How long have you been doing movies? How did you decide to start making movies?
My first film was 2015 but I’d been working in animation since around 2003. I wanted to make films since I was 16 after seeing La Haine in the cinema. It was only when I began to study storytelling seriously and saw other Irish filmmakers come up that I figured it was actually possible.

Why did you do this project?
After my Grandmother passed away, the family discovered that she and others in her family had been wrongly committed to an asylum. It turned out that through a loophole in the legal system this was very common in Ireland in the late 19th and early 20th century. My mother suggested I write a story about it so I did.

(If you can say). How much budget did you have to do this project?
The initial budget was 50k and was increased to 60 just before filming.

Was it self-funded or did you get budget/producers/investors?
The film was funded entirely by Screen Ireland, the national agency for film. They are an incredible organisation.
How long did it take from the initial idea to being able to release?
The script underwent many changes over the course of about 2 years and from the initial funding application to completion was approximately a year so about 3 years total.

Are you happy with the result?
Yes and No. There was a lot that didn’t make it to the final film that I personally feel would have made the film a lot better but I am still proud of what we achieved considering the problems.

What phase is this project in right now? Are you in the initial phase of sending it to festivals, middle phase or finishing the circuit?
We are about half way now. We’ll call it a day by the end of the calendar year.

How has your experience been with the festivals so far? Where do you think they should improve?
It has been quite good so far & have had some great screenings and feedback.
I think I have seen such a variety of festivals so far that I couldn't suggest particular improvements generally. Each one has their pros and cons. Perhaps I could suggest make shorts cheaper to apply! :)

Normally, filmmakers use many references, favorite directors, favorite movies, etc. Were you inspired by any director or film? If so, tell us your references.
I’m constantly inspired by many films and filmmakers. I think David lynch and Satoshi Kon would be an influence on this film. The David Lynch influence would be less about style and more about the confidence to experiment with the form. Satoshi Kon, in retrospect, would have been an influence with the reality bending aspect of the story itself. Visually I just went with my gut and was lucky to work with a world class cinematographer.

Your favorite movie?
It would be between The Shining and Blue Velvet. I couldn’t choose one.

Favorite series?
Twin Peaks. Hands down

Do you see yourself making movies in 5 years? Where do you see yourself?
I pray that I am making movies in 5 years!!. Ideally I would like to have made my first feature in the next 2 years and from there, keep making films until I’m physically unable to do so.

Do you have any other project in mind?
I have too many features & series in development currently. Each one in different stages. I have a psychological horror I am working on currently that I would love to be my first feature. I also have many shorts that I would also like to make.

What do you ask for the future? (cinematographically speaking)
I just want to make a living telling stories through cinema.

Your best experience in a movie theater?
2001: A Space Oddyssey in 70mm in the IFI in Dublin. Absolutely incredible!