Film: Descent
Director: Daniel Keeble
Writer: Billy Herring, Daniel Keeble
Actors: Billy Herring, Alice Ryan
Synopsis: In the midst of a relationship breakdown, Dominic and Megan find themselves at a juncture when devastating news is revealed
In a new interview on Blazing Minds, I got a chance to ask Co-Writer/Actor Billy Herring and Actress Alice Ryan a few questions about the moving drama ‘Descent’.
Q. Can you tell us what we can expect from the film Descent?
B (Billy Herring) – It’s an exploration of how someone might react to receiving life-changing news. It’s quite sad and, I hope, it’s thought-provoking.
A (Alice Ryan) – I agree, it’s something that will be very thought-provoking and moving, I hope it’ll make a big impact.
Q. How Did you get involved in the project and what attracted you to the script?
B – I wanted to write something that explored the fragility of male masculinity. Something that portrayed the female character as the ‘strong’ person in the relationship.
A – Billy came to ARK Pictures with this incredible idea for the short film. Wanting to create a short piece that focused on how men struggle with their mental health, especially when dealing with life-changing events and touching upon subverting gender roles. It was difficult to listen to the inspirations behind the story, but it just confirmed how much I wanted to be part of it, both acting and producing alongside Scarlett Fish Productions.
Q. What sort of preparation did you do to portray your character?
B – I did quite a bit of research into the physical and mental aspects of MND. I watched lots of interviews with people affected by it. Especially the late, great, Rob Burrows. One of my dad’s best friends passed away from MND last year, so this also prompted me to write the piece.
A – Billy and I talked over the relationship the couple have together to help impact how we’d react in the
circumstances they find themselves in. We rehearsed together with our director. I also spent time doing
research and had conversations with people I know who have cared for loved ones who are ill. As well as using improvisation techniques to prepare for the final scene.
Q. Did you add any of your own personality to the character?
B – I think, to a degree, this is inevitable when you are playing characters who are given a similar upbringing and social circumstance as yourself. I like to think there is a separation there too. I guess that’s for the audience to decide.
A – I feel like you can always resonate in some way with every character you play as an actor. Having lost 2 good friends around the time of shooting the film and remembering similar conversation I had with them as my character did with ‘Dominic’. It was inevitable that your own life experiences bleed into the roles.
Q. What were some of your favourite moments whilst making the Film?
B – The setting was just wonderful. A big thank you to Dave and Eve Gardner for allowing us to use their
wonderful house and bathroom. It’s not often you can saying sitting on the floor of a bathroom for 8 hours was fun, but this genuinely was!
A – The atmosphere for me was great, despite the heavy subject matter, everyone was just so warm and
sensitive about the whole thing. And Billy’s right, not only did we have a great team, but a wonderful setting too!
Q. Did you experience any issues whilst making the film?
B – Not really. We had to wait a little bit for the music to be finished, but I think you’ll agree, it was worth the wait.
A – Not at all thankfully! Everything went very smoothly on the shoot, pre and post production (And yes it was worth the wait for the music)
Q. What do you hope people will take away from the film?
B – I hope people will look at their own lives and try to find the positives in their own situations. Life can be hard, but there is always someone who has it tougher. We’re only here for a short time, so enjoy it and take every opportunity possible.
A – You’re never alone, don’t push away those who can take some of your burdens from you and to see the beauty in life as much as you can.
Q. Do you have any other projects which you are working on?
B – I’m Head of Production at Hellfire Productions now and we’re working on a couple of feature films. Watch this space!
A – As Ark Pictures, we are working on another short film with the talented Dave Gardner and the next big step is ‘The Night Blooms’ the feature film, which is based off one of our short films and MORE!
Q. If someone is looking to get into filmmaking, what advice would you give them?
B – Network. Go and meet people, offer to help on set, learn. This industry is all about making relationships and learning from people. No-one is going to come and find you, you’ve got to be proactive!
A – I couldn’t agree more! It’s about networking, reach out to people, offer support. Connect online, go to
networking events and festivals (Whether you’ve got a film showing or not!). Research what creative interest you’re most keen on learning about and then go for it!
Follow ARK Pictures and Scarlettfish Productions on Instagram
@we.are.arkpictures
@scarlettfishproductions_
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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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