THE BRIDES OF DRACULA, 5min,. UK
Directed by Alexander Miguel
Introducing a new breed of vampires - More alternative, more sensual, more dangerous. Loosely based on the legends of Draculas wives, the good, bad and the evil bride inhabit an old misty graveyard set in the high mountains, waiting for their beloved master to be resurrected once more. Inspired by original costumes and props by Derby-based designer Liam Brandon Murray, this is a unique film showcasing the finest in Wearable Art for the designer's cinematic debut.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I had long wanted to do a fashion film based around vampires. I had initially envisioned a very dark classic victorian look, but when I found designer Liam Brandon Murray, a whole new world opened up to me. This was the most unconventional and bizarre kind of fashion I had ever seen the likes of. So intricate, so luxurious, yet so macabre and puzzling in it's grandness. I knew that I had found something entirely unique and had access to a kind of innovative fashion that nobody else did. I thought to myself, I'll be a real fool if I don't jump on this opportunity! Liam and I clicked from the get-go, and it was clear that this would just be the start of many creative collaborations to come. I was able to pick and choose all my favourite pieces from his collection of work. We needed to piece together 4 complete looks and additionally threw in a few more items to showcase as much of Liam's work as possible. His outfits carry heavy influences of otherworldly flair, his inspiration drawn from mythology, aliens and religious figures into a seamless blend.
2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

I was probably brewing this idea for about a year, but it only really came together once I started working with the designer. The initial concept and ideas changed dramatically and became more tailored to the fashion pieces, and went from being dark and moody to a more lavish and colourful take on gothic. The aesthetic is intended to look like a graphic novel that has come to life. It then spent about two years in post production due to an insane amount of VFX and also due to the fact that the full budget was not on the table when we started filming, so I spent some time scraping together the remains of the post-production budget as we went along. It is worth noting that there is absolutely no AI in this film, every effect is created by our insanely talented VFX artist Matt Hutchings, using good old green screen, matte paintings and CGI compositions - The way filmmaking should be.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

Gothic; Reimagined.

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

It was a very ambitious project, which seems to be a common thread with me. It was all shot in one single day, in a very cold church, models covered in props blood clenching hot water bottles between their hands between takes. I remember the day so very clearly. Wrangling all the major props and costumes was a huge task. And the post production process seemed never ending at some point, I had to put the project on hold several times to focus on other things, the rapidly declining economy also hasn't helped. But we got there eventually.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

It is such an unreal feeling to have strangers speak about my work, they don't know me or my team, so their perceptions and notions of the work are completely unbiased, raw and organic. People loved the surprising elements of lavish colour, which I think is rather unusual in the gothic genre. The fashion of course, gains a lot of wow-factor, and the fact it is put together like a music video, driven by sound and music rather than dialogue.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

To tell you the truth, I remember back in my teens I bought the DVD "Britney Spears Greatest Hits: My Prerogative", and I just could not stop watching these music videos, I was fascinated by the fact that one artist could have so many different faces and aesthetics from one video to the next. Elements such as location, colour grading, hair and makeup, costumes, even the friggin aspect ratio, the possibilities seemed endless. I studied every aspect of these videos because they fascinated me so much. I drew parallels from one video to another, recognising the AUTEURSHIP behind them. A music video director is what I wanted to be, and even though music video is not the million dollar industry it once was, I am still dreaming that it will become relevant again one day.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

The Harry Potter films I have watched quite a lot. I can probably recite most of the dialogue actually. And certain Christmas classics such as Home Alone. It may very well be the film I've watched the most in my life.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

Being featured in blog posts, magazines, and podcasts is a great way of bringing us struggling directors to the forum. Now more than ever, there is a need to be seen and heard by the right eyes and ears. The people who can take you further in your career. Networking events and additional seminars for filmmakers could also be a good addition to the festival experience.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

FilmFreeway is great. The functionality of the site is easy to navigate and to keep track of all my submissions and projects. It wasn't that long ago that we had to submit a custom made DVD to all the festivals. Very time consuming and not to mention costly in the long run. But then again probably there weren't nearly as many festivals around as there is now. The downside I guess is that anyone can start their own festival. I try to be aware of festivals that look like scams, but it's not always easy to distinguish which ones are legit and which ones are not. Building relationships with festivals over the years is turning into a lovely experience which I am now in the process of. Last year we had great success with the fashion film "House Of Mystic Magic" and this year with "The Brides Of Dracula". I am already looking forward to see what project I will hit festivals with next.

10. What is your favorite meal?

I love some good comfort food! Mexican is a big favourite of mine. And pizza in all shapes and forms. Having lived in the UK for ten years now, I have become a huge Sunday roast enthusiast. Everybody knows that is the staple of a weekend indulgence.

11. What is next for you? A new film?

I have a couple of music videos coming out in the next couple of months. And my collaboration with designer Liam Brandon Murray has only just started. We are already planning two more fashion films and I am also in the process of making my first feature length documentary - a fashion documentary about Liams work and journey breaking into the fashion scene. So stay tuned for that, I am really stoked because it's coming together nicely so far.