Director: Darren Kent
Writer: Samantha Anderson
Starring: Samantha Anderson, Ross Sambridge
Room 301 is the latest short film from ARK INDIE PRODUCTIONS which will once again be premiering online this Halloween ahead of its festival release. I got a chance to ask director Darren Kent a few questions about what we can expect from the film.
Your latest short film ROOM 301 will be premiering online this Halloween. Can you tell us a little bit about what we can expect from the film?
This is a super short that will keep you on the edge of your seat… the feeling of being somewhere where life is non-existent will eventually get your heart racing!
I know that you are not a fan of watching horror yourself, however, you will get involved in horror projects which interest you. How did get involved with ROOM 301 and what is it about the script that interested you?
First and foremost, the script has to impact me and get my imagination working. I loved this little, short but even more so when we casted Samantha Anderson as our lead. Ark Indie are an excellent company of filmmakers, so it was certainly enough to whet my appetite…
Whilst making the film did you make any changes to how it was written in Samantha Anderson’s original script?
I’m known for criticising a script and it wouldn’t be long before I’m script editing to mould it into a script, I’m proud of. However, this one told the story perfectly. The simplicity of this script was one of the appealing things about it and I was anxious reading it to know how it was going to end. Samantha is a great performer and writer.
Apart from the covid restrictions which are being implemented, did you experience any issues during filming?
Ark Indie was adamant about keeping everyone safe so for me, it was just another day at the office. Apart from a few pickup shots needed which is standard on a film set, this movie was quite a breeze to shoot, but I’d put that down to Ark Indie and all their crew. They were on point and always had a plan b ready. A blessing to work with!
What are some of your favourite moments during filming?
My favourite moment was the very end shots of Samantha… her ability to deliver a powerful performance was awesome to watch. I can’t tell you what the shots are because it may spoil the ending for you all, but when you see her you will understand.
Horror is having a resurgence at the moment, with the horror growing in popularity in both the independent and mainstream markets. With so many horror films coming out at the moment what makes ROOM 301 stand out as something different?
As you know I’m not a huge fan of this genre, but I love movies that make me scared if I was in that situation… so it has to be as realistic and relatable as possible for me to be a part of it. This is a horror all stripped back and simplified, but with a twist… I do love a good twist. lol
Do you have any other projects you are working on?
I went on to work with the Ark Indie guys on another short film ‘You Know Me’. This is a social realism movie which is running the festival circuit as we speak. Jeepers Creepers 4 (Jeepers Creepers: Reborn) hits the cinemas in 2 weeks. Back Up the short film is playing at Cannes Film Festival. I’m Directing the feature film The Volunteers early next year. I’m starring in a series called Stuck next month and I’m currently finalising my 3-part drama series I’ve written called Jago Row which is a true story about the slums of Victorian London.
You are a multifaceted filmmaker, in addition to working both in front and behind the camera, you have also undertaken roles as producer and writer. However, considering your role as director for ROOM 301, what advice would you give to someone who is looking to get into directing themselves?
Directing isn’t just about making an actor’s performance the best it can be… you also have to be able to visualise how the movie will be cut together so you know you have enough coverage in the editing suite. It’s a necessity to do the groundwork and fully prepare so on set you are armoured up and organised to the max. If you have a team even half as professional as the Ark Indie guys, you’re in safe hands… your only as good as the team you’re working with!
You can find out more and keep up to date with Darren Kent and Ark Productions on the following social media
Darren Kent Twitter – https://twitter.com/darrenpaulkent
Darren Kent Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/darrenpaulkent/
Darren Kent IMDB – https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2662620/
Room 301 IMDB https://m.imdb.com/title/tt14399206/
Ark Indie Productions Twitter – https://twitter.com/ArkIndie#
Ark Indie Productions Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/arkindieproductions/
Ark Indie Productions Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/arkindieproductions
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!
Related Posts
