indieactivity: How did you get into directing? How would you describe your style?
Nathan Catucci (NC): I took a film studies class in high school. And, that was the first time I thought perhaps I could pursue directing as a career. After graduating from film school at NYU. I cut my teeth as an associate producer and assistant editor on TV shows for TLC, TV Land, and MTV. Later as a photo assistant on fashion editorials and covers with W, Vogue, and Dazed and Confused, among others. I eventually struck out on my own and founded my production company, Obscura Pictures.
There, I worked with clients such as Morgan Stanley, Panasonic, Verizon, and Hershey’s, while developing my debut feature film, Impossible Monsters. We were awarded the Panavision New Filmmaker Grant for the project, which helped us kick it into production, and the film was released in 2020. Cabbage is my follow-up feature endeavor. I would describe my style as collaborative. I may write, direct, produce, and even edit a project, but it’s the cast and crew’s creative contributions and teamwork that drive the process and ultimately create an amazing experience.
Do you hire a casting director or cast yourself? What criteria go into your casting?
Nathan Catucci (NC): I collaborated closely with our casting director, Matthew Messinger. While I always provide notes on how I saw the characters during the writing phase, I encourage him to keep the possibilities open. It is always a pleasant surprise to see what we uncover—often, a character I envisioned one way comes to life beautifully by taking them in an unexpected direction.
What went into the casting process for “Cabbage”?
Nathan Catucci (NC): For Cabbage, our biggest challenge was casting Anthony, our 10-year-old protagonist. We looked at a number of self-tapes, held initial callbacks, and then did 16mm camera tests (the format we used for production) for our selects. Because of that process, we were confident in our choice to cast Matthew Eby, and he is fantastic in the film.
Without giving anything away, tell us about the script, how’ you come up with such idea?
Nathan Catucci (NC): Following the sudden loss of his father, a young boy’s relationship with his mother slowly disintegrates as he begins to suspect she is possessed by a malevolent force. Through Cabbage, I wanted to explore how a child processes a parent’s behavior, and at the same time, how their youth prevents them from fully understanding the adult world and the pressures a parent faces.
Who is “FILM NAME” for? Who do you think would enjoy it the most?
Nathan Catucci (NC): Cabbage is for those who are drawn to a tense, atmospheric horror film captured on 16mm. Alicia Witt (Longlegs) brings an incredibly nuanced weight to the role of Sarah, leaving you constantly unsure of what she might do or how she will react. We experience all of this through the eyes of her son, Anthony, and what might—or might not—be his imagination.
How long did it take to shoot the entire film?
Nathan Catucci (NC): We had 20 days of principal photography, along with a couple of pickups, and now we’re preparing for a separate production day with miniatures.
How long was the post-production process?
Nathan Catucci (NC): We are currently in post-production, with an anticipated 16-week schedule through to final delivery.
The film had a lot of talent working behind the scenes as DPs, sound designers, composers, etc. Why is diversity important both in front of and behind the camera?
Nathan Catucci (NC): Filmmaking is a collaboration, and consequently, diversity is crucial. Differences in ideas and experiences strengthen the authenticity of a project. That authenticity is what ultimately engages your audience.
What are your goals with “Cabbage”?
Nathan Catucci (NC): Our experience as children does not know boundaries and although there is dialogue, Cabbage is primarily a visual driven film. Therefore, we want to bring Cabbage to horror fans around the world.
What’s next for you? What are you working on right now?
Nathan Catucci (NC): I have a motorcycle western script that is production ready, and I am currently working on two other separate genre scripts.
What would you recommend to a new director at the beginning of his/ her journey? Any special courses, workshops, helpful books they can read?
Nathan Catucci (NC): Watch as many films, including the classics, as possible. Read novels and the screenplays of your favorite films—I think writing is a crucial part of the directing process.
Who is your favorite director? Why?
Nathan Catucci (NC): That’s an impossible question. There are countless filmmakers who have influenced my work over the years, and I’m always seeing new films from emerging filmmakers that continue to inspire me.
What advice would you give directors around the world?
Nathan Catucci (NC): Just start telling stories. You don’t need to wait for permission. All the tools you need are available. All you need is a story and an iPhone.
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