our characters deal with it…? You’ll have to watch to find out.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
The script is much the same as when I first wrote it. It didn’t have an ending for the first three or four drafts though. I knew I couldn’t make it until I had a great ending. So, finding the end was really a revelation. It not only gave me closure on the writing process, it also opened up the possibility of making the film a reality. I think the other aspects of the script deepened as the detail of the situation came into focus for me. Each of the characters has their own distinct take on the apocalypse and how to survive it.
Once I cast the film, I was able to imbue the characters with the essence of my wonderful cast. Casting is always a huge inspiration for my final rewrites. Everything has to feel comfortable for the actors. So I polish until every word sounds like it fits perfectly in the mouth of the actors I’m working with.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
People loved the script pretty universally. My writer friends gave me some great notes. Mostly, they wanted to know more about what was going on outside the little microcosm the film is about. That was a tough balancing act, because the characters don’t know what’s going on… Revealing things to the audience and characters at the same time was my preference, but I also wanted to satisfy my friends’ craving for a more complete context… Rewriting with this in mind led to some great inspirations.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
The feedback definitely challenged me. I really don’t want the audience to know more than the characters - but that’s often the desire of the reader… To understand everything. So how do you balance the necessary ignorance of the characters with the desire of the reader to have everything explained? I think in the end, so long as everything is consistent with the reality of the situation, it will work cinematically. So long as I (the writer/director) know what’s happening, every detail can add up to something more than characters can explain - and a satisfying mystery for the audience to piece together.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I know how hard it is to put a short film out into the world - how hard it is to get people to stop and pay attention. www.wearemovingstories.com has been very supportive of my short film work (A Film by Vera Vaughn and Megan’s Shift). I knew that if I got your team involved early, you could help me reach a short film-appreciating audience. Plus, I really do need to raise some funds to pay for the shoot and finish post. So, take a look at the Indiegogo Campaign, watch the video, catch my vibe, and choose one of the several incredible perks!
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
At this point, I’m looking for post production experts to help me finish. I’m interviewing editors, and also will need a great colorist and some minor visual effects… After that, it’s all about getting it out to festivals, and then eventually onto the web. With short films, you can’t really expect much support from the industry. So, I’m just looking for craftspeople who are passionate about getting involved in fun, creatively liberating projects and people in the indie film world to watch and support once it’s done.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I’d like people to find the film timely. It definitely comes out of my own personal angst about the world. Hopefully it's believable, tense, and maybe humorous.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Do you have an escape plan for the fall of civilization…?
Would you like to add anything else?
I’d like to add that making anything is really, really hard. Anyone who has the inspiration and courage to make anything should be commended. I think we can lose sight of that sometimes. Oh, and please CLICK on my Indiegogo campaign and kick me a few dollars if you’re inspired.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I have two feature films on their way toward production. One is a coming-of-age teen comedy - currently in pre-production. The other is the feature version of A Film by Vera Vaughn, which is a digital thriller we are looking to make next year.
Interview: July 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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Ride or Die
Zeke and Christine thought their Doomsday escape plan was perfect… Until Kristin showed up.
Length: 10 minutes-ish
Director: Zeke Farrow
Writer: Zeke Farrow
About the writer and director:
Zeke Farrow received The Peabody Award for co-writing 'Best Kept Secret’. Movies he's written or produced have played over 150 festivals, including Telluride, Sundance, and SXSW. He co-wrote and produced 'Before the Sun Explodes’ which premiered at SXSW and will be released by Gravitas on August 22nd, 2017.
Key cast: Christine Woods, Kristin Slaysman, Zeke Farrow, Tess Niedermeyer
Looking for: Post production support and Film Festival Directors
Social media handles: @Zekeness
Facebook: /Zekeness
Twitter: @Zekeness
Instagram: @Zekeness
Other: N/A
Funders: Blood, sweat, and tears/Indiegogo
INDIEGOGO CAMPAIGN LINK: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/ride-or-die-let-s-do-this-drama/x/4244985#/
Made in association with: Zekeness
Where can I see it in the next month?: You can’t. The film should be ready for festival play 2018.