Liam Torres

Can you briefly introduce yourself and tell us about your background in filmmaking?
I am Liam. Although, I've been editing video and produced music albums and participated in many film projects as an actor, this is my first Short-Film project as editor, casting director, director.

 

What inspired you to become a filmmaker, and how did you get started in the industry?
After my interview with Joe Satriani, and his dedication to have his son, Jonathan, become a filmmaker rather than a virtuoso guitarist like-himself, I started working my way back into acting. That eventually helped me become a filmmaker of my own stories. Story-telling is what I've longed for, thus decided to tell the story through images.

What was your motivation behind creating this particular film?
I have a song based on narcissism and the destruction of the mind and heart by that disease. Initially, I wanted to create a music video with that song, but then decided you know what, let go all in and make it into a short film. I can use the footage for the music video later after the film is complete.

 

Did you face any challenges during the production process? If so, how did you overcome them?
Oh, wow, did we. Ha ha. Sound issues with a lapel mic propelled us to utilize VO artists and to request a do-over by our Emily Guglielmo - she is a trooper Mermaid - for real. The fact that we shot in just two days gave us little footage to work with, but we let the story become what it wanted to become through the footage we had at our disposal, which was better than what we had on the original script. Magical!!!

Can you discuss the creative decisions you made while developing your film, such as the visual style or narrative approach?
Without stumbling on my own words with excitement? Sure. I can give it a try. Why not? Most of the shoots I determined we would do spontaneously, although, we had script to follow and lines to pitch.
I gave the actors the power to go with their gut feeling and go with their gut feelings - improvise, but to stay within the directions. This allowed me to see what the visuals and narrative would eventually become. Allowing the actors to paint some of the canvas was necessary for the creation of the ultimate narrative and visual style.

Are there any specific themes or messages that you aimed to convey through your film.
That we need human touch – nurturing is necessary. Not just physical tough, but emotional as well; and, not just any human touch, but kind, helpful, encouraging touch. That void of these communicative, delicate transfer of information/knowledge, specifically, with a developing mind like a teenager's mind, we, as adults or parents, cannot expect for our teenagers to develop strong, healthy characters. Void of a proper communicative performance, we then allow the world to do the parenting for us and this can lead to detrimental outcomes in our youth/offspring.

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How do you feel your film stands out from others in the same genre or category?
I wasn't focused on this aspect of filmmaking - competition. But, I can say that I dedicated more time and effort to acquire the right people to work on this film, and I succeeded. Great cast, great post-production team, great music. This is by far the hardest thing to do, thus I can probably say that the acting would be what stands out the most, maybe the Fiend as weird, too.

What do you hope the audience will take away from watching your film?
That storytelling is important and it should fit your needs – to enter a taming space by which you can let go of the reins of reality – the audience’s reality, and just go with the flow and allowance into immersion of the mind, body and soul into the film and vice versa. Their awareness that all the elements were available to them: sound, emotional triggers, permission to let go of everyday-life nuances, that the simple story convey in this film was void of burden to their minds; and, want to make the audience watch it again and again. For them to feel like this is possible with this film.

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Can you share any interesting or memorable experiences you had while making this film?
A couple comes to mind. One, using Megyn Lynne out of the blue to do her jogger-role as Megan. I just saw her in a jogger’s jumpsuit and asked her. She was just there for makeup, but she was a trooper and enjoyed being part of the film as an actor. Dealing with Pauli - the owner of Pauli's Pizza. He was a great asset and friend during the Restaurant sequence, and his Italian food was phenomenal. During the shoot I learned that our House-location's host had lost her daughter (ran away) and left her with a grandson - practically, in a way, part of the premise of this film – the question: "Why are you running away from home/seeking an escape from life...", etc.

 

What are your aspirations as a filmmaker, and where do you see yourself in the future?
I would like to work on two other film projects I have on paper. I would love to have a studio back those projects. I see myself working with a large group of filmmaking professionals and making real good material: memorable, movies that transcend time and space - timeless material like the original Star Wars, ETC, Jaws, etc.

Are there any filmmakers or films that have greatly influenced your work?
George Lucas' storytelling. His stories are timeless. You can watch them over and over again. They are worth making. I want to do that because it is the main reason why people go to the movies: enjoy going out. I want to create an out of body experience, but that touches your heart, mind and soul.

 

Have you participated in any other film festivals or competitions? If so, how was your experience?
I've never participated in any festival or competition before. My experience thus is nonexistent. :-)

 

Is there anything else you would like the audience and the film festival organizers to know about you or
your film?

Cheers and enjoy! and that it's an honor to have your eyes and ears from beginning to end of this film.
I know Blaze Bayley, Hugh Syme, Absolva, Lindsay Schoolcraft...everyone will appreciate it very much.
They worked very hard on this film.