Atlanta Film Festival 2019 – Gwilliam's Tips For Turning Tricks Into Treats
This is what you wanted! Gwilliam is back and offers some tips for getting special treats this Halloween.
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Brian Lonano
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
After the success of my 2016 short film Gwilliam, I was approached by a new television series called The Eyeslicer to create a new film starring the titular goblin character for their Halloween Special.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
My films usually play in midnight programs, so if you're a member of the audience, I imagine you're there to see something wild, absurd and shocking. And Gwilliam is able to satisfy those cravings...and more!
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Gwilliam's theme, to me, is about guilty pleasures. Scratching an itch that you know you shouldn't scratch but do it anyway. We all have them. Gwilliam's Tips I believe is about giving and being generous.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
After the first Gwilliam, a lot of people wanted to see and know more about him. I wasn't intending on doing a sequel and had contemplated expanding it to a feature. But I like teasing and hinting at things more than directly explaining or showing them. So when Eyeslicer commissioned me to do a new Gwilliam short, I wanted to explore and hint and the character's home life and background. I've built a lot of the Gwilliam mythos with my brother Kevin, who is the co-creator of the character. But we're not sure if it's anything we're going to be adapting for a film.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
Feedback has been great. Filmgoers who are familiar with the first film enjoy seeing his return and the cartoonish aspects of this new short. People who've seen it and have not seen the first Gwilliam have also enjoyed it and want to know more about the first one.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
The feedback reminds me that even though this is a sequel, not everyone has seen the first film. I must make sure that my stories can be enjoyed without prior knowledge of my earlier work.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
My films are usually discussed on horror/genre related websites. While I am always grateful and appreciated for any writings about my films, my hope is that they will achieve more exposure and be discovered by people who are looking for something different.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Gwilliam's Tips is my 12th short film. I am currently writing a feature script of a new idea. So I am looking for people to see my work and offer my opportunities to stretch my abilities as a storyteller. I'd love to direct commercials, I'd love opportunities to potentially direct someone else's story. I am also very serious about wanting to direct a sequel to Beetlejuice or perhaps a Star Wars spin-off movie starring one of the aliens from Jabba the Hutt's Palace in Return of the Jedi.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I just want the films to be enjoyed by audiences.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Usually, people ask what's wrong with me when they see my work?
Would you like to add anything else?
Thanks very much for all the questions!
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Writing a feature-length script about a man whose nose is haunted and he seeks the help of an Ear, Nose and Throat Exorcist.
Interview: April 2019
We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. 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
Gwilliam's Tips For Turning Tricks Into Treats
This is what you wanted! Gwilliam is back and offers some tips for getting special treats this Halloween.
Length: 3:30
Director: Brian Lonano
Producer: Brian Lonano, Kevin Lonano, Blake Myers
Writer: Brian Lonano
About the writer, director and producer:
BRIAN LONANO is the director of bizarre short films including BFF Girls, Crow Hand!!!, and the infamous Gwilliam. Brian's been very fortunate to have his work screen at festivals like SXSW, Slamdance, Fantastic Fest, Fantasia and many more. His film Gwilliam won such prestigious awards as the Trash and Transgression Award at the Sydney Underground Film Festival and the Wrongest Film Award at the Sick n' Wrong Film Festival.
Looking for: journalists, film festival directors
Facebook: Gwilliam
Twitter: @GwilliamFilm
Hashtags used: #gobjob
Website: www.brianlonano.com
Other: Vimeo
Made in association with: The Eyeslicer
Funders: Funded through The Eyeslicer
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? Buy it online on Vimeo.