Tell us about your film, script, or screenplay?
“Creature of the Cemetery” (2020) is the 2nd part of “Grave ‘n’ Breakfast” (2020). Both short films were shot in the same location (= in a cemetery). There is also a 3rd and final short film planned, so that this short film series of mine becomes a trilogy. I can imagine making a feature film about the squirrels in conjunction with my Character Funeral Master which I present in these short films.
Film producer name :Benedikt Keller-Zeller
Director name : Benedikt Keller-Zeller
Film crew member’s name :Benedikt Keller-Zeller
1. What does the future of film look like?
The film is part of the entertainment of our humanity. It has existed for more than a century and it will survive because there will always be new film directors who want to immortalize their visions on film, actors, make-up and CGI artists alike, film composers etc. What I mean by that is that the future of film can last forever!
2. What are you most proud of in your professional experience?
In fact, I didn’t start making short films to gain notoriety. I made them out of the joy of filmmaking. The fact that after about 3 years more and more people are interested in my cinematic works and come to me by themselves (mostly they are film festivals.), that makes me proud!
3. How long did it take to research and make the film?
I filmed my short film “Creature of the Cemetery” within about one hour. This also included thinking about a story, visiting the film locations, setting up the video camera and acting for this short film of mine.
4. Do you believe that a filmmaker should be original and fresh or he/she should stick to classic but safe cinema style?
A great question. I believe that a filmmaker should be able to do both. By that I mean he should be able to create something original / fresh. But don’t be afraid to remember classic cinema with one or more projects. Because the old cinematic style has survived to this day (such as the silent films of German expressionism of the 1920s or the universal horror era of the 1930s). In any case, both!
5. What do audiences want? And is it the filmmaker’s role to worry about that?
I would say that it always depends on which film genre a filmmaker is at home in. For example, if he is at home in the horror film genre, he should give his audience a horror film because the audience would expect it. But he should not limit himself in his creativity and, for example to shoot a film from another film genre. This can be a good experience for a filmmaker for his further film works.
6. The Covid-19 crisis has disrupted the global film industry. What are the challenges and opportunities for the industry beyond the pandemic?
The Covid-19 crisis has caused many bad events. Not only in the global film industry. As I wrote in the first question from you, the film is part of the entertainment of our humanity, the global film industry has the opportunity to process this bad time and also to return to its old strength. I think that despite the ongoing Covid-19 crisis, many great films have been made this year 2022!
7. Is digital technology an opportunity or a threat?
A threat. If you go to various video platforms nowadays, you will not only find the official teasers and official trailers of your favorite films but (which bothers me) some film scenes or even complete films illegally uploaded to these video platforms. My first feature film Funeral Master’s “Funeral Coma: Eternal Funeral Places: Part One” (2016) was also released by someone illegally.
8. Can you say something about the collaborative nature of filmmaking?
That’s a difficult question for me to answer. But I’ll try anyway. I work on all my cinematic (and musical) projects alone. I do this because I have noticed (when I work alone for myself) that I can better implement my own goals and I am independent of others. But I don’t want it to come across in such a way that I would refuse to work with others. Quite the opposite!
9. What is the role of film festivals?
Film festivals (like yours) help filmmakers like me to show their own cinematic works to a larger audience. And by the official selections, if necessary. to become a finalist or even a winner, film festivals ensure that a filmmaker becomes better known. And for that, we filmmakers should thank you!
10. The last interview question, if you could go back in time and talk to your 18-year-old self, what advice would you give him?
I would advise my 18-year-old to continue on his own path because he discovered his own creativity first for songwriting and making music and then made the passion for the love of filmmaking.
