ISFFH Q & A with Director Alex Aronson
Alex Aronson won Best Horror / Thriller for his film “What Comes From Within” in the 2013 International Student Film Festival Hollywood (ISFFH) and we had the opportunity to have a Q & A interview with him recently and learn some more about him and where he got the inspiration for his film.
ISFFH: Tell me about yourself and what drives your creativity.
Alex Aronson: I have always had a passion for art and film since a very early age. I believe that when you find your passion in life, especially at such a young age, it is your love for what you do that drives you.
ISFFH: Where do you find inspiration?
Alex Aronson: I find inspiration anywhere. Specifically when I’m writing, ideas will come to me at the most random moments. I could be brushing my teeth and inspiration could strike. I make sure to write down every single thought I have in a note book. Inspiration strikes when I least expect it.
ISFFH: Who are your mentors?
Alex Aronson: I have several mentors. My high school film teacher and my father are my personal mentors. I look to them for guidance and support. They are both very successful in what they do, and I always look to them and can count on them for anything. My film mentors would be horror filmmakers John Carpenter (Halloween) and Wes Craven (Scream). Even though I do not know them personally, everything I have learned about filmmaking has come through commentaries of their films I idolize.
ISFFH: Tell me about your film and where you got the idea for it.
Alex Aronson: “What Comes From Within” is a supernatural thriller. It is about two siblings who lose their parents in a sudden car accident. The older sibling must now take on the parenting responsibilities. Soon after the accident, strange paranormal happenings begin to occur with the younger sibling. It is based on a true demonic possession case that happened 3 decades ago. I researched the case and developed the base of the story upon that. It is a supernatural horror film that plays behind this family drama.
ISFFH: How do you describe your filmmaking process?
Alex Aronson: I have to start with a story and a concept that I am happy with. I always ask myself, “would I want to see this movie?” If at any phase of production the answer is “no,” then I know I must change something. Once I have a script and story that I am happy with, I move the film into production. Some ideas/scenes come to me as a whole package. I automatically think of the dialog, shots, and editing. Other scenes, take time to think of. I have to work hard at making those scenes work as well. As a writer, director and editor, I handle all phases of the production. Having one creative mind at the head of a film helps to make the creative vision flow as one. I must add that films need a lot of help, and I couldn’t have done this without an amazing cast and crew.
ISFFH: Who is the audience you wrote the film for?
Alex Aronson: I have a huge passion for horror films. I have seen a lot of horror films growing up, so I am pretty used to the gags and tricks horror films use when developing a scare. When I try to develop scares in my films, I try and think of images and scenarios that scare and frighten me. I know that if it scares me (a hard core horror fan) then it would scare a general audience, and hopefully please fellow horror fans. I strive to create films that entertain audiences to get their minds off of reality, and allow them to delve into these stories.
ISFFH: What message do you want people to take away after seeing your film?
Alex Aronson: Family is forever. Family will support and help you through any hardship.
ISFFH: What do you consider the elements of a good film?
Alex Aronson: One element I always make sure to put in my film is a twist. Twist endings are my favorite thing to see unfold when I watch a movie. I think it adds to the re-watchability of a film. You can re-watch the film and see all the clues now that you know the twist ending. I also believe twist endings leave a solid imprint on audiences when they leave the theater. The long lasting impression a film can have on its viewer is what makes film such a great experience.
ISFFH: What advice do you have for fellow student filmmakers?
Alex Aronson: Work hard and love what you do. If you are making a film you don’t believe in, or you wouldn’t want to watch, then it will show on screen. Don’t just half it on screen or the audience will be able to tell.
ISFFH: What are your goals? Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Alex Aronson: I would like to be successful working in the film / entertainment industry. I want to create films that entertain the world, one frame at a time.
ISFFH: How can people follow your work?
Alex Aronson:
Twitter: @Aronson1
Facebook: www.facebook.com/aaronson1
ISFFH: Any final words you want to share?
Alex Aronson: I am working on my feature length film. Filming will take place this upcoming summer. Once the film is completed, I will send it to the festival circuit. I hope to obtain distribution for the film in 2015. You can keep updated on the project and upcoming website via my twitter/facebook.
About the International Student Film Festival Hollywood
Hollywood is the capital city of the entertainment world. The International Student Film Festival Hollywood is the only film festival that embraces all ages from around the world, offering students the unique opportunity to gain the recognition of film industry leaders creating career development opportunities in their home countries as well as the United States. The opportunities provided by the ISFFH not only benefit the students, but the world community by bringing together people of diverse cultures and differing viewpoints.
The International Student Film Festival Hollywood is now accepting submissions for its 12th annual Film and Video Competition. The Festival will be held in the NoHo Arts District of North Hollywood, CA USA November 7 – 9, 2014. The competition is open to students of all ages and academic backgrounds. Submission deadline is August 15, 2014. More information and entry forms are available on the festival website www.isffhollywood.org. You can also find us on facebook www.facebook.com/ISFFHollywood.