Shredders (2019)
Director: Shredders
Writer: Michael James Dean
Starring: Sophie Mensah, Darren Ruston, Michael James Dean, Siobhan Bermingham
During an annual office Christmas party, three unlikely heroes, find themselves fighting for their lives when their building is overrun by a horde of sharp toothed Creatures hungry for human flesh. But these Creatures just picked the wrong party to crash. Armed with only office supplies, the trio must work together if they’re going to survive. Who said those team-building weekends wouldn’t come in handy?
In a new interview in the series leading up to Horror-on-Sea Film Festival, I got a chance to ask Shredders Director Darren A. Furniss a few questions about what we can expect from the film.
Q. Your latest horror short Shredders has been selected to play at Horror-on-Sea. Can you tell us what we can expect from the film?
You can expect to be thrown straight into the action and to remain with the three principal characters throughout their journey to survive a creature invasion. Expect bright bold colours, synthy music and hilarious back and forth exchanges between the heroes of the film.
Q. What were some of your influences for the look and style of the film?
When Mike (writer/producer) and I first discussed the look of the film we wanted to give the impression of an 80’s style film. Creature features were a common film in the 80’s predominantly from the USA. We wanted to put a very British spin on those types of films. I was drawn to the use of strong primary colours which were used so often in the films from the 80s (cult classics like Creepshow), so the Reds, Green and Blues (RGB) was a must for me.
We did it all practically, there was no post-production colour wash. It just doesn’t give you the same effect as actual coloured lighting, so I’m really proud of the look of the film and how it is lit. For the performances I
asked the cast to watch a lot of old comedy films like Chaplin, Keaton etc. I wanted the comedy, not only to come from the witty dialogue, but also physically from their expressions, gestures and most importantly their looks to one another.
Q. Where there any elements of the original script which were adapted during filming?
Not really, no. A line or two was changed and some minor action changes, but that always happens when the script becomes a physical reality with real people and environments. Other than those minor changes and adjustments the film follows the script to the letter.
We spent a lot of time in development and pre-production going through the script, a lot of back and forth between myself and the writer until we got it to a place where we were both happy to move forward. At that point I
story boarded everything.
Q. Did you experience any issues during filming?
Yes, ha ha. I don’t know a film Director that doesn’t. Our main issue was time. We had a day of cast and crew meeting and setting up / rehearsing / blocking and then we had just two days to film over 70 set-ups. We were shooting in an actual office building, so not a closed set, but thankfully it
was the weekend and so we had minimal interruptions. We had to drop a few of the shots that I really wanted in the film and that was due to time. I’m gutted about that, but I am proud of the cast and crew for working so hard to achieve everything we did in those two very quick and intense, but
fun two days.
Q. What were some of your favourite moments whilst making the film?
Watching it all come to life. We had worked so hard in development and pre-production, so seeing it all come to life whilst we were filming was an absolute joy. And working with a great crew and actors, it’s always a great feeling as a Director to work with talented actors who really bring out the best from the script. I don’t have one particular moment or moments, I loved all of it.
Q. What makes Shredders stand out as something different in the horror genre?
Shredders stands out a creature movie that is quintessentially British in characters and humour, but with an 80’s American influence in everything else. It’s also a film about the characters more than the Shredders themselves. You don’t see the Shredders at all, except a hint of one through a frosted window. We always talked about it being like the movie Jaws, where for the most part of the film you didn’t see the shark, which made it all the more scary. That’s the aim we had for Shredders, but with laughs thrown in.
Q. What do you hope people will take away after watching the film?
I hope that they will just enjoy themselves and have a good laugh. Then I hope that they will want to watch it again and again. It’s a short film full of humour and characters you can relate to and get behind in their struggle to get out of a situation alive. We wanted to make a short film that was a
little different from others and I hope people can walk away from Shredders feeling the same way.
Q. Do you have any other projects which you are currently working on?
Yes, I’m currently working on another short. It’s very different from Shredders in terms of style and theme. It’s a dark, psychological thriller which is where I am actually happiest in working. I can’t say too much more about this one, but I can tell you that it tackles the issue of Climate Change, which is something that I feel needs to be highlighted and thought of more.
Q. If someone was looking to direct their own film what advice would you give them?
I would say, just go for it! Watch every or as many of the considered great films as possible, especially the old films. Believe in yourself, if you don’t no one else will. Be kind always and to everyone you work with no matter their role. Get rid of egos on set, there is no place for them when working, they get in the way. Be open and approachable; and if someone has a better idea than you then use it, don’t be precious about your own ideas if some other idea is better, it’s the story that matters more than anything.
Get to understand the actors craft as much as possible so you can better communicate with your actors. Have respect and show appreciation to your actors, your crew and anyone else helping you make your film. Enjoy it and find your own voice through your work! And don’t give up. Ever!
Shredders will be playing at Horror-on-Sea on Friday 10th January at 20:00 hrs
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!
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