Daniel’s Killer Birthday, High School Comedy-Horror

Daniel’s Killer Birthday is a short film that can be placed in a genre somewhere between high-school comedy and zombie horror. The story is about friendship, fitting in, acknowledging past mistakes and hordes of the undead. It explores the themes of friendship, through the main character Daniel, a lonely high schooler who fakes an interest in the occult to make friends, and the eventual spell he cast that actually worked. Dylan Stumer stars in the lead role of “Daniel” in Daniel’s Killer Birthday. This short film is written and directed by Robert Shields, produced by Cassandra Warner. We talked to Dylan about his work making the film.

indieactivity : Hello Dylan, it is great to have you?
Dylan Stuner (DS): Hey guys, it is great to be here. It is such a pleasure.

How’d you connect to the project? Audition? If you did, would still have got the part?
Dylan Stuner (DS): These roles have a way of finding me! I came across this one from a friend with regards to a test-shoot. I helped with that, and after wrapping I mentioned to the director that I’d love to audition for the role too. A few weeks later and I had the part! The lesson for me here was to always try help out wherever you can, and get in front of as many creative people as you can – show what you can bring to the table and be authentic and yourself.

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As one of the main cast on the project, how did this ‘choice’ work for you?
Dylan Stuner (DS): It didn’t really – in this case! I was just lending a hand and had the extra time to work with the director. It was an insider bonus! I put myself out there and it worked out.

Interview: Dylan Stumer Aussie Actor talks Craft, Staying Relevant and Ready

What part of the story challenged you when you read it? What drove you to get on the project?
Dylan Stuner (DS): Languages! There’s this particular scene in the film where we had to speak Latin. I remember reading it and was worried that I wouldn’t be able to get it right. In the end, we got it though – it came out great! I loved the script from the first time I read it – it was like watching it play out on screen as I read it the first time. I knew I had to be involved.

You’re not new to indie films. What do you enjoy about the work that keeps you working?
Dylan Stuner (DS): Personally, it has to be the cast, crew, and story. The fundamentals of a good film experience! I am an actor – I want to create and be creative. I want people to learn something from the stories we tell and to walk away having discovered something new; to be thinking and feeling on a different level than before. Film lets us do that – indie and otherwise.

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Give an example of a direction you received from the director during the production?
Dylan Stuner (DS): Robert was an amazing director – and so clear about what he wanted. He knew how to speak to the cast and crew and was so respectful and knowledgeable. There was not one direction that stood out – he was consistently wonderful. He would breakdown scenes and make sure we were connected to our characters and their journey. We also got some amazing rehearsal days, and that helped a lot!

How did you create your character from ground up?
Dylan Stuner (DS): I always start with a thorough read. I just sit and go over the script and experience it from the first time. From there, I took what I knew about the character, my parents, my “friends”, interests, my goal, my past and everything in between and shaped him from there. Throughout the film, Daniel has incredible growth. I loved the difference of the character from the beginning to the end. I just let myself experience that evolution with him and appreciate each component that led to it.

Describe your responsibility, where you scared or did it fire you up? What scenes where difficult to shoot?
Dylan Stuner (DS): Being a lead is definitely a big responsibility. I wanted to be sure I brought my A-Game every day and do justice to the character and the story. I made sure every cast member, crew member, and everyone else felt welcome. I wanted us to be able to work together, communicate, and collaborate. We had a difficult scene in a car; or, not difficult but definitely a turning point. Emotion is high and we had to be able to trust each other on the set. To be true to the filming experience. I had to have that relationship with everyone to make sure it came out the way it needed to.

What did you take away from the film production?
Dylan Stuner (DS): I now understand a little Latin! Haha. But, film makes family. I have so many new friends and an appreciation for the teamwork involved in this production. It has to be one of the best shorts I’ve ever worked on. I got so much confidence from the team and my fellow cast members – Bethany Stewart, Nick Perrin, Niam Mayes, and Colleen Johnston-Devin were incredible to work with. It was a great shoot, a great team… and that is what makes a great short.

Explain one creative choice you made on set during production?
Dylan Stuner (DS): I can’t give too much away on this one! There’s a library scene, and I had an idea to add an action at the end that fit perfectly. The director loved the addition.

What do you like most about the director, and his collaboration with his team?
Dylan Stuner (DS): Robert knew what he wanted and he explained his vision clearly. He helped us understand our characters perfectly and the team effort he inspired was incredible.

What is next for you?
Dylan Stuner (DS): I have another short film beginning within a few days! I am so excited to be on another project – it’s filled with talent and creativity

What advice do you give actors regarding what you learnt on the project?
Dylan Stuner (DS): When reading a script, if there is something you think you can’t do – don’t be afraid of it. Talk to the director, and start learning. Express your concerns honestly, but also express that you want to work through them and utilize your team so that you can bring your A-Game to set. Once I spoke up about my concerns about speaking Latin, Robert talked us through what each word meant, how to approach it, and how to deliver it. Never have doubt – push yourself and trust the process. It is a process! You’ve got this!

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