The 16th Episode (2019)
Director: Jérôme Cohen-Olivar
Writer: Jérôme Cohen-Olivar
Stars: Einar Kuusk, Aouatefe Lahmani, Cody Heuer, Rosine Young, Rebecca Ramon
Three You tubers struggling to get more views on their adventure channel, travel to the mythical city of Casablanca, unaware that it hides a terrifying secret.
In a new interview in the series leading up to Horror-on-Sea Film Festival, I got a chance to ask The 16th Episode writer-Director Jérôme Cohen-Olivar a few questions about what we can expect from the film.
Q. Your latest horror film The 16th Episode has been selected to play at Horror-on-Sea. Can you tell us what we can expect from the film?
Fun hopefully. Scares and emotions. Emotions are the key ingredients.
Q. What were your influences when writing the screenplay for the film?
I try not to have conscious influences when I write. But there are tons in the back office of my mind and I usually let them do the work. So to answer your question, the influences can be anything from a Disney movie to a hard drama.
Q. What were some of your influences for the look and style of the film?
I tend to go with what I like and feel can best serve the story, fine tuning and always trying to be tonally coherent. I usually start with the locations because it is them that are going to be dictating the design and the lighting. The locations are really key. Now as far as style, I try to listen as much as possible to my intuitions; they know the business better than I do.
Q. Where there any elements of the original script which were adapted during filming?
The whole script ha ha. well, I always try to adapt the script the situation, the locations and the tone of the film. As we move into the schedule, things start to appear. New opportunities, new characters weaknesses, new plot directions. I try to remain as vigilant as possible and listen to what the energy of the set has to say. Now don’t get me wrong, this does not mean straying away from the script, it is more a question of discovering little treasures here and there and use them to embellish the story.
Q. Did you experience any issues during filming?
Always, but I view them as a challenge and try to convert them into blessings in disguise. I have faith in the God of movies, the other Gods I am not so sure.
Q. What were some of your favourite moments during filming?
This is was a difficult shoot physically and mentally, so it’s hard for me to recall moments where I felt bliss or even satisfaction. It was very tough. My favourite moments are once the day is over and you think of what you’ve done and see if it all adds up. It reminds me of school and how, once you finish a test, you think about what you achieved and what you missed.
Q. What makes The 16th Episode stand out as something different in the horror genre?
I would hope that my voice as a filmmaker makes the film unique because I am both an auteur and a public conscious filmmaker . If I have done my job correctly, this is what the audience will feel. Something unique yet graspable.
Q. What do you hope people take away after watching the film?
That’s a cool question. Maybe a sense of purpose, however futile your endeavour may seem to be.
Q. Do you have any other projects which you are currently working on?
Yes, a couple. One is a horror film, the other a comedy. But you never know what may happen so I try to keep things under wraps until it really starts happening.
Q. If someone was looking to write and direct their own film what advice would you give them?
Do not listen to anyone and I really mean anyone. You will only learn from your own mistakes, not the mistakes of others. You have to be ready to fail and I will even go as far as to say, you have to be looking forward to failure because it is the most precious gift you will get, but only if it is 100% your own.
You can find out more about The 16th Episode on Facebook
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!
