HFF 2015 Interview: Satan Has a Bushy Tail Director/Producer Louis Paxton

2015 Heartland Film Festival Official Selection, Narrative Short Satan Has A Bushy Tail is a wickedly fun buddy comedy about grandparents, grief and a possessed squirrel…called Clive.

We spoke with Director/Producer Louis Paxton about his film:

HF: What is your film about, and how did the project come to be?

LP: Our film is about a recently bereaved grandfather who teams up with his lazy grandson to defeat a troublesome squirrel who may be possessed with the spirit of an old enemy…

HF: What was your role in the production?

LP: I was the writer and director.

HF: Why did you submit to the Heartland Film Festival? Have you been to the Festival before?

LP: We have not been to Heartland Film Fest before, but we heard great things from other filmmakers who had exhibited work there so felt we had to enter!

HF: This year’s tagline is “Movies That Stay with You” – what lasting effect will your film have on moviegoers?

LP: I hope it makes people laugh and keeps them entertained, but I’d like to think it could leave an audience thinking about family and to appreciate those you love!

HF: What has inspired you to become a filmmaker?

LP: I was inspired by my family, whose enthusiasm for film and unwavering encouragement has always kept me going!

HF: What is something that you know about filmmaking now, but you weren’t told when you started your career?

LP: I am far more open to other genres and voices, when I started, I was very particular about which kinds of films I watched and made. Now I believe that nothing should be discounted because everything could potentially inspire you – (even ‘bad’ movies). I try to find a positive in everything I watch.

HF: What are some of your favorite movies? What’s your favorite worst movie (you know it’s bad, but still love it)?

LP: This changes constantly and I could go on forever listing films so I’ll just say a few from the past few years – Whiplash, Under The Skin, Force Majeure, What We Do in The Shadows, London Road, Inside Out. Favourite worst movie – Again I’ve got loads, but I don’t actually think they are ‘bad’… Many high brow film buffs would probably say that high Concept 80’s movies are bad but I think things like Predator and Robocop are works of art. There’s some ingenious concept, design and action present in that era that to this day, has never been bettered in my opinion. I suppose I really enjoyed the first Transformers film… And given how those films have developed, I do feel quite a bit of shame when I think of that.

HF: How many film festivals has your film been a part of? What do you like the most about the festival experience?

LP: This film has been part of ten festivals so far (three in the US) and we’ve won four awards. I like film festivals because when you make short films, you don’t get paid. To screen your work to an audience and see/hear the reaction makes it all worthwhile!

HF: Heartland Film Festival moviegoers love filmmaker Q&As. Let’s say a Festival attendee wants to earn some brownie points—what is a question that you’d love to answer, but haven’t yet been asked?

LP: I’m afraid I won’t be able to attend the fest so there will no chance to take part in a Q&A.