1. You wrote and directed the film. Where did this story come from?
Being a huge horror buff, I was always really interested in horror movies. I’m also fascinated with dreams and how intense some can be. After waking up one morning from a horrible nightmare, I decided to pull out a sheet of paper and started writing it all down. Three pages later, I had the first draft of my treatment for a short film. Being a novice, I started studying and literally got hooked on learning; it was exciting to know more about everything that had to do with films. I’m self tought. Being from Houston, I felt like I couldn’t tell the story I had in mind here, so I left to Utah and shot a 15-minute short. After we wrapped, I got the short back from my editor, and that excitement I felt when I saw the complete film was unexplainable. I had to have more! I was so proud to have such a great cast and to see my story told on the screen that I started writing a feature. This is how Sorrow was created. I did a lot of research, watched a ton of movies and crime shows, read and studied a few screenplays, and then wrote a 90-page screenplay. I was off to funding the film, which is a whole other story on its own.
2. Where did you find inspiration for the characters and their stories in the film?
The characters represent a million of little different ideas I’ve had from the past, either from real people I know, or from characters I analyzed in movies. The same goes for particular circumstances, as well as how the characters with specific flaws and qualities would react. Behavioral psychology was also a huge source of inspiration for the movie. When I started writing the feature, I created backstories to better understand each character’s motive and storyline. I used sympathy tools, and added unique weaknesses and psychological traits. I wanted to make sure that each character had a lot of elements to get people to sympathize with them, not just to hate them, but also love them.
3. What kind of directorial vision did you have for the film going into shooting?
I was going for a truthful approach, as close as I could to reality, where we see a seemingly good woman turn bad. Every good feeds on evil, and our heroine who is good at heart makes a decision she feels is necessary. Having lost all hope, she resorts to exacting her vengeance against these very ugly people.
4. Is the finished product what you had envisioned or were there significant changes during filming?
It’s very close to what I had envisioned. Our budget was definitely small! But we worked with what we had. Also being a producer in the film allowed me to get a whole lot closer to what I had envisioned.
5. What was more difficult, writing the script or directing? Which do you prefer?
Directing was the most difficult. You’re working with dozens of people and there’s always something happening, good or bad. It doesn’t matter what it is! I do love every aspect of filmmaking…some more than others, of course. But I can say that I enjoy directing the most because I enjoy the feeling of being on set where everyone is doing their part to help you tell your story, the actors giving themselves completely to the role and your vision.
6. What do you find scary?
I find the dark scary, and I am definitely scared of ghosts. That and people.
7. Do you have any ideas for new scripts or films coming up? If so, which are you most excited about?
Yes. I am rewriting a screenplay right now titled, In Dreams, and it’s a supernatural thriller. The spirit of a socially upscale girl remains on Earth after being murdered in Grand Central Terminal, and seeks help from advertising professional, Stanley, to assist her in finding those who murdered her.
8. What do you hope audiences will enjoy most about Sorrow?
I hope they enjoy the story and characters.
Interview by: Alexandra Gonzalez
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