Film: Defile
Director: Brian Sepanzyk
Writer: Brian Sepanzyk
Starring: Tanaya Beatty, Sara Canning, Adam Lolacher, Fletcher Donovan, Elysabeth Maude
Synopsis – A couple’s secluded getaway is interrupted by a visit from a strange family who exposes them to the horrors that lie beyond the tree line.
Defile will be playing at Dead and Sudburied on Friday, 17th October at 2:30 pm.
Q. Your film Defile has been selected for Dead and Sudburied, can you tell us a bit about what we can expect from the film?
A. A wild ride in a short amount of time.
Q. How did the idea for the film come about and what were your inspirations when writing the script?
A. The idea came from when my wife and I were staying at a secluded cabin and my mind just went to some strange areas. A blessing and a curse for vacations.
Q. What were some of your influences for the look and style of the film?
A. Definitely very influenced by Panos Cosmatos. And then my north star is always Kubrick. This one was really fun because we have two distinct phases in the film where we get to showcase some really cool set pieces. My DP, Jeff Zwicker, and I had a lot of fun creating the visual language for the film and trying some bolder choices.
Q. Did you make any changes from the original script during filming?
A. I think this happens with any shoot, unless you’re the Coen Brothers. Time constraints, weather, and every force of nature acting against you makes for some creative pivots. For us, we were able to wrap the cabin sooner with finding creative alternatives that would allow the story to move forward but involve less than was written. It worked out better for us.
Q. What were some of your favourite memories of making the Film?
A. Having so many people come together and work so hard to bring this messed up story to life. I loved it! Every shoot is hard, and this was no exception, but was one of the best times I’ve had on set with cast and crew.
Q. Did you experience any issues during filming?
A. In Vancouver, BC, Canada, we have a new term that meteorologists have coined ‘atmospheric rivers’ for extreme events of rainfall. This is where the skies open up and drop a ‘river’ of rain and can lead to a lot of chaos. So a lot of our L&D costs at the end were directly tied to this. Another new normal that we’re getting used to.
Q. What makes Defile stand out as something different in the horror genre?
A. I think it challenges the viewer to experience the unexpected in beautiful and horrific ways. Especially for a short film, we really take people through a journey where you experience as much confusion and horror as the main character. That’s the hope anyways.
Q. What do you hope people take away after watching the film?
A. That a group of independent filmmakers came together to create something big, horrific and beautiful. Or at the very least, to be entertained.
Q. Do you have any other projects which you are currently working on?
A. Yes, have a few projects that are in development. Working on a feature script for one of my other short films that has been optioned. It’s been really fun bringing that world to a larger scale. As well, my writing partners (Sara Canning and Adam Lolacher) and I are working on adapting a book that we have the rights to. It’s a true story about a plane crash that happened in the 80’s, and it’s been so fulfilling to be part of trying to bring this story to the screen. We’re working closely with the author, Carol Shaben, who is the daughter of one of the crash survivors, and we feel incredibly honoured that she would trust us with her family’s story. The book is called Into The Abyss. It’s an incredible story.
Q. If someone was looking to get into filmmaking film what advice would you give them?
A. Do it! Just be prepared for anything ha ha. There is no one sure way to get into filmmaking as everyone has their own story or path of how they were able to do it. So be willing to try all departments, even if it isn’t what you’re after. It all helps and gets you on set, or in the edit bay, hair and makeup trailer, or VFX facility etc… Knowing what each department does will only help you down the line and make you a stronger filmmaker. Bottom line – if you love it, you’ll find a way.
You can find out more about Writer-Director Brian Sepanzyk on the following social media Instagram – Facebook
Defile will be playing at Dead and Sudburied on Friday 17th October at 2:30pm.
Find out more about the festival and purchase tickets for Defile 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!
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