Scotty, you’ve been a storyteller since childhood, can you tell me how that affects your directing?  Have you ever found yourself changing someone else’s script while on a project?

Because I began directing as a child, I have a unique sense of ingenuity. When I was a kid, I didn’t have all the tools and skills so I had to make things up as I went along. My imagination made for interesting stories but also interesting ways of filmmaking. I think I still carry that with me today.

I have altered other people’s work but only for clarity’s sake. I try not to change intention but sometimes things need to be smoothed out, simplified, or streamlined for the sake of execution. If the actor is having a hard time with the dialog because of how it’s worded, we change it. But always with respect to the writers intent.

You had a solid cast on 5th Passenger. What was it like working with these actors?

They really were amazing. One of the best thing about working seasoned TV actors like Tim, Armin, Marina and Manu is that they are so disciplined. They have their lines down, they hit their marks, find their light and can make on the spot adjustments with ease. That gave me so much more time to focus on the fun parts of playing with the characters with them.

Did you have a favorite scene in the movie?

Not one scene in particular, but there’s a series of scenes towards the end where all hell breaks loose. It’s a lot of action and it’s where all the drama and tension that’s been building really pays off.

Are you a Star Trek fan? Is that what attracted you to this film?

I’ve always been a fan of science fiction and Star Trek. As a kid I used to watch the Original Series Trek and Star Wars and all that. It definitely influenced me as a filmmaker and the stories I wanted to tell. And my philosophy is to make the kind of films I want to see.

What are some of the other films you’ve directed?

5th Passenger is my first feature but I’ve directed a lot of short films. I’m particularly proud of one called Rationed from 2009, and another Followed Back (also with Armin Shimerman) from last year.

What makes a good film?

At its core, a good film entertains. It makes you forget the real world for a while. But a great film stays with you. Its characters reflect people in our lives, it makes you feel something (happiness, sadness, fear, horror, disappointment…anything), and it provokes thoughts and conversations.

Were there any challenges working on this film?

The whole process was a challenge. From writing the script, to raising funds, getting through production on a tight schedule with a low budget, and then getting the post production right so the VFX and all that were believable. But the part that was most difficult, and most indie films know this, is getting the money. There’s no easy way to get it, but once you do everything else has a way of falling into place.

What advice can you give someone aspiring to become a director?

Just start directing. Even if it’s only with your best friend and an iPhone, just create. Watch a lot of different stuff and learn from it. I watched my favorite films over and over until I figured out how they did it. I watched the behind the scenes videos and learned from that too. Keep doing, keep learning, and don’t give up.

Visit Artemis Women In Action Film Festival for Screening Information. The film festival runs through April 26-29, 2018! Get your tickets for The 5th Passenger.