InterviewAugust 23, 2019August 23, 2019zombie2
The Twentieth FrightFest is here so obviously our exclusive interview feature Five FrightFest Facts From… is back with a vengeance. Below we hear from VOLITION’s Tony Dean Smith (director/co-writer/producer) and Ryan W. Smith (co-writer/producer)and you can read more FrightFest Facts from 2019 and beyond by clicking HERE.
1. Tell us about your film?
Volition is grounded, cerebral science-fiction film about JAMES ODIN, a man afflicted with clairvoyance. He sees snippets from his future, and everything he sees always comes true. But his ability is not a superhero power, it’s an affliction, which has caused him to lead a life of petty crime. He sees no use in living an upstanding life because he believes all is fated. That is… until, after saying yes to illegally moving diamonds for a crime syndicate, he suddenly sees a vision of his own imminent murder. Desperate to change his fate, he goes on the run, with a woman he’s just connected with. As they race against an unknown killer, James comes to learn that his affliction is not quite what it seems. The story takes some very unique turns, which has led some reviewers to liken it a mix between LOOPER, INCEPTION and BLACK MIRROR.
2. How did you get into making horror movies?
Well, while Volition has some horror elements, in truth, it’s a cerebral science-fiction film. Tony has been filmmaking from a very young age. It all started when he borrowed our father’s handycam and convinced our siblings to act in his short films. That’s when Ryan got involved. Tony would direct, with Ryan, his younger brother, acting along side their sibling sisters. Soon, Tony’s skills as a writer/director developed, leading to bigger productions. Ryan also shifted from acting and started writing more seriously. Volition is the culmination of all those earlier years, with Tony directing, based on a script written by Tony and Ryan.
3. What film would you love to see screened at FrightFest and why?
We’ve heard only incredible things about FrightFest, with everyone raving about the audiences and their passion. That would make any film-going experience truly unique. To be a bit cheeky, I suppose we’d love to see our next film screen there! First we need to make it… 🙂
4. If you could create your own award to give at the FrightFest, what would it be and why?
We’d give our cast and crew the BEST SMILES ON ZERO SLEEP AWARD, if we could. Everyone worked so damn hard during the making of this film, which included a ridiculous amount of night shoots. The award would be in the shape of a pillow. But hard as a rock… because, hey, no sleeping on set.
5. If your life was made into a horror film, what would it be called and who would play the starring role?
It’d be called Blood Brothers and we’d be played by our doppelgängers, Chris and Liam Hemsworth.
VOLITION’s UK PREMIERE is in CINEWORLD DISCOVERY SATURDAY 24 AUGUST Find out more HERE