Exile, a short film directed by filmmaker Zac Moss, a graduate of DFSA has had a positive start to the film festival circuit with screenings at Portbello Road, East End and Zero, and most recently has been programmed for the London Short Film Festival for January 2015. Zac worked with several graduates from Film Production including DOP: Dan Goodall, Editor: Chris Young, Sound: Patrick Casey, Gaffer: Matt Vahey, Sparks: Jonathan Drew, Ryan Delahunty, Claire Randell, Ryan O'Donoghue, Runner: Mark Gargano and Foley Artist: Joe Russell. He had this to say about the film:
What was your inspiration? It was a combination of a couple things! I was influenced a lot by Darren Aronofsky'd Pi, the way he'd used black and white photography to put together this exceptionally detailed world that played by its own rules. I wanted to create something that similarly placed people within the world of the film. Shortly after starting production on Exile, I was recommended the independent documentary Dark Days, about homeless people living in the New York City subway tunnels. The raw look, the dirt that got under your fingernails just by watching the film, was a massive influence in the final outcome of the film. The final piece of the puzzle was the music - I was listening to very portentous music by bands like Earth, Sunn O))), Sleep, and Godspeed You! Black Emperor, aural textures of pure dread! Putting on their music still creates new cinematic visuals for me - I've always been very influenced by music in terms of creating images.
I can't stress how much I appreciate the work of the cinematographer Dan Goodall and the production designer Tom Coates, both of whom worked together to turn my visual ideas into reality. I'll also mention Exile's composer Dan Clews, who really turned in a stellar soundtrack. It was incredible that he was able to create music that reflected so perfectly the atmosphere that my team strove to create.
Tell us about working with fellow graduates: I've been in touch with Farnham grads since leaving university. I'd worked with Exile's cinematographer Dan Goodall on a music video after graduating, and I knew that he was the man I wanted for the job. We brought on several other Farnham graduates, who worked together perfectly as a team. It's amazing being able to work with people you've known for years on a project like this. Aside from maybe a handful of runners, I knew almost everyone on the crew. There was a real family atmosphere to the shoot. We then worked with Farnham graduates Chris Young (editor) and Patrick Casey (sound design) on the post, who were both instrumental to bringing Exile to fruition.
What has been your favourite festival so far? Although I'll always be thankful to all festival that have accepted Exile for being part of my first film, my most memorable experience was being part of the 2014 East End Film Festival. It was our largest festival so far, and I made a ton of friends with staff at the festival and other filmmakers that were screening alongside Exile. Several of my friends screened features at the festival, and they all reported a similar experience. Their opening and closing night parties were pretty fantastic, to boot! I would heartily recommend it to anyone making a short film or feature - or even a sick music video!
Check out Exile's trailer here: http://vimeo.com/94175202
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