Film in Revolt chatted with Bella (13), a jury member in the upcoming Bloodfest Film Festival about making scary films.
Hi Bella – what’s your latest filmmaking award? And what’s the film about?
One of my recent filmmaking awards was the Gold Certificate for the best film by a child 12 years and under and was a competition held by the Australian Cinematographers Society.
It was wonderful to win this award as the film is judged by industry professionals. My film dealt with bullying and the tragic consequences that bullying can have on an individual and their family.
What was your first film you made?
The first film that I made was called Dreams and Nightmares and was the audience choice winner of a film competition organised by ATOM.
What’s your take on the scary horror genre?
The scary horror genre to me aims to create a sense of fear, panic, and alarm for the audience but also excitement as you don’t know what is going to happen next.
Can anyone make scary films?
Any one can make a scary film irrespective of age – come up with an idea and then go for it.
Do you need loads of stuff? Props etc?
The amount of props you use is really up to the individual. I like to use heaps of props so as to create the mood for the scene that we are about to shoot.
If you had to turn a fairytale into a horror which one would it be? Why?
I would make Snow White into a horror – why? there are many compassionate and loving characters in Snow White and it would be fun to change their persona.
How would you make it?
There are plenty of animated versions – so l would use real life characters.
What is important to you as a filmmaker?
What’s important to me as a filmmaker is ensure that my films entertain and are memorable.
What advice would you give an upcoming filmmaker?
Keep making films – the more you make – the better you become.
Can short films be made simply?
Yes. Many of my winning films were shot on a mobile phone.
As a judge for Bloodfest what do the successful films all have in common?
The films need to create a sense of fear, panic, alarm, and excitement for the audience and a TWIST thrown in.
What are some common mistakes that filmmakers make, and how do you avoid them?
Keep it simple – too many filmmakers try to overcomplicate the content of their films and their films don’t flow and are not understood by the audience.
What’s the secret to your success?
Hard work.
Thanks Bella