Se7en Questions with Filmmaker
Troy Escamilla
Who are some of the artists or some of the works
that inspired you to get started in your field? Of today’s current artists, who do you draw inspiration from?
As a horror fan, I’d say that filmmakers such as Carpenter, Hitchcock, Craven, and Argento inspired to want to make films. I feel as though each of these filmmakers have a very strong and unique style that makes their films memorable, and certainly their films have had an enormous impact in the horror genre. There are too many current indie horror filmmakers today that inspire me, but I’d have the say the one that really stands out to me is Mike Flanagan. I think he has the potential to go down as one of the “masters” of horror filmmaking.
What have thus far been some of the negatives of being an indie artist in your field?
While I certainly feel fortunate to have been able to complete two features films in the span of a year, there are definitely a few negatives. First, fundraising for my projects was stressful. Like so many other indie filmmakers, I turned to crowdfunding, specifically Kickstarter. With my first film, I went in cold; I had no prior experience with fundraising or crowdfunding and no projects to showcase. I was basically asking people to trust my vision and passion. Luckily, both films were successfully funded (thanks to all who backed them!), but I was immensely time consuming and taxing.
Another negative is getting your film “out there” when it’s completed. Film Festivals? Self Distribution? Finding a reputable distributor? Things I didn’t really think about while filming my first feature. I followed suit with what I saw other indie filmmakers doing and submitted to tons of festivals. This also takes a lot of money and many of these festivals literally get hundreds and hundreds of submissions, so it’s kind of like playing the lottery. Your film really needs to stand out among all the other submissions. You certainly must to learn to deal with rejection in this field, particularly if you choose to submit to festivals and attempt to find a distributor! I’ve been very fortunate to have had both films accepted to some great festivals (hopefully Stirring will screen at several more since it is just beginning it’s fest run) and obtain distribution for both films as well BUT I had to deal with a lot of rejection and criticism before this happened, so just develop a plan for dealing with this and not taking it personally.
What have thus far been the positives of being an indie artist in your field?
Being able to meet so many other passionate, supportive people in the indie horror community has been very inspiring. I’ve developed some wonderful relationships and made lifelong friends and have found that the majority of other indie filmmakers I encounter are very encouraging and supportive.
What have been your favorite completed projects to work on up to this point? Can you tell us a little bit about them?
I’ve only completed two projects, and while both of them are very special to me, I’d definitely say my second feature film Stirring is my favorite. I learned so much from completing my first feature film Party Night that I was able to apply to Stirring. Considering I had never set foot on a film set prior to the first day of production on Party Night, I had a plethora to learn about the filmmaking process (and still do!). Hence, I think the film is a tad rough around the edges, which I think actually adds to the whole 80’s throwback vibe. I was able to take what I learned from my first film and apply it to Stirring, and I think that is obvious in the film. Of course, being able to work with some amazing horror icons that I have been fans of for years, Brinke Stevens and Helene Udy, was an amazing experience; I learned much from their craft, professionalism, and dedication.
What projects are you currently working on or have planned for the near future?
I wrote a short that I’m hoping to get filmed this summer. Additionally, I have nearly finished the script for what I am planning on being my next feature. It will complete my “slasher trifecta” as I’m calling it. While it’s still a slasher film, it will be tonally different than my first two films. If all goes as planned, I hope the get the cameras rolling on it in June of 2019.
Where do you see yourself in a few years and what would it take for you to consider your career a success?
I hope to have a few more films under my belt, as I have more than a few ideas for features/shorts. Additionally, I want to strive to improve with each film and feel that in itself would be a level of personal success. Overall, though, I believe I’d consider my filmmaking career a success when other people approach me to direct or be involved in their projects after seeing my work and I can make films without necessarily worrying about funding.
If you couldn’t do this anymore, what career path do you think you would have followed and why?
I’ve been in education for the past thirteen years. It’s my “real” job so to speak, so it’s definitely the career I’ll stay with. I truly enjoy working with kids so it’s a career I see myself sticking with for quite some time.
