Interview by Geno McGahee
A WORLD AWAY is a film that was just released and it’s creating quite a buzz. Hitting Amazon Prime recently, the sci-fi adventure film concerns some kids on a trip to the Grand Canyon only to be projected into another world. It is the classic child adventure film and it hits all the marks.
Writer/Director Mark Blanchard sat down with Scared Stiff to discuss his film, the process and what brought this film to life. The film is released by CINEMA EPOCH and is available now on Amazon Prime.
GM: Your film was just released and it’s coming out with a full head of steam. How were your experiences during the production of this film?
The actual making of the film from writing to shooting to all the post experiences were beyond incredible. Working with all the Children, especially 3 of my own, can’t be expressed in words. The business side, I hope never to have to be a part of again.
GM: Can you tell us a little about A WORLD AWAY and what the fans should expect when they sit down to view it?
It is an inspiring story of adolescence and their ability to gravitate towards the LIGHT, regardless of trials and tribulations. It’s fun for the whole family in the vein of GOONIES meets ET on a tad smaller scale.
GM: What was the most enjoyable part of the film process?
Coming from 35 years of stage directions, its undoubtedly working with the actors and imagining the possibilities.
GM: What is the most frustrating part of the film process?
Dealing with the finances and all the crooks attached to money. YUCK!
GM: What got you into film? What inspired you and who were your early inspirations?
I was a huge classic film fan even as a young child. I was enamored with Broadway and music. Both my parents loved film and the theater and made sure my brother and I had every opportunity to experience it all. I did go to college and Grad school for film, studying with Bette Gordon to Milos Forman. Some of my favorite filmmakers of all time are, Elia Kazan, Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, George Lucas, Clint Eastwood, Michael Curtiz, Woody Allen (sans the young girl attraction) and Robert Rodriguez to name a few in no particular order. Check out the credits thank you’s at the end of A WORLD AWAY.
GM: With the digital market for film becoming a difficult place for filmmakers and piracy and the acceptance of it on the rise, how does a filmmaker overcome it and make a healthy profit?
This will be the test case, so let’s take this journey with open arms.
GM: What is your next project?
A film I co-wrote with a tremendous talent from Ireland Sean Ryan called BURNED. Just like Elton John and Bernie Taupin never in the same room. Although these days we do have SKYPE and the Internet. It is and action, thriller in the vein of Wind River, John Wick and Sicario (obviously a Taylor Sheridan fan as well) oh and for 3 woman heroes!! By the way, it’s not a family film.
GM: Any closing comments?
Onward and Upwards always and Peace and Love for all!!!
