SLAMDANCE FILM FESTIVAL 2007

Exclusive Interview with Director Phil Mucci of the Short film "The Listening Dead" featured at the Slamdance Film Festival 2007

Luis: What is the theme and genre of your film? Any background about the story of
your film?

Phil Mucci: It's a silent, black and white horror fantasy. We really wanted to make a
film by hand, using old techniques to create our special effects. We wanted
to tell a simple story, which could be appreciated for what it is, but also
encourage the audience to think more about it after they've seen it. The
story poses a question, which hopefully leads to others. For me personally,
the background of the story has a lot to do with my relationship with my
ex-wife. It was a very cathartic experience for me. I think any divorce is
probably like a horror film. They're just never silent.

Luis: Who do you think is the target audience for your film and why?

Phil Mucci: I never really thought about that, but I guess anyone who likes horror
films, fantasy films, animation, or old style films of any kind. I think it
has a pretty broad appeal. Actually, to some people, including myself, it's
quite humorous as well.
>
Luis: Any funny anecdotes on set?

Phil Mucci: Directing a silent film is hilarious in and of itself. The actors are
actually saying their dialogue, but I'm also directing entirely out loud the
whole time, telling them what to react to. With the ghost, I'd be shouting
out her emotions and motivation to her, like "oh my God, what has she done!
She's a bitch, you hate her!". It was pretty surreal. We laughed after
every take.

Luis: What words of wisdom do you have for filmmakers who would like to be in
Slamdance Film Festival in the future?

Phil Mucci: Make something that sets you apart from everyone else. Go to a few
festivals and you'll notice a lot of the same types of films are being done
over and over again. Not that you need to do that. You really need to just
make something you're really passionate about. It will show.

Since this is my first short film, I don't have much advice other than that
you should enter into as many legitimate festivals as you can, to get as
much exposure as possible. That said, be very picky about which ones you
actually attend. It can get expensive, so try to only go to the ones that
people praise highly, or that offer an inclusive environment.

Luis: Which filmmakers influenced your style of filmmaking?

Phil Mucci: F.W. Murnau, Fritz Lang, Robert Weine, Benjamin Christensen, Mario Bava,
David Lynch, Robert Wise

Luis: Any favorite actor/actress?

Phil Mucci: Actresses: Barbara Steele, Soledad Miranda, Edwige Fenech, Ingrid Bergman,
Claire Danes, Rose McGowan

Actors: Russell Crowe, Billy Crudup, Christian Bale, Denzel Washington,
Michael Caine, Jack Nicholson


Luis: Tech questions: camera used, editing software?

Phil Mucci: We shot super 16mm film with an Arriflex, and edited using Final Cut on a G5
Mac

Luis: Film or Video?

Phil Mucci: Super 16mm film

Luis: If budget is unlimited would you use film or video?
Film

Phil Mucci: What will be your ideal project?
Any horror film project that lets me explore the genre more than it has been
so far...

Official Website:

www.thelisteningdead.com

The Listening Dead

USA, 2006
14 min / B/W