Just a few of Mr Stitch's many films
What's the story behind the name 'Mr. Stitch Films'?
In all fairness there isn't really much behind it. I used to have a different name but decided to change it to distance myself from my older work. I decided on Stitch Films as it was a reference to stitching film together. When I opened my YouTube account it said Stitch Films was taken and it suggested Mr Stitch films - I thought that's actually pretty cool.
What inspired the story behind House of Afflictions?
I'd already made a 'haunted house' film in 2013 and wanted to make another. House of Afflictions was inspired by an eighties film called The Changeling which starred George C. Scott. I loved the atmosphere of that film and the way the main character is struggling with the loss of his child and wife and how his mental state is pushed to the limits when the supernatural element slowly creeps in. Is he losing his mind, or is something trying to reach out to him? This is what I wanted to aim for with House of Afflictions.
In three words, how would you describe House of Afflictions?
Retro. Creepy. Heart-breaking.
Your actors and actresses are all Nottingham based. What was the selection process during casting?
I use the same actors a lot as I know they're great actors and reliable. Often if any of them come back for another film they usually suggest other great actors they know. I then look them up to see if they'd suit the part - if they do, I get in contact and see if they're interested.
Did you have characters/actors in mind when writing the script?
With House of Afflictions I had Michelle in mind throughout. Michelle appeared briefly in my previous haunted house film and I felt she had great potential and wanted to give her her own feature, so I technically wrote the film for her.
Which was the hardest character to fill?
Kate's husband. I looked through a lot of different men to fill the role but none of them looked like a 'John'. It was Michelle (Kate) who found Stefan on an acting site and sent his details over saying “I've found our John.” I looked and immediately messaged her back saying “CONTACT HIM!”
All your films are of the horror genre. Who is your biggest influence in this sector
There are two main influences, one is John Carpenter and the other is Wes Craven. Both directors showed the world that you don't need a lot of money to make scary films and both directors had trouble getting studios to take them on but eventually broke out with two of horror film’s most iconic villains - it didn't take a massive amount of money to make them either.
We all learn from our mistakes. Have you made any of your own during filming? And how have you learnt from them?
Definitely made a few mistakes along with the way. With House of Afflictions it was the equipment I used for audio recording. It didn't remember the set decibels level and kept defaulting back to its factory setting which caused major problems with the captured audio. It's made me a lot more vigilant when shooting to make sure the equipment is recording at the correct decibel.
During writing, do you write the script first or do you prefer to write the story then turn that into a script?
I always go straight in and write the script first, then go over a few more times to tidy it up. I find script writing easier than story writing, as you don't have to go into as much detail with scenery etc.
Do you believe in ghosts?
I most definitely believe in ghosts, which is why I keep making haunted house films. On set we had a few creepy moments - we finished filming at half past midnight one day and, when we were about to leave, one of my lights fell over and smashed even though no one was near it. I've had my own personal experiences throughout my life.
What is next for House of Afflictions?
It has received a world wide distribution from Wild Eye Releasing and I will be promoting it more once it's 100% ready.
Do you have any more films in the pipeline?
I have a few ideas in the pipeline. At the moment I'm writing a film called Porcelain. I'm looking for the right location at the moment, before really getting into it because if I can't find it on my budget then I won't film it yet.
Mr Stitch official site
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