Ep 220 - Crafting Suspense in Screenwriting: Lessons from Ghosts of the Void
Jan 10, 2024
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Jason Miller, a writer-director, shares his journey from concept to execution of 'Ghosts of the Void,' a low-budget, single-location thriller. He discusses the complexities of writing a suspenseful narrative and provides practical advice for aspiring filmmakers. The podcast also highlights the challenges of fundraising and the importance of building relationships in the film industry.
The importance of cultivating genuine relationships in the film industry to secure funding and make meaningful projects.
Creating a slow burn suspense film involves focusing on the gradual revelation of information and incorporating compelling and mysterious elements within the story.
Deep dives
Creating a Film on a Low Budget: Ghosts of Avoid
In this podcast episode, the writer and director Jason Miller discusses his experience creating the film Ghosts of Avoid on a low budget. He explains that the concept for the film came about as a result of looking for a simple, low-budget idea that could be shot in a single location. The story revolves around characters living in their cars, adding an element of horror to the film. Miller describes the process of writing the script and reveals that he initially structured it in 10-page increments to align with a hypothetical eight-day shoot. He also shares insights on creating a slow burn thriller, focusing on revealing information gradually to maintain suspense.
Collaborating and Funding the Project
Miller discusses his collaboration with a friend, Steph Savoy, who had resources and connections that helped secure funding for the film. He explains that his friend took the lead in the funding process, allowing Miller to focus on writing and occasionally attending pitch meetings. While some first-time filmmakers struggle with financing, Miller was fortunate to have a genuine and supportive collaboration that made the funding process less challenging. He emphasizes the importance of cultivating genuine relationships in the industry to make meaningful projects.
Genre Choice: Suspense in a Single Location
Miller talks about his early decision to make Ghosts of Avoid a suspenseful film rather than a traditional horror. As the story primarily takes place in a single location, he aimed to avoid making it feel like a slow-paced, talking-heads film. He ensured there were compelling and mysterious elements within the film, such as lurking masked characters, to create additional tension alongside the central plot of two characters struggling to survive in their cars. Miller further explains his approach to creating a slow burn suspense film, focusing on the gradual revelation of information rather than adhering to a typical structure or plot arc.