NFS: Are you able to inform us a bit about your background in filmmaking?
Kenichi Ugana: My mom beloved horror films, so I grew up watching them day by day. I labored as an actor from highschool via school, however progressively my want to make my very own movies grew.
I began my profession as a movie director by taking pictures an impartial movie. A few of my most notable works embody THE GESUIDOUZ, during which a horror-loving frontman tries to make a masterpiece as a way to attend Glastonbury Rock Competition earlier than she dies; WE ARE ALIENS, during which six cute puppet aliens invade Earth; VISITORS – COMPLETE EDITION, during which a frightened buddy visits a person’s home, solely to search out that her associates flip into demons one after the other, and he or she herself turns into a demon; and EXTRANEOUS MATTER – COMPLETE EDITION, during which black, tentacled creatures out of the blue start to multiply throughout the Earth.
My type usually combines punk and rock with horror and fantasy, and I have been prolific, releasing two to a few movies a yr for the previous few years.
This yr, along with THE CURSE, I’ve additionally launched I FELL IN LOVE WTH A Z-GRADE DIRECTOR IN BROOKLYN, which received the Greatest Excellent Efficiency Standing Award and the Viewers Award on the Fantasia Worldwide Movie Competition, and INCOMPLETE CHAIRS, which can have its world premiere on the Slash Movie Competition.
NFS: What have been a few of your inspirations for making The Curse?
KU: The scenario surrounding social media has change into so extreme just lately that I had at all times needed to depict it. Then, I noticed a submit by an acquaintance of mine saying, “The social media account of a buddy who handed away continues to be energetic as if he is nonetheless alive,” and I assumed this is able to be a great way to begin a movie.
I additionally researched how individuals curse others in Taiwan and the picture of ghosts. I discovered it fascinating that the picture of ghosts in Taiwan and Japan is barely completely different.
NFS: What digicam did you shoot on? What went into this resolution?
KU: We used the DJI Ronin 4D as a result of the DP really useful it, and it’s totally maneuverable. It was my first time utilizing a digicam, and I actually favored it. Till now, I’ve principally used Alexa, however I made a decision to check out new cameras as properly.
NFS: There are plenty of grotesque deaths within the movie. What have been a few of your favourite results to create?
KU: It is the scene initially the place somebody is hit and killed by a automobile, the automobile drags the physique, and the canine eats it. I’ve a robust picture as a horror movie director, however up till now, I’ve solely directed horror comedies, so that is truly my first critical horror movie. …There are plenty of humorous components this time too, haha. Anyway, I actually needed to create a stunning scene initially.
The scene was plenty of enjoyable to shoot, combining varied components corresponding to scary appearing and camerawork, puppets, particular results, and the canine’s appearing. When the canine efficiently ate the meat, I could not assist however high-five the manager producer.
NFS: How do you’re feeling that the horror style is altering within the age of social media? Is that this one thing filmmakers ought to research?
KU: I feel that younger individuals, not simply in horror, are more and more preferring shorter content material and works which can be appropriate with smartphone side ratios. And horror movies are typically extra stimulating than different sorts of content material, so I feel horror movies and social media are a great match.
Nevertheless, I do not suppose that filmmaking itself will change drastically. Traits themselves might change, however I am satisfied that the basic essence of worry has remained essentially the identical since historic instances.
NFS: What recommendation would you give to any aspiring horror filmmakers trying to make their first shorts or options?
KU: Do not take heed to what your seniors say. The brand new technology wants to interrupt down the stereotypes of the older technology.
