Mercy Of Others unravels the tale of 6 friends, ensnared in a night of harrowing psychological turmoil. Spurred by a tragedy from their past. This isn’t just a story. It’s a psychological puzzle, inviting viewers to peer into the abyss of guilt, redemption, and the eerie echoes of past actions. Crafted with an unflinching dedication to the raw and real, Damien’s latest work is a testament to the evolving narrative of human intricacies.
The film stars a dynamic ensemble, including Traccin Rameka, Jack Martin, and Vanessa Madrid, whose performances navigate the delicate balance between friendship’s warmth and the cold reckoning of consequence. Their journey through the night is a masterclass in suspense, delivering a cinematic experience that’s as thought-provoking as it is visceral.
Mercy Of Others is a showcase of indie filmmaking at its most passionate. From a gripping 17-night shoot to the collaborative alchemy of the cast and crew, this project embodies the spirit of innovation and grit that indie films are celebrated for. Damien’s directorial vision, paired with the film’s haunting score by Jeenyis Scoring, sets a new benchmark for storytelling that dares to explore the darker corners of the human psyche.
Mercy of Others | Official Trailer
indieactivity: How did you get into directing? How would you describe your style?
Damien Giglietta (DG): It was something I pursued from a young age, once I dropped out of high school I found myself working in live TV, from there it was film school, never looked back. My style leans heavily into my resources, I’ve had to learn to operate under a shoestring budget. So I try to create grounded stories with intriguing character dynamics, survival and consequence play a big part in my works.
Do you hire a casting director. Did you choose the cast yourself? If so, what criteria go into your casting?
Damien Giglietta (DG): Mainly been casting myself, more so due to budget and the scale of projects. But being hands on in that process is a plus for me, I think half the battle of casting is seeing something in a performer that they may not even see. I think a good showreel can be more vital than your audition.
What went into the casting process for “Mercy of Others”?
Damien Giglietta (DG): Mercy of Others was a very opportunistic project, we had a small window pop up and we took it. We didn’t get a huge chance to play with casting so this one was a mix of local casting calls, actors in my network and some of my own research into who was around. We did the audition process, but it was mainly all about conversation and getting them to understand the project, talking through the subject matter and earning their trust.
indieactivity: How did you get into directing? How would you describe your style?
Damien Giglietta (DG): It was something I pursued from a young age, once I dropped out of high school I found myself working in live TV, from there it was film school, never looked back. My style leans heavily into my resources, I’ve had to learn to operate under a shoestring budget. So I try to create grounded stories with intriguing character dynamics, survival and consequence play a big part in my works.
Without giving anything away, tell us a little bit about the script, how did you come up with the idea?
Damien Giglietta (DG): It’s a story that has been brewing for a while and taken many forms. But for me I want to tell stories that places the responsibility back to the audience for a response. I don’t want to force them to feel a certain way, or side with a certain character. I want to blur lines and make a story that is relatable.
Who is “Mercy of Others” for? Who do you think would enjoy it the most?
Damien Giglietta (DG): I think it will be appreciated by both a younger and older generation for different reasons. It is for anyone that has struggled growing up, anyone that has had to deal with bullying and overall life struggles. It’s a twisted coming of age story.
How long did it take to shoot the entire film?
Damien Giglietta (DG): Seventeen straight intense night shoots.
How long was the post-production process?
Damien Giglietta (DG): About eighteen months. I feel a film is made twice, once onset once in the suite, we spent some extra time cooking, with an incredible original score that will keep you on edge and pull on those heart strings.
The film had a lot of talent working behind the scenes as DPs, sound designers, composers, etc. Why is diversity important both in front of and behind the camera?
Damien Giglietta (DG): To put it simply, I just want to find my audience, have as many eyes on it as possible. A lot of the cast went all out, a lot of the crew put their sanity on the line, it would be good to see them all get rewarded with the one thing we all want in this game, our work to be seen.
What are your goals with Mercy of Others?
Damien Giglietta (DG): To put it simply, I just want to find my audience, have as many eyes on it as possible. A lot of the cast went all out, a lot of the crew put their sanity on the line, it would be good to see them all get rewarded with the one thing we all want in this game, our work to be seen.
What’s next for you? What are you working on right now?
Damien Giglietta (DG): For me, it’s always the next project up. I got some options for what I want to do next, but it all starts with a blank script page, maybe check back in a few months. But I’m developing.
What would you recommend to a new director at the beginning of his/ her journey? Any special courses, workshops, helpful books they can read?
Damien Giglietta (DG): Just create, make a few shorts, but make them for you. The best film school for a filmmaker is to just create and learn. Make several failures, don’t stress about every film being a festival darling. Make them, learn from them, run it back.
Who is your favorite director? Why?
Damien Giglietta (DG): I grew up on Robert Rodriguez, John Carpenter, Quentin Tarantino and early Guy Ritchie. These guys knew how to stretch a dollar and made some kick ass material without much of a budget. Something I’ve studied and learnt a lot from.
What advice would you give directors around the world?
Damien Giglietta (DG): Put that work in. Trust yourself, the buck starts and stops with you. I think being a good director you need to be a good leader, sometimes that means winning together and losing solo. Don’t make excuses, things will go pear shaped on you, but your first instinct is the one you should trust.
Tell us what you think of the interview with Damien Giglietta. What do you think of it? What ideas did you get? Do you have any suggestions? Or did it help you? Let’s have your comments below and/or on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
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