Interview with Lorelei Lanford

I was born in Namur, Belgium. The daughter of filmmaker Guy Bodart and fashion designer Chantal di Bastini, my grandparents were actors/singers at the Royal Theatre in Brussels. I traveled a lot and received my education in Belgium and Tahiti, French Polynesia. I made my film debut as an extra at age fourteen in one of my father’s movies. I starred in The Antichrist but acting was not for me, preferring to be behind the camera. I first Assisted my father for his Film Killer’s Mind.

How would you describe your work as a director
Challenging, exciting, nerve-racking

How did you get into directing
I was always with my father when he was shooting his films.

How do you choose a project to direct
I started writing scripts when I was 10. I still do write all the scripts for IFA Pictures

“All Hallows Eve” Vanessa Coleman & Eryn Pablico @lionsgatehorror @Variety @FilmThreat @FANGORIA #womanfilmdirector pic.twitter.com/wQ5CzW5EJm

— Lorelei Lanford (@LoreleiLLanford) February 20, 2015

What books do you read
Historical books. I get a lot of my ideas from those books.

What actor would you like to work with
Anthony Hopkins, Robert Downey jr, and Pierce Brosnan

Briefly explain your latest work
I am working on All Hallows Eve, a horror film with Vanessa Coleman and Billy Patterson.

British actress Vanessa Coleman-All Hallows Eve

Explain a creative choice on set
Creative choices are taken daily. What you imagined on paper doesn’t work on set. You must re-write a scene on the spot.

How can directors find projects
Networking

How can filmmakers finance films
Our coy (IFA Pictures) finances our films. Financing is the most challenging part of filmmaking. If you don’t have wealthy relatives, start with Kickstarter and get your friends involved. Build a name, start with a short film. I was talking to James Wan, he had secured a producer after someone had seen his short film “SAW” which later became a feature.

What do you want from an actor on set
To give me his/her 200%. And I have zero tolerance for egos. Actors are easily replaceable. I would never put up with a diva. We are all here to make the best film we can.

Who is your favourite director
I have many like Wilder, Hitchcock… If you did not know. I love classics! Current filmmaker.. definitely Steven Spielberg. There is that magic that HE can only do and i love his camera work.

What advice will you give directors today
I will say they must keep shooting, and never get discouraged. Never refuse a job, because it is too small or small pay. It gives you the experience and exposure.

Who is your favorite director
I know it’s cliche but my favorite director is Steven Spielberg. Firstly, he has mastered every genre. Secondly, my favorite films growing up happened to be directed by this amazing man (Jurassic Park, Jaws, E.T, Hook).

What is next?
After All Hallows Eve, I will start work on the remake of Killer’s Mind, then 2 more horror films “Inmortuorum” and “Netherwood”. I have a busy year!

Do you like making horror movies
Yes I do.. it is a lot of fun. Next year I will make my first disaster film which I am really looking forward to!

Do you plan to return to acting
Who said I was not still acting?… Watch All Hallows Eve for a surprise haha. And yes I might still do an appearance here and there.