Dead Air (2019)
Director: Geoff Harmer
Writer: Peter Hearn
Starring: Stacy Hart, Charlie Bond, Kate Davies-Speak, Johanna Stanton, Dan Palmer, James Hamer-Morton
In a new interview in the series leading up to Horror-on-Sea Film Festival, I got a chance to ask Dead Air Director Geoff Harmer a few questions about what we can expect from the film.
Q. The horror short Dead Air has been selected to play at Horror-on-Sea. Can you tell us what we can expect from the film?
Dead Air is a fun comedy horror that pays homage to the 80’s creature features I used to watch growing up.
Q. What attracted you to the film Dead Air when you first read the script?
I think what stood out initially was just how crazy it was. Even in its humble beginnings it was really ambitious, lots of fun and had little creatures in it. Complete win win.
Q. What were some of your influences for the look and style of the film?
When I was thinking about the look of the film, I went back to some of my favourite horrors from the 80’s and 90’s. Films like Vamp (1986), From Beyond (1986) and Gremlins (1984), all had a fabulous look to them. I wanted our film to be able to sit along side those films and not look out of place.
Q. The film uses mainly practical effects with puppets and prosthetics. Did you ever consider using more CGI with the effects?
There is a little CGI in the film, it has been an invaluable tool for us to get the film to where it is now. There were some additional sequences that we were considering for further CGI, but we just had to draw a line under everything and get the film out there. You can always keep tinkering with the film, but sometimes you just gotta let the film go.
Q. Did you make any changes to the original script during filming?
We did cut some stuff out during the shoot. We fell behind time and needed to pick up the pace again, so Peter and myself did a quick bit of surgery with some assistance from Dan Palmer. We only had 5 days on the main set, with so much to shoot and some big setups, I’m amazed we didn’t get further behind!
Q. Did you experience any issues during filming?
Lots! Puppets falling apart, Prosthetics not sticking to actor’s faces, almost having to close the set down, not enough coffee on tap… In all honesty, the whole film was a HUGE learning curve for myself and I’m sure for a lot of the team too. So many techniques that I hadn’t experienced before, with one of the biggest cast/crew I had worked with. There were bound to be the odd issue here and there, but the team pulled together so well, you wouldn’t have realised.
Q. What were some of your favourite moments during filming?
My favourite moment during filming, was probably the moment the creatures first attack our band. Most of the cast were there, having lots of fun. It really rubbed off, you just couldn’t stop smiling.
Q. What makes Dead Air out as something different in the horror genre?
I think we stand out at the moment as we are all about having fun. There are tons of horror’s out there that take themselves really serious, which is cool, but it’s not us. We have an amazing cast, and great look and a fab soundtrack… what’s not to like?!
Q. What do you hope people take away after watching the film?
So far, the feedback has been really positive, with the main criticism being that it’s too short. I personally think it’s the shortest 16 minute film you’ll ever see. I hope people fall in love with the energy, have fun with it, and DEMAND more!!
Q. Do you have any other projects which you are currently working on?
Dead Air has just hit the festival circuit, so we’ve been caught up in the whirlwind of official selections and festival screenings, etc. So I don’t have much time to think about other things. That being said, I have written a sort of Sequel/Prequel to my festival hit Selfie (2015), that I’m hoping to develop at some point. Pete and myself have also discussed a Vampire film that I’d very much like to kick off too. Alongside developing the feature length version of Dead Air… it’s all quite busy!
Q. If someone was looking to direct their own film what advice would you give them?
Just do it! Write it, plan it, shoot it. Find some people that want to help (they’re everywhere!), grab some equipment (use your phone if you have to) and go out there and make something. When I started out, I would always make a film based on what “things” I had around the house. Don’t be too ambitious on your first time out, use what you have around you, tell a story. Don’t worry about the length of the film either, just tell the story you want to tell. And most importantly… Don’t be a dick, just have fun!
You can find out more about Dead Air on the following Social Media
Twitter – Instagram – Facebook
You can also follow director Geoff Harmer on Twitter
Dead Air will be playing at Horror-on-Sea on Sunday 12th January at 10:00am
You can find out more about Horror-on-Sea and purchase tickets for the festival here:
Published in various websites, Philip is a reviewer who is best known for his interviews and media coverage of independent projects including; films, books, theatre and live events. Always on the lookout for something different to cover!
