Rarely
will you encounter an artist who is extraordinarily open and completely
original. Richard Anasky is a producer, writer and director seemingly
teleported from the 70’s, and he personifies independent film. With psychedelic
colors, quirky humor, subliminal messages, and hippy soundtracks with overtones
of doom, Anasky’s work is unmistakable.
Richard Anasky: I guess it basically came down to an unrelenting desire to walk among the figments of my own imagination. I was fascinated with the idea of seeing the dream-like worlds and the characters who inhabited those worlds manifesting before my eyes… seeing those characters I created coming to life and being taken to new levels through the actors unique interpretations. The allure was just too much to resist. It was, and still is, all about the thrill of creation and the love of the art. Beyond that, I’d really just conjured up a very idealistic vision of what making movies would be like, mainly based on reading so much about the making of “Night of the Living Dead.”
Richard Anasky: The actual catalyst for my getting involved in video came via an issue of ‘Film Threat Video Guide’ back in 1995, that featured an insane, gory cover story and interview with director, Leif Jonker. This magazine and Leif’s interview detailing the making of his film “Darkness” introduced me to the micro-budget do-it-yourself level of independent filmmaking. All of a sudden, making a film wasn’t like some far-out unreachable dream. There were people from all over that were out there following their dreams and visions and making their movies through sheer determination. Man that was my AHA moment; my sign. I wanted in and from that moment on, every step I took was directed towards satisfying that need to make movies of my own.
That
heartfelt desire/intention would soon lead to an amazing assortment of
meaningful coincidences presenting themselves. I was led to the right
books, the right people, the right places and the right things. Everything
needed to assist in paving my way just began to magically appear, and making a movie titled “I Am Vengeance”
ultimately became my next logical step. I was also helped massively by indie
filmmakers and mentors such as Tim Ritter, director of “Killing Spree” and
Ronnie Sortor, director of “Ravage.” Each was a wealth of helpful information
and they really took the time to help me get started. I also should mention a
wonderful actress by the name of Tina Krause, who I approached when I was
starting out. She already had a successful career in place, yet she still
joined on with me. I was so impressed with the manner in which she presented
herself. She was dedicated from the start and she set a standard in what I now look
for in actors in general.
As for
photography, Ralph Waldo Emerson sums up my feelings about it best in his
quote, “Pictures must not be too
picturesque.” Photography is just something I love to experiment with
whenever the opportunity presents itself. Just give me my old 35 mm camera and
I’m good to go. I love to go with a natural style reminiscent of the style of
photography you’d see back in 60′s and 70′s and I love to focus on faces. I’m
definitely not a fan of digital photography as it feels to me (just my opinion,
no disrespect meant to those who dig it) like a soulless, disposable imitation
of the real thing. I love to capture the truth of a person on film, to find the
right moment and capture that certain sparkle in the eyes that reveals the true
story. For fun, I also love to shoot the type of scenarios you’d find on the
covers of those old detective magazines and men’s adventure magazines from the
1950′s through the 1970′s.
Richard Anasky: I try to overcome fears or struggles by doing my best to shift my attention towards things that inspire me as opposed to dwelling on things that could distract me or affect my motivation. I prefer to keep a sunny disposition. Wanton pleasure seeking is so much more thrilling then wasting precious moments provoking emotions that drag you down.
Body Count Rising: Any missed opportunities that you regret?
Richard Anasky: As for regrets regarding
missed opportunities, if you asked me this in years past, I could’ve gleefully
provided enough material to fill a book with things that went “wrong” or didn’t
play out in the manner I’d hoped. Now I view regret as a monumental waste of
time because what’s done is done and you can’t physically go back and change a
thing so best to make use of the lessons learned and move forward. I also don’t
believe in missed opportunities anymore as I feel that there’s always a new and
better opportunity waiting to present itself.
Body Count Rising: Give examples of how your leadership has assured the success of your films, and what are some of your leadership strategies when managing others?
Richard Anasky: Any success I’ve enjoyed is all thanks to the players I’ve surrounded myself with. I’ve been very fortunate in that the majority of actors I’ve collaborated with in the past have been very nice people and they’ve been very open and receptive to what I’ve asked of them. Those sort of people make it all seem easy and truly a pleasure. I only wish there were far more actors coming from such a sincere place. Beyond that, I just do my best to treat people the way I’d want to be treated, as cliché as it may sound. That’s really the best example of true leadership I can come up with. I treat the folks I’m co-creating with as true friends and I enjoy chewing-the-fat with them and getting to know who they are as individuals long before the camera rolls.
I also
think it’s good to set a proper example by being upbeat, enthusiastic and
passionate about the film because that vibe will spread to your team and create
an atmosphere perfectly conducive to creating. Last up, appreciation is
everything. It’s important that the people who’ve joined the production know
that their efforts and their involvement on the project are sincerely
appreciated. Think of how nice it feels to be valued, to be appreciated, to
know that your contributions matter. Those are things that everyone craves on some
level, so give praise and appreciation and mean it. Spread the credit around
and keep everyone involved 100%! Really this is all just common sense stuff.
Give and be what it is that you’re looking to receive. It’s SO simple. Empower.
Body Count Rising: Do you believe the final product fits your initial vision?
Richard Anasky: On my film, “Actress Apocalypse”, the final product actually came somewhat close to being what I always intended for it to be. Really the main thing that prevented it from being spot on from the initial vision was that I had outside producers constantly making suggestions that I felt compelled to incorporate.
That said, I do feel that you need to have a script that articulates what you’re looking to say and you certainly should be very aware of what you’re going for and believe 100% in that initial vision. But once you get going, be prepared to get out of your own head, let go of the expectations and go with the flow. The spirit of the movie will take care of the rest.
Body Count Rising: What advice would you give to an aspiring horror filmmaker?
Richard Anasky: For starters I guess I’d say to approach it from the right place, meaning write and create the film for yourself and for the love of doing it. Getting wrapped up in thinking about money or fame is a sure recipe for disappointment. I think it’s best to approach any art form from that pure place of just needing to do it. Beyond that, I’d advise them to keep their cast small and to take the time required to find an open-minded and preferably optimistic/upbeat troupe of real actors who possess a true passion and respect for their craft and the indie filmmaking process. Making independent film requires a real team effort, so finding actors who can adopt the team concept and thrive in it are essential even if it requires being patient and delaying the start of a project until the right actors are located. There’s nothing more important than surrounding yourself with a group you can count on, so if they’re finding folks who weren’t keeping up or are tough to get in contact with, then it’s best to cut the ties with them long before the camera rolls. Any sign of unreliability should be seen as a red flag and a universal nudge to find someone better suited to the project.
Next up I’d encourage them to just make the best movie they can with whatever they currently have access to as it’s WAY too easy to get hung up on what you don’t have in regards to money, the latest technology or whatever else. It’s better to just be satisfied with where you are in the moment and to just toss caution to the wind and GO for it. To be an artist and take creative chances, no matter how outlandish, experiment and not be afraid of making ‘mistakes’ because it’s all part of a learning process. I’d also say to shake off any advice that encourages conformity. Individual self-expression is a beautiful thing and it should be embraced. It’s always better to find your own unique style and to stand out from the crowd. People will either like what you do or they won’t and it does no good to be attached any particular outcomes regarding the film as it’ll take you out of the moment and negatively impact how you go about things. I’d definitely advise the aspiring horror filmmaker to be true to themselves (and their film) and to just let the rest take care of itself.
Last up I guess I’d remind them to keep it all in perspective. I’d tell them not to take it all so seriously. It’s best to just go wild and have fun creating the craziest, most imaginative little horror movie they can conjure up. Making independent horror films can and should be an amazing experience for everyone involved. It should be enjoyed to the fullest! The film will be what the film will be, but the experience of making it should be amazing.
View Richard Anasky’s current projects on IMDb or you may reach him via Facebook.