 Our next interview is taking our "Talent to Watch" across the pond where we interview David Yorke and Elena Saurel. While David is a writer-director and Elena is an actress turned screenwriter-director. Their first collaboration came when David directed Elena in his horror short Due. The duo had such a great working relationship that they expanded that working relationship even further as they co-writers of their new horror short Eject. We dive deeper into their backgrounds, screenwriting and their filmmaking process.  What keeps you both interested in the genre? David: What I like about horror is that there are so many sub genres, like slashers, Zombies, Folk, Ghosts and many more, which means there are many routes you can go and stories you can tell. I’m also big fan of character driven dramas, so sometimes I feel you can mix the two, films like Hereditary and Midsommar are perfect examples, they are creepy films that are classed as horror but they are still quite grounded and deal a lot with trauma in a dramatic way. Elena: As I said horror is tricky for me because I am terrified of everything. But as a genre it's really exciting there are no real rules, perimeters or boundaries to what you can explore in horror. You can make a film that explore reality, the subconscious, supernatural, violence, gender, politics, history all at the same time and it can be any sub-genre comedy, drama, the absurd. Horror is also great because it allows you to draw parallels with society or personal experiences without being too literal. I guess like a fable? You mention Hereditary and Midsommar classification of horror but still grounded. This type of horror has become quite popular which explores things like Elena mentioned the subconscious, race, gender, violence and historical settings. Why do you both think these types of horror are popular and important in today’s society? Are you guys working on any features which fall into this category of horror? David: I think they are popular because they are tackling more issues and doing something a little different, horror can become really predictable and people tend to get bored of the same formula, so if you can tackle important subjects but also make a well crafted film then I think it's important to do so. I have just written a new draft of my feature which is in the same vain as films like The Descent, Eden Lake and Wolf Creek. I wrote the first draft over 10 years ago but as the world is constantly changing and more voices are being heard I have acknowledged and incorporated that into my story, so the new draft now has more layers and I do address race and sexual harassment, I think film should be entertaining but also open a dialogue. Elena: I believe all horror movies do this to some extent but I guess Midsommar and Hereditary were popular perhaps because they're a bit more awkward and conceptual than the classic horror? I think horror films in general are important because they are a reflection of a wider social context often rooted in our collective fears in our societies. e.g Alien, deals with the horror of rape, motherhood and feminism. Get Out, deals with how systemic racism still exists today and the horrors that comes with this. Even slasher films, I find often have a more complex and hidden symbolism than just mindless sex and violence. The monsters are not just monsters they often represent something far bigger and ghosts are not just spooks but our fear of the unknown. The job of a horror film is to scare its audiences by portraying our collective worst fears and nightmares. So, they are important because they can scare us into learning. We're not working on any films like this at the moment but I would love to.  What was each of yours first introduction to horror? David: A Nightmare on Elm Street, I was about 10 years old and I caught my family watching it one night, my mum said that I was too young to see it and she was probably right. I convinced her that I knew it wasn’t real and begged her to let me watch it. She finally gave in and this ultimately started my fascination with horror. Elena: Probably ET, that movie scared the shit out of me when I was a kid. All jokes aside I do scare very easily and have a very active imagination so if anything I never watch horror movies because then I can’t sleep. Those are both great classics. Depending on your age at that, I can see how that could be viewed scary. While not horror, E.T. was definitely one of my favorites movies as a kid. How did you both get started in the industry? David: I guess it all started when I purchased my first video camera at age 11. I had to pay it off monthly as we didn’t have a lot of money growing up, but it was all worth it. I taught myself to shoot and edit and my fascination just grew and grew. My friends and I would make short films, mainly horror but we also delved into other genres. I studied film at University which was great because I could develop my skills further and focus more on directing. I continued to make short films in my spare time and have done for the last 15 years. Elena: I have always wanted to be involved with movies, as an actor or voice over artists for cartoons. From childhood through my teens, I was always in some kind of drama group and then I went to study acting at Lee Strasberg in New York. I then came back to the UK to get a "real" degree but was still really set on the idea of pursuing a career in the entertainment industry, despite my parents wishes. So, I started applying for roles in anything that would give me a chance, short films, student films, fringe plays, ANYTHING. I also started writing sketches, characters and shorts I could cast myself in to do with friends. Eventually I started building a network of friends and colleagues and found a good agent but it took a long time. David, that is a great story. Do you still have the camera? David: Yes! I do still have the camera.  What is it about screenwriting and directing that you enjoy? David: I like to create worlds with intriguing characters, I mostly direct what I have written as it has come from me and it means I have more control. The whole process in general is what I’m really passionate about, starting with an idea and ultimately sharing the finished film with an audience. Elena: I find writing actually quite hard but I enjoy collaborative writing and bouncing ideas back and forth with other people until it turns into something. Writing is very cathartic for me. I only just started directing this year which was really satisfying and fun. I shot a short series of comedy documentaries with my recently widowed 78 year old father. As an actress you don't get to be in control of the full creative process so for that reason I discovered I love directing! I got to see my own creative project through from start to finish and collaborate with really talented friends. And my father is hilarious. Brandon: David, I can imagine as a screenwriter that being true to your vision is important so directing is the best way to make sure that happens. What is the part of the process from start to finish that you enjoy the most? David: I actually like the writing process the most because I don't have to rely on anyone. I can make the film I want to make in my head. But I do have to say I love being on set as well and being creative with the cast and crew. There's an energy there that's hard to match. Elena, that is a great memory and opportunity to work with your father. How has he enjoyed the process of working with you? You’re newer to directing but what have you learned that you feel is important for someone who is about to direct their first project? Elena: He was such a good sport and seemed to enjoy it (I hope). My father worked in corporate settings so he finally got an insight into what my line of work is like. I have learnt a lot! Manage your expectations because nothing turns out how you initially intended. Forward planning and production is key, time is precious and short. Communicate clearly and know what you want but also be flexible and open to change. Manage and delegate the workload. Be appreciative and respectful of everyone helping you in your creative vision. MOST IMPORTANTLY HAVE FUN! As a director what does your process look like when working on a project? David: I usually think of nothing else other than the projects I’m working on. So that means a lack of a social life as most of my time is taken up by prep. I like to get my cinematographer on board as soon as possible so we can get an idea of how the film will look and overall visual style. For research, I have many films that share similar themes and tones to get into that particular mindset, music also plays a big part in this. I also try to get the cast and crew on the film as early as possible as well because I want us all to experience the process together. Sounds like some great dedication and work you put in to bring a quality story. Do you have any advice/suggestions for up and coming or hopeful screenwriters, directors? David: My advice would be to watch a lot of short films, features and read a lot of scripts. It sounds simple but that is the best way to learn and hone your craft. But the ultimate advice is to just write something and shoot it’ even if it ends up being terrible. I learn my best lessons from the mistakes I make. Elena: I don't know you tell me. I guess just do it. keep writing, collaborating and making things that you like and work really, really, really, really, really, really, hard. Also know that it's super competitive and tough industry with no rhyme or reason. Easier said than done, try not to compare yourself too much to others because that will just make you sad and frustrated. Work with, make, and write things that resonate with you and that you love. If not what is the point. I think that is important. Learning from those that have been made already and getting out there and doing it. What are some of the most challenging things you typically have to face as a screenwriter and director? David: As a screenwriter I would say one of the most challenging aspects is to have relatable characters, I find if you don’t care about the characters your whole story won't connect with the reader. Also coming up with a great and original ending. As a director for me it’s all about prep, so many things can go wrong from the weather or a crew member letting you down, it’s having people you trust and a contingency plan. You will also face challenges and having no budget will make it even harder. But I have yet to make a film where the process ran smoothly. Elena: Money. Or the lack of money. Even after that the list goes on. It could be anything from bad weather, a crew member not showing up to set, scheduling issues, oh yeah, and money. Brandon: Connecting to the characters is essential for stories. If you create a story with characters that don’t relate and aren’t likable, the audience will lose interest. Oh and yes! Originality is important. Keep the remakes for the studios. Sounds like you have the process under control as a director. Elena, Money...ah the thing we all have trouble finding. Finding the financing is always difficult. Your short Eject won at the British Horror Film Festival, UK and Hollywood Blood Horror Festival. Can you tell us more about Eject? David: Eject is about a woman who finds a USB port in her wrist which peeks her interest and ultimately leads to a world where she has the ability to change herself for the better. I often struggle with my memory and I wanted to tell a story around improving one’s self but also ask the question ‘What lengths would you go to, to be a better you’? Elena: I had worked with Dave before. I acted in another short horror of his called Due. Dave mentioned that he wanted to write a short physiological horror centered around a portal in someone's arm (kind of like a Black Mirror short story). He asked if I wanted to help him write it. At the time my mom had just been diagnosed with a fatal brain tumor so the idea of exploring erasing memory and being trapped inside one's mind was, I guess subconsciously appealing for me. We sent a couple of drafts back and forth. Dave settled on the concept of wanting to collect knowledge at the cost of losing painful memories. That is a great concept. Elena, I’m sorry to hear about your mother and I’m glad to hear you used this as an outlet to tell a story that had meaning to you. How did the idea come up for Eject? David: I had the initial idea for the film about 10 years ago. I had an itch on my arm one day and when I was scratching I just thought what would be the strangest thing that I could discover underneath my skin. The USB angle was something that opened up many conceptual possibilities. I had a rough version of the script and approached Elena, who as mentioned, was the actress in my previous horror short that I directed Due. Together, we took a look at the script and co-wrote a new version of it. This is a great idea. Were there a lot of revisions and idea chances from the rough version to the shooting script? David: The initial idea for Eject had always remained the same. I had many ideas for why she had a port in her arm but I decided to not address it and to make it more mysterious. When Elena came on board, the script just became stronger, her character was more fleshed out and together we brought more layers to her and the story. I also had many ideas for different endings but I'd rather not say just in case somebody offers me loads of money to make a feature version one day, haha. Elena: From what I remember there were about five drafts? Where can we see Due? David: Here is Due. What other horror projects are you currently working on? David: Traveling the horror festival circuit with Eject has been amazing so far, so much so that I wrote a new horror film because I was just so inspired by the many great horror shorts that I had seen. The script is finished and I’m just trying to secure funding. It’s very different from Eject, it’s more of a black comedy but it still does have a lot of horrific moments and is based on my experience with dating apps. Elena: Aren't we all living in one right now? Elena, we definitely are. David, that is great you found inspiration while traveling the festival circuit. What is your project called? David: My new short is on hold for the moment because a week ago a trailer was released for the new Hulu film called Good Boy which also shares the same name and plot as my film, which not only angers me as I came up with the concept last October but now I am struggling with the decision to make my film or not. There are a lot of differences but some similarities, I will definitely have to think of a new title at least. Sorry to hear about that situation. What has been your favorite project to work on and why? David: I made a film called Facebookers which is about a support group who try to overcome their addiction to Facebook but then all hell breaks loose. The reason this is my favorite project is because it came at a time when I had no money. The film industry was making me feel depressed and exhausted. I was just frustrated with all the constant rejection I got from funding schemes and festivals so I decided to take a break. But annoyingly, I got the idea for this film when I was trying to not be creative, so I assembled an amazing cast and crew who all worked for free and we shot it in a day. I wanted to recapture the feeling I had when I made films as a child with my friends, no stress and just have fun. Elena: That's a really hard question. I loved directing and working with my dad. I loved working with Dave. Basically I really enjoy my job. I get to play dress up and pretend I'm someone else, come up with stories and work with loads of people in the process. David, Do you have a link to Facebookers that you would like to share? David: Yes, here is Facebookers. Social media is a great tool for entrepreneurs, screenwriters and filmmakers. It can be very negative for people and disheartening. So I’m intrigued to see this. What are some other ways you are involved in the film community? David: I have many friends in the industry and we all try our best to support one another, from sharing each others work to feedback on their scripts and assembly cuts. It’s a very tough industry and we are all struggling to make the films we want, there is very little funding and it’s tricky to stand out as there is so much content being made. Elena: I act, I write, I produce you name it, I'll involve myself in anyway that I can. What is your favorite classic horror movie? David: That would definitely be Halloween for me. Elena: Death Becomes Her, it's fab. David, that is the slasher film that got me interested in horror so we have similar taste. Elena, Death Becomes Her is a fun movie for sure. What movies & filmmakers give you the most inspiration? David: I think whenever I watch work by filmmakers such as Stanley Kubrick, Jennifer Kent, Richard Linklater, Edgar Wright or Denis Villeneuve I am always very inspired. I enjoy many different genres and for me story and character will always be key. I like directors that delve into different genres, in particular someone like Denis who can make a gritty film like Prisoners and then do something completely different like Arrival. Elena: I love any Christopher Guest movie. This is a really hard question to answer as it changes all the time.  Those are all great names. What is something in everyday life that scares you? David: Failure. Elena: Everything is spooky but the idea of being in a dark room with a sloth scares the shit out of me. David, Great answer. That is one of mine too. Elena, do I hear the concept to a new horror film? Elena: Why not. Night Sloth. He will sneak up on you slowly. I think you're onto something. I'd definitely give it a watch. What is your dream project? David: I have written 4 features, so getting those made is the dream, which I hope to make a reality one day. Elena: A BIG budget Hollywood film that will change my career for ever! where I get to play a complex super villain Mwahahahah. But also an equally important dream for me would be a big personal collaborative project where I get to work with friends and colleagues. Those are great dreams. We wish you both the best of luck and will be keeping an eye on your work. Do you have any social media pages or websites you’d like to share? David: You can find me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and my website. Elena: I use Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for self promotion and work stuff. Follow HorrOrigins Social Media Pages
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