Se7en Questions with Filmmaker
Lawrie Brewster
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?
I mainly draw inspiration from the works of British Filmmaker Ken Russell, especially from films such as The Music Lover and Japanese Director Akira Kurosawa from films such as Yojimbo, and Ikiru. I also have a huge admiration for J-Horror, and the works of directors such as Hideo Nakata (Ringu) and Sion-Sono (Suicide Circle).
What have thus far been some of the negatives of being an indie artist in your field?
The greatest challenge for any Indie Artist, is the huge amount of plate spinning required to become competent in so many different creative fields, which is quite vital in order to afford things like shoes and rent! The Indie Artist must succeed as a creative entrepreneur as opposed to a psychotic careerist which well… helps in Hollywood!
What have thus far been the positives of being an indie artist in your field?
The most positive benefit, and perhaps the most important benefit of all, is the creative independence we enjoy. We have within our careers, the ability to develop sustainable creative works based on the types of storytelling we want to champion and share. As a Horror filmmaker this is especially important to me because, I don’t want to make ordinary Horror films that follow the cliched mold of meta-self-aware hipster schtick… A24 artisanal coffee-inspired porn or anything so mainstream that it’s not allowed to have any sort of edge.
What have been your favorite completed projects to work on up to this point? Can you tell us a little bit about them?
As an artist, it’s important to always retain a high degree of self-loathing and an ability to not enjoy or appreciate any creative work one has ever produced! But, if I had to pick one, I’d say my latest film, whatever that might be!
What projects are you currently working on or have planned for the near future?
I’m currently working on a Horror/Thriller, and two fantasy Horror films which are aimed for production this year… but that’s not all!
Where do you see yourself in a few years and what would it take for you to consider your career a success?
I already consider my career a success, but that success is filled with a pragmatic acceptance, that success is never something that will make you feel especially successful. Hex Studios is capable of developing, financing, producing, and distributing independent Horror Films, and we’re on the cusp of having our own film studio premises. I can’t ask for more than that, except perhaps some more free time to play video games like Crusader Kings or Arma 3!
If you couldn’t do this anymore, what career path do you think you would have followed and why?
I would have become a game developer and a novelist (and, I’d have probably gone insane doing that as well).
