Don’t Look Away Film Spotlight
Today’s film spotlight focuses on the short film Don’t Look Away directed by Christopher Cox.
What is the title of your film and what inspired said title?
Don’t Look Away. It’s the line of dialogue that sets the whole film in motion. Very literal and enticing if you see it in a thumbnail.
Tell us a little bit about the story and origins of your film.
My friend told me about a short scary text story where a girl texts her dad that someone is outside staring at her through the window. Her dad simply responds: “don’t look away”. That’s how it ended. I heard that and instantly came up with a whole scenario of how the character would deal with that situation and the story was formed. Added in multiple characters with clashing personalities to give it more depth and voila!
Any films or filmmakers that inspired this film?
No direct influences, but I’ve always been a big horror fan. The look of the creature was inspired by a mix of Slender Man and the Chainsaw Majini from Resident Evil 5.
What is the goal of the film for you?
Spook people obviously! Also to immerse them in the scenario so they’re thinking about what they would do like the characters are.
What has the journey been like getting the film into production?
It was a class project for a film course I took at Art Center College of Design. Every student had 2 weeks to make their final film for the class. The whole crew were fellow students. Cast were mostly from Backstage. I spent a grand total of $50 which all went to costume of the creature and snacks on set.
One thing you learned from this project?
Your audience is always ahead of you. I wanted to write a horror film where the characters act believable and intelligent but in hindsight I didn’t quite succeed and many comments point that out haha.
How can folks find you and your film online?
YouTube! @CACox97 I’ve been around forever! Lots of people remember me for my Nerf videos years ago. Nowadays I’m a horror filmmaker!
Any last pieces of advice for fellow filmmakers?
Create scenarios where your characters have to think smart and figure their way out. Especially for horror, it is much more engaging if the audience has someone who is fighting against the “scary force”. Active protagonists are much more interesting and relatable to watch.
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