1. List three adjectives to describe Driver X?
Honest, stripped down, fun
2. What is the genesis of Driver X?
The genesis of the project was my personal situation. I drove for Uber and it became the subject of the film.
3. What research did you do when writing Driver X?
I didn't have to do any research. It was based on my driving experience.
4. What is your writing process like for Driver X?
It was a combination of things. I'll divide into four main ways: a) Driving for Uber and documenting a ride after a drop off. Then amalgamating similar rides into one ultimate version of that ride. Deciding which rides to include in final script. b) using my financial and personal struggles as a jumping off point for domestic portion of film. Later in the process I included the lead actor (Patrick Fabian) in shaping aspects of script. c. Workshopping script with certain supporting actors in theater setting. d)Inventing moments that connected it all together.
5. Do you ever get writer’s block? What do you do to get back on track?
Writer's block? I just push on (writing poorly) until I find my way back to connecting to the piece.
6. What’s your favorite line from Driver X?
"Why do you do it?" A drunk rider actually asked me this question and would not let it go (much like in the movie).
7. What are your thoughts on Patrick Fabian playing Leonard Moore and Tanya Clarke playing Dawn Moore?
Patrick and Tanya were an absolute dream to work with. Patrick does it all (He's both spontaneous and in the moment while being technically proficient) and became a real partner on the movie. He was there from the early days. Tanya graced us with her presence during the audition process. She is absolutely amazing. A completely spontaneous actress but so grounded. You can't do wrong with these actors.
8. What was the most surprising thing you learned when directing Driver X?
Most surprising thing I learned: That Patrick Fabian is a beast driving all night long (without a process trailer) and can still remember all of his lines.
9. Do you recall the very first short film you ever did?
The Lonelys and that was based on my experiences as a Mental Health caseworker. Jobs have always been fertile writing ground for me.
10. Between The Lonelys, True Love, Some Body, Pig, and The House That Jack Built, which film challenged you the most and did you learned anything afterward?
Driver X was the most difficult because my budgets have progressively increased but Driver X was bare boned and you wind up shooting in the most difficult conditions in non-optimal locations. With these ultra low budget films you wind up shooting under impossible circumstances and expected to deliver. It wears on you as a director.
11. Could you express one interesting fun fact about Some Body especially since it’s based on real life experiences?
On Somebody we were very rebellious and if a scene involved a party, we would just throw and film a real party, interjecting the actors and their imaginary circumstances into the real life scene.
12. Which writer/s and filmmaker/s inspired your work?
If I had to say one, I'd say Krzysztof Kieslowski's Decalogue has had the most profound impact on me.
13. What is your favorite movie as a child and what is your favorite movie now?
As a child Godzilla (any of them). As a teen, The Road Warrior. And now... Old Boy (Park Chan-Wook).
14. If someone made a movie of your life would it be a drama, a comedy, a romantic-comedy, action film, or science-fiction?
Science Fiction.
15. Last question, what can you talk about for hours?
Movies that meant something to me.
And with that I would like to give all my appreciate to Mr. Barrial for answering my questions. You should definitely see this movie when it comes out which is on Friday, November 30th. I repeat it comes out on Friday, November 30th. There isn't any excuse for you to miss out on it since I repeated the release's date twice.And as always thanks for visiting my blog. Take care and I hope each and everyone of you are having a great holiday season.