Last week I reviewed Simone (386 Films), a short film that really took me by surprise. If the phrase "good things come in small packages" were ever to ring true, it would be stated in mentioning Simone. The film was less than 10 minutes yet I couldn't get it out of my mind all week, even in the middle of a major snowstorm. The film was fun, well acted and scary...but most of all it was entertaining.
That is why I have asked the film's director Joops Fragale to join me today in The Man-Cave for an interview. Joops' past directorial efforts include the short films Mama's Boys, Breaking Val and Parting.
The Man-Cave (TMC): Without further ado, I would like to introduce director Joops Fragale to the Man-Cave. Welcome, Joops.
Joops Fragale (JF):
Thanks for inviting me to the Cave. I love what you’ve done with the place.
TMC: Thank Mother Nature. Those wavy lines on the wall aren't trendy new hipster designs, Those are full blown watermarks from this summer's flood.
First off, a general question. What is your educational background and training for film making? Did you attend film school or did you develop your craft on your own?
JF: For training, I usually start with some light stretching and a few wind sprints. ;)
My education is actually in Illustration and Graphic Design, with one semester of Television Production. But, I’ve been making “films” since junior high, running around with the giant VHS Camcorders and editing between two VCRs. The rest is just being a student of the craft. Watching tons of films and all the behind-the-scenes stuff and just drinking it all in. Then I just went out, experimented, and made mistakes. I got involved with different productions and learned from people who know more than me. I’ve done a little bit on both sides of the camera throughout the years, and I think it helps in the balance of what is needed.
TMC: When did you first realize that film was your passion and that you wanted to delve into film making?
JF: Raiders of the Lost Ark. It was such a fascinating adventure. I was captivated by how cool Dr. Jones was and the journey you went on. Back then the making-of stuff was not as easy to find. But there were a few small documentaries and books hidden in libraries. I would just stare in amazement at the pictures with the mountains of gear they used. I knew I wanted to tell stories. My junior year in high school, we started the first A/V class taught, which lead to a ton of cutting academic classes to fuck around shooting nonsense. Not that I recommend ditching class of course.
TMC: Let’s talk about your film. Where did the idea for Simone stem from?
JF: Simone was born from British blood of acclaimed horror writer Frazer Lee. We found his script “Hair of the Dog” on-line, contacted him and he graciously let us run with it. Frazer’s story dealt more with the haziness of the hangover. But as we started to develop our story we began to see it as a tragic love story. We saw the character of Simone as another victim. It began to take shape as something deeper than your standard horror short.
TMC: Considering that vampires and zombies have been ruling the horror market at the time of Simone’s conception, was it a conscience decision to go against the grain so to speak and tackle werewolves? Werewolves are slowly starting to flood their way back into the game and you beat the rest to it.
JF: Enough with the zombies and vamps! I couldn’t stand reading another vampire or zombie script. So it was refreshing to see something outside of that realm. It’s simple to pigeon hole Simone into the horror category because of the werewolf element. Visually, we obviously tried keep the proven elements of hot chicks, blood, sex, and death. But, I was more interested in telling the story of this person who just wants to be loved. She harbors a certain affliction that keeps her from forming lasting relationships. It’s very much a normal tale of hiding personal demons from others, whether it is drug addiction, life’s secret or a disease. And yes, I’m glad we got it out there before the flood of werewolf flicks get shoved down our throats.
TMC: Was it a challenge to tell your story considering a majority of the dialogue is delivered from lead actress Jennifer Ward, who plays Simone. She was on screen alone for all but a few moments of the running time, so developing a story with little dialogue must have been a hurdle. Am I right in that assumption?
JF: Yeah, it presents certain challenges having to do it primarily with image, foley, and music. With my partner-in-crime, producer, Mike Long, we came up with the feel and structure to base the story on. We probably could have gone a 100% no dialog but it didn’t feel natural. Our previous film, Parting, was really dialog heavy so this was a 180 from that. It’s harder, in the fact that you really need to work with the actors to get the right emotions out, physically. We talked it through a bunch. We created character back stories so they can find their place in this Simone world. They both did a great job. Jenn was really able to find that dark space to bring the torment out. For this particular story, we also had to try to hide the real intent behind the emotions to keep it a guessing game.
Simone is really a two-parter. At first viewing, you have one story and I think if you watch it a second time it has a totally different feel because now you understand the “real” reason for her angst.
The other aspect is then to find how the camera is going to help facilitate the storytelling. The angles, the movements, and the shot choices. I have crazy notes all over my shooting script and I storyboarded out some of the more challenging sequences. And after all of that, the music and sound play a big role in setting the mood. My brother, Chris Fragale, does all our scoring, and I think he found the perfect old school vibe mixed with modern tones that really shape the film and move it along.
TMC: What were the other major challenges you had to overcome in order to complete this project?
JF: The two normal hurdles…Money and Time. Never enough of either. Time especially on this one since, Mike and Executive Producer, Nicole Long were expecting their first child (or as I like to say “future DP”) at literally any minute. Baby popped out a week and half after filming.
TMC: Simone does contain a couple of special effects sequences. What was the budget on this project?
JF: Honestly, about $65 was spent on actual production. Plus a few hundred on food and supplies. We own our equipment, and we luckily have a fantastic and dedicated crew. This was our biggest crew of 14 warm bodies. The house was donated by our craft service champion. For the effects, I did the latex work, Mike and our DP did the bloody set dressing and then we mixed some physical effects with some creative frame-by-frame digital effects in post.
TMC: The film runs less than 10 minutes long and occurs mostly at night. How many nights did it take to shoot all of your principles scenes?
JF: It was a 3-day/night shoot, Friday through Sunday.
TMC: Going back to Jennifer Ward and her large presence alone on screen throughout the film, what factors led to your decision to cast her in the lead role?
JF: Jenn was in our previous film, Parting. When Simone came along, we went to her first, to see if there was an interest, and we also held a casting which brought us Erin Cline. Of course, we needed her to be comfortable with certain aspects of the story. Mike talked with her about our direction and the overall concept. I think having that previous relationship she felt comfortable and she put a load of trust in us. And, honestly between Parting and Simone, which are so diametrically different, I think it is some her best work to date. But I’m slightly biased.
TMC: Horror aspect aside, Simone includes an eye-raising lesbian love scene that I am sure will please both the male and female audience, and you shot it in a very sexy, yet classy way. You used some unique angles and effects to deliver that sensual moment, so can you elaborate on how you executed some of those elements and where the idea to shoot it in such that fashion originated?
JF: I just get inside the mind of a lesbian werewolf and imagine what she would imagine. I joke…sorta. It’s back to trust factor. We developed a great bond and trust with Jenn and Erin Cline. They were comfortable what we were doing which allowed us to get the shots we wanted. Sex scenes are always interesting to shoot because of the initial awkwardness, and throw in the lesbian aspect and multiply. But, five minutes in it was game on and really is just technical at that point. Put your hand here. Turn your head into the light. Move the camera and do it again. I wanted the scene to be more “romantic” and emotional rather than the standard bumpin’ uglies horror flicks usually have.
It had to still fit within the feel, visually and emotionally, of the rest of the film. At that point in the story Simone is remembering back to that human contact she craves and it intercuts with glimpses of the horror coming. It’s the ecstasy and agony of her life at that moment. When we first screened Simone for the ladies, they loved the scene and thought it was beautiful. So we knew we got it right. They did an amazing job. Now, if it were a dude remembering a night of knockin’ boots, I’m sure it would just be close ups of sweaty flesh parts.
TMC: I read that this is your fourth project, all of them being shorts. Is this your first foray into horror other than what you have listed on IMDB?
JF: As a youngster we shot really awful horror in the woods with someone wearing a monster mask jumping out of trees. Of the four on IMDB this is the only one that can be classified horror, although all of them have their own darkness. We joke “386 Films, where someone always dies”. We just enjoy the dark, gritty stories.
TMC: Are you a horror fan?
JF: I am, but more the classic horror. The original Halloween is still the scariest movie since I was a kid. Most new horror is all flash and gore but no scares, no deep dreading fear while watching. It’s amazing what you can create today with special effects and digital manipulation but where is the story? Where is the bone chilling fright where you almost want to stop watching?
Mike is a huge horror fan with an amazing collection and knowledge of horror films. He has educated me on the horror genre and has taught me to love it, maybe more than I should.
TMC: Which filmmakers have influenced you? Are there any directors you hold in high regard and did you use that appreciation for your own style?
JF: Inarritu, Scorsese, De Palma, Spike Lee, Fincher, Eastwood, The Coen Bros, Tony Scott. While I completely admire the work of these masters, I really have no desire to emulate what they do on screen. I’ve never wanted my work to be like anyone else’s whether it was illustration, music or film. I think it’s important to have your own style, your own vision. Hopefully, with an atomic bomb of luck, you do something someday that stands out and people take notice.
TMC: Any plans to develop Simone into a full length feature?
JF: We’d love too. We have the story. What we don’t have is the funding to do it properly.
TMC: What is in the pipeline for you and 386 Films?
JF: We just shot another short, “Date Night” currently in post-production. This one stars Erin Cline from Simone. It’s a smaller fun piece that has some dark twisted elements. We have a back log of short ideas as well as developing various feature concepts that range from dark drama to horror. All we need is funding. So if you know of any investors that would like to put something together…You got my number. Hello…Andrew Rona, Dark Castle ?
TMC: Joops, I read you are an avid softball player. Do you know that I play a mean right field? And I have a high OBP. Yes I am nerdy enough to calculate that.
JF: If you ever want to be traded for a player to be named later…? The night your awesome review for Simone posted I was in the middle of a game in a downpour. I’m not ashamed to admit it, there is an old Excel file somewhere that tracked all my stats for a time. Ah crap, I am ashamed.
TMC: Thank you for your time, Joops and best of luck with your future endeavors. Is there anything else you would like to discuss about Simone or your future projects?
JF: Super thanks for having me to the Cave. Thanks for the great questions. A quick shouts outs to the 386 crew. You don’t make movies on your own and these people devote their time and talent to help little me create the big vision. Oh and seriously…anyone who dreams of being an executive producer… contact us.
TMC: Simone is available to own through 386 Film’s official website (see the link below). Whether you are a horror fan or not, I recommend you check it out. There is a lot of tension, mystery and sensuality, but more importantly, it is scary.
