Filippo Savoia is very passionate about creating a movie that would subtly speak to the people from within.
“Modern Animals is a nice twisted story that analyzes human beings’ instinctual behavior. As a filmmaker, I was determined to listen to myself and keep going on with my ideas. That led me to be more confident with my own decisions. The writing process was quite satisfying. I have been assisted by Guillermo Noriega who helped me develop a proper structural narrative. During production, everything went quite smoothly. Thanks to my hardworking team, we’ve been able to cover everything in two shooting days. The marketing experience has been amazing. We premiere at Catalina Film Fest in 2019 and that was an amazing experience.” says Filippo Savoia
indieactivity : Did you start writing with a cast (You or any) in mind?
Filippo Savoia (FS): I didn’t really start out with a cast in mind. I was actually picturing an older protagonist, but I changed my mind when I met Christopher Cotten at the audition.
How long did you take to complete the script?
FS: The writing process was a little stressful and a lot of drafts before completion. With all due honestly, I wasn’t constant and confident with the story at first. It took time to elaborate the idea, and it’s okay- you need time to process and think about the story. When the narrative structure was solid enough, I got in touch with Guillermo Noriega who helped me adapt the story to a working script.
When did you form your production company – and what was the original motivation for its formation?
FS: I’ve had very good experiences with the producer Miranda Guzman and assistant director Oliver Grano, before the production of “Modern Animals”. Miranda has been producing a lot of projects I was involved in, and so our friendship and trust to each other, led us to a smooth and functional production process.
The official trailer for Modern Animals written and directed by Filippo Savoia
What was the first project out of the gate?
FS: I have directed a couple of short films when I was in Italy, in 2015, but things started getting more professional when I moved to Los Angeles. My first directorial debut was the short film “Rocky Mountain Show”.
During production, what scene (that made the cut) was the hardest to shoot?
FS: Definitely the final scene. That was improvised and still my favorite scene. That happened on the last day of production as the last scene to shoot. We were running a little late, but I came up with the credit roll scene and as soon as I talked to my DP, Dan Watt, he took no time to visualize my idea and create the proper atmosphere. That turned out to be the hardest scene to shoot because it involved coordination between camera movements and acting. It took us one whole hour to rehearse that, and the first take made the cut.
What works better in this latest production that mightn’t have worked so well in the last one you did?
FS: Choosing a professional crew helps a lot. I believe that your team has to be involved in the project since the beginning. Your team has to be motivated and passionate about the project they’re working on. That leads to a smoother shoot and a better working environment.
You produced and directed the film, what measure of input did it take to don these hats?
FS: I wanted to direct a short film and was lucky enough to have available people who would have worked with me, trusting my project. That was my first project to which I have dedicated a one-year film festival circuit. I wanted to shoot a film that would have defined my artistic debut, and show my directorial vision.
Is there anything about the independent filmmaking business you still struggle with?
FS: Not particularly. I’m trying to be independent as much as possible in order to be free and experiment with my works. I believe that indie filmmaking business is growing fast and have more audience- that’s good news for indie filmmakers.
Where do you think your strengths line as a filmmaker?
FS: I’m a very visual artist. I’m confident with my vision as a filmmaker- Besides directing, I also work as Art Director. I love creating the design of the movie, bringing the sensational atmosphere of the story to the screen.
Let’s talk finance, How did you finance the film?
FS: I self-financed the short film.
How much did you go over budget? How did you manage it?
FS: We went 15% over budget. The location was a big percentage of the whole budget. I had to sacrifice the post-production budget for the location. That’s why the final mix took longer than expected.
How important is marketing? Do you think a project can make any dent without it these days?
FS: Marketing strategies are essential for film distribution. Film festivals are the most effective platforms to meet distributors and have your film screened in front of lots of important sales managers, distributors and programmers. Luckily enough, these days we don’t only have to rely on these events to be noticed, I believe that social platforms can be used as artistic portfolios and networking.
What do you hope audiences get from your film?
FS: I would love the audience to get confident with my artistic line and directorial vision. I want to experiment as much as possible with my works, but I want the audience to have high expectations about my works- that helps me work harder as well.
What else have you got in the works?
FS: I’m currently working on two music videos and writing my first feature script. I would like to collaborate with musicians as much as possible right now, connecting to artists from different backgrounds and perspectives to constantly be inspired. I wouldn’t mind directing a commercial, if the opportunity comes on the way.
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