Michael Rich

2019-03-31 12:00

SHRIEKFEST INTERVIEW

Michael Rich

Director/Screenwriter

2016 Official Selection and 2018 Winner Best Super Short Film "Cabin Killer"

Michael Rich

What is your name, company name, and URL?

My name is Michael Rich and my personal website is michaelrich.me.

What is your specialty: filmmaking or screenwriting? If filmmaking, which aspects?

I'm a director who dabbles in screenwriting.

What are you currently working on?

I am currently working on developing a horror feature film, as well as a short film titled "The Man Who Returned" based on a 1930s pulp story.

Who do you consider your mentor and why?

I had an interesting film professor in college named Gil Bettman, who helped me make my thesis film, which played at Shriekfest 2016. He taught me a lot about camera placement and lenses. He's a straight forward guy and helped me realize what's actually important to telling a story and to just ditch all the nonsense that doesn't matter.

Great advice! I loved your thesis film "Ambulance"! Why do you think the horror/sci-fi genres have such a large following?

Horror and sci-fi movies are just so much fun to watch! I dread watching a bad drama, or romantic comedy, but horror films always deliver the goods in at least some regard. Whether it's gross-out effects, or cheap scares, they're worth a watch. And when they happen to actually be well-made, that's just a cherry on top.

I agree! What do you love most about this business?

The camaraderie. That moment when someone believes in the vision you have and is willing to go along for the crazy ride that is filmmaking.

What do you dislike most about this business?

I see a lot of lower level workers get exploited and demeaned. I had a boss tell me I should just "move back to where I came from" because "I don't have it." It was totally vicious and mean, but I promised myself I would never treat anyone like that if I'm ever in a position of power.

Wow! No one has the right to do that to anyone. I'm so sorry that happened to you! What career accomplishment are you most proud of?

Winning "Best Super Short Film" at the 2018 Shriekfest. I wanted one of those bloody reel trophies so badly!

I love it!!! Any advice you'd like to give to newbies?

I'd say just do it! If you want to make movies nowadays, the only barrier is yourself. Grab a cell phone and run around the backyard with some friends and try and tell a story. Don't worry about reading how-to books or watching YouTube tutorials. Just shooting movies is the best way to learn.

I agree. Great advice! Anything else you'd like to say?

Long live Shriekfest. And please take 10 minutes to watch my short film "Cabin Killer" here: https://youtu.be/ecEx98bjpeU

Thank you so much Michael! It was great chatting!