Demons in the Closet
A resident is challenged by demons from another realm in his closet.
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer/Editor/Animator/Actor James Smith
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Thanks so much. I made this film because I had this idea of a demonic closet a while ago and thought this concept could work quite well in stop motion. As a self-taught filmmaker and animator, my intention was to make a supernatural horror film. I also admire the body horror cinema of the 80's which inspired me to create my own stop-motion body horror film.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
If you want to be entertained and have both a thrilling and fun experience this film might be for you!
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
It has an underlying message about the bond between a human and his most loyal companion. The question is will the resident be able to return home to his dog and a normal life? I wanted to make this a central element of the film.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
Well, I came up with the idea of a demonic closet with one main protagonist on an odd and unexpected journey. A very gory but at the same time entertaining journey. But the true star of the film for me is the dog whom I integrated later into the script. I had several ideas about the companion ranging from family members to neighbours and found the idea with the dog most compelling.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
I think the audience enjoyed the film at the festivals. So far the audience reaction has been very positive.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
No, not really. I'm just very pleased the feedback so far has been only positive. Once I was asked why I used the closet as a portal to the other realm, this question did take me by surprise because I had never given it a thought. Maybe because you can open and close the closet doors, being a visual tool to use as a portal to the realm.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
To give my film a larger platform for many other people to see and share my filmmaking journey.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
I'm open to every new connection. Distributors, journalists, and festival directors would be helpful. I'm also looking for a producer for my next film as I fund all my films myself and intend to make a feature film and more short films.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I would wish my film to be screened at as many festivals as possible so that people can enjoy it. I also could imagine making a longer version of this film or continuing this film maybe as a series.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I'm working on my first feature film, which I'm still writing but the basic idea is clear so far. I'm also working on another horror stop-motion short.
Interview: January 2024
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
Demons in the Closet
A resident is challenged by demons from another realm in his closet.
Length: 1:21
Director: James Smith
Producer: James Smith
Writer: James Smith
About the writer, director and producer:
JAMES SMITH, born on March 20th 1996, is a filmmaker with a passion for stop-motion animated films. He has been creating stop-motion films for over ten years. In 2022 he was interviewed by two TV Stations about his stop-motion art. His award-winning horror short film Monster Encounters (2020) was screened at over 55 international festivals. His dedicated passion for horror films continues with his 2023 stop motion film Demons in the Closet.
Key cast: James Smith (Voice of The Resident, Neighbour, Demons)
Looking for: producers, distributors, buyers
Instagram: @splittershot
Hashtags used: #stopmotion, #animation, #shortfilm
Other: YouTube
Funders: Self-funded
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?
Slamdance 2024
(Sun, Jan 21st, 4:30 PM @ Slamdance HQ @ The Yarrow - Theater B)
(Thu, Jan 25th, 4:45 PM @ Slamdance HQ @ The Yarrow - Theater B)
London Short Film Festival 2024 (Friday, 26 January 2024 11:30pm in London UK)