A Dark Way Out synopsis: When a self-centered petty thief gets wind that a lavish home will be vacant for the weekend, he decides to take advantage. After breaking in and filling his bag with loot, he realizes the house he’s robbing is already being robbed.
Cast: Danny Trejo (Machete, From Dusk Till Dawn, Predators), Dermot Mulroney (Anyone But You, Scream VI, Insidious: Chapter 3), Reggie Currelley, Raina Grey, Rhoda Griffis
How did you start your career as a filmmaker? What inspired you to work in the entertainment industry?
I moved from Boston, MA after my girlfriend and I broke up. I was sitting on the floor listening to Michael Jackson (“Maria”) and picked up the phone and called TWA lol. That phone call changed my life, because the agent on the other end was in LA. Thanks CS.
Michael Jackson and Sherly Temple.
Congratulations on the release of your film, A Dark Way Out! Can you tell us more about this project? What made you want to tell this story?
Thank you. It’s a story about many things. Redemption, fatherhood, courage, love, doing what’s right, and changing your life when you think the chips are stacked against you.
The story came to me out of the blue one day. I still can’t pin point the exact origin, but I know I said, “it’ll be interesting if there was a guy robbing a house, then when he sees a woman tied up to a chair with some guys over her. He realizes the house he’s robbing is getting robbed.”
Were there particular circumstances or personal experiences that shaped the narrative? How do you think this project will change and make an impact in today’s society?
I don’t have really any personal circumstances, but I do see a lot of fathers trying to do for their kids, and different events sometimes makes it difficult to be there the way they want. I will say, my core group of friends with kids are all great fathers.
I think it’ll make an impact far as someone seeing their lives, and noticing that there’s time to change what they’re doing. Also, that it doesn’t matter who or what color you are, there’s still love in this world.
How do you approach the writing process? Do you start with an outline, character sketches, or do you dive straight into the screenplay?
I never outline…lol. I wrote the first 45 pages, then got stuck, so I called my writing partner(Marcus Folmar), and said “ I’m stuck.” He read the pages and was very impressed and intrigued. So he jumped in with me and he forced me to write an outline. It was a fun process. I’ve written several scripts, but this was my first outline. I dive right in!
Can you walk us through the process of preparing for your role as a director? What were the challenges and breakthroughs you’ve encountered along the way, and how did you overcome it? What was your biggest takeaway from this experience?
First, I talked with Marcus a lot about the character, and who he was before this, and why would he risk his life to save someone he doesn’t know, so while I was acting, he watched the monitor and knew what I wanted to come across the screen, so when I was able to watch the playback , it was easy to make adjustments. At one point we had to shoot without one of actors, so we had one of the extras stand in, and basically I had to run the scene as the actors looked at an extra and keep the intensity. It was one of the main scenes. The actors were troopers.
There’s a famous saying in Hollywood that directing is 90% casting. What was the dynamic like between you, your actors, and film crew? How was the casting process?
I will say, it’s close. It always helps to have actors that are open to the process. Being an actor first, I was able to talk to each actor and give them my take on their character, and asked them what they thought he/she was thinking at a certain time. Having seasoned actors that love what they do, and are able to laugh, and be present the entire time with no egos, even when the hours get long. I had that.
The casting process was pretty easy on this one. I casted a lot of my friends whom I’ve worked with in the past. Rainer (Everette) was the first audition I saw out of 12-15 young ladies and I said “it her”, and I was right. She’s a talent. Rhoda Griffis (my big sister now) came from a referral from a actor friend I know and a Casting director.
How do you balance artistic vision with the practicalities and constraints of filmmaking, such as budget and time?
Oh, That’s something you have to be really on top of. The budget dictates if you can shoot more angles, or an extra scene, time, and how many days. For your vision to come to life the way you want it, or very close to it, means you have to prepare, prepare and prepare. The story is the most important. How do you tell that, in the time frame. If you can prepare, and know before you hit set where you’re going, it’s easier to get there, even if a problem comes up. You’re not as stress if you’re prepared.
What films and which filmmakers have been the most inspiring or influential to you and why?
I’ve always loved Stephen Spielberg. I love the way he goes about filmmaking. He’s never stuck in one genre. That’s not being stuck in a box.
What advice would you give about maintaining a work-life balance in the field of entertainment?
Now it’s a marathon, and surround yourself with people that think like you, and find filmmakers that’s smarter than you, so you can learn.
How do you stay inspired and motivated during long and demanding projects? How do you keep up with industry trends and continue to learn and grow as a filmmaker?
I’m motivated and inspired on a project from day one. I’m a kid in the sand box, and I cherish being there. When you get to live out your dream, and do what you love to do, there’s not much motivation is needed.
I surround myself with great people, and filmmakers that are smarter or have done more than me. It pushes me to be better, and get where they are.
What were the monumental life lessons, mistakes, and things you’ve learned throughout your career that you would like to share with aspiring or emerging filmmakers and/or creatives in general?
I’ve learned to have patience, and stay up on what’s going on in the industry. I didn’t work hard on my craft for about 2 years, and when I got back to it, I was soooo far behind. It’s taken over 10 years to catch up.
What are your thoughts on the current state of the film industry, and where do you see it heading in the next decade? What kind of stories do you think will emerge and capture the attention of producers and executives?
I think we’re in an interesting place with AI and how the studios wanting to hold on to the control. I think stories that connect more to the human experience.
What’s your advice to aspiring filmmakers who want to break into the entertainment industry?
Stay focused, study, lace up your shoes and be ready to take a long run.
What has been the most rewarding moment of your career so far? What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind as a filmmaker?
The first day I stepped on set as an actor! I created and opened doors for so many people, and a filmmaker that made great content.
Do you have other upcoming projects you want to share with us?
I have many. I have three films that we’re going after financing now. I have several pilots that I’m hoping to shop around.
You can watch Reggie Currelley’s latest film, ‘A Dark Way Out,’ now on Plex.
