Having been a cinephile since I was a kid, I’ve always created short films here and there. I graduated from Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, UK, in 2010, and since then have been honing my craft as a screenwriter and as a director. Specifically, I specialize in creating short films that explore the intersection between mental health and the horror and sci-fi genres. My work aims to challenge audiences’ preconceived notions about mental health by utilizing the visceral and otherworldly elements of horror and science fiction. I’m passionate about creating visually striking and emotionally resonant stories that leave a lasting impact on viewers.
indieactivity: How do you choose a project to direct?
Joshua Armstrong (JA): Generally speaking it’s those who are brave and dare to tackle difficult issues. I think it’s our responsibility as filmmakers to bring topics to life that have a societal importance.
Why filmmaking and screenwriting? Why did you get into it?
Joshua Armstrong (JA): I’ve always been in awe of the power cinema has to influence and open the minds of audiences. For our short APOCRYPHAL I wrote the script in response to my friend passing away from a combination of mental health issues and a drug overdose. So although it was a battle to write it, and ultimately complete the project, I knew it was an important story because it tackles issues that people often try to ignore.
Watch the Official Trailer for Apocryphal directed by Joshua Armstrong
How do you get it in front of an audience?
Joshua Armstrong (JA): Right now we’re focusing on getting it into festivals. Fingers crossed we get into a few big ones down the line.
Is there anything about the making of independent film business you still struggle with?
Joshua Armstrong (JA): Funding is always a struggle in this day and age. But where there’s a will, there’s a way, and my team are always incredibly passionate no matter the restrictions we face.
Talk to us about your concept of collaboration?
Joshua Armstrong (JA): I’m always open to collaboration. It’s taken a long time to find a team that’s each willing to pull their weight and contribute to a project. But if somebody is capable of proving that they’re hard-working and passionate, I’m always open to collaboration.
How do you find the process of filmmaking as an indie filmmaker?
Joshua Armstrong (JA): It’s often a grueling task, but with that said – I love it. Just having the freedom to produce beautiful pieces that align with what you’re passionate about is a wonderful thing.
Describe your most recent work?
JA: Our latest film is APOCRYPHAL – a sci-fi drama, with undertones of horror, and follows the story of Oliver – a man who is plagued by his past and crippling drug addiction. Interrogated by two detectives as to the whereabouts of his friends, and with no immediate recollection, Oliver must attempt to recall an unbelievable set of events. The main cast are the incredibly talented Michael Southgate as Oliver, Emily Tucker as Renn, Alex Arnold as Charlie, and Kaysha Woollery as Det. Harris.
What is your experience working on the story, the screenplay, and the production?
JA: We were fortunate enough to have a following of people who helped us raise £26K on Kickstarter, so it helped us realize it was an important story to tell. The production was hard work, like any good thing, but it was enjoyable throughout and I’d do it again in a heartbeat.
What and how long did it take to complete the script?
JA: I wrote the script within 4 months, and was fortunate enough to have the screenwriter of BAFTA winning “His House” read my work. So I was particularly honored when he didn’t really have any feedback on it!
Did the tight shooting schedule make it harder or easier? How did it affect performances?
JA: We filmed everything within 4 days, which is pretty unconventional for a 33 minute film. But the pre production side was so well arranged we managed to achieve it. I can’t speak about the professionalism and raw talent of the cast enough. They were just incredible, which made shooting each scene just so much easier.
How much did you go over budget? If you did, how did you manage it?
JA: We actually didn’t. Shocking, I know. But we ran a tight ship and the film hasn’t suffered for it.
What other films have you written and made?
JA: I’ve made a few shorts, but the most well received is probably Shift, which is an ice rink supernatural thriller. We’ve actually just released it onto YouTube because I felt it would be better received there than it’s original platform, which was Amazon. Although we’re not making profit from it now, it received 44K views in one month on a channel with no subscribers. So, I consider that a success.
What do you hope audiences will get from the presentation of your film?
JA: The film forces us to question whether we would believe somebody kicked to the curb in life, when they claim something otherworldly has destroyed their lives. It’s not just a science fiction or a drama. It’s a story about judging a book by its cover. In a time of increasingly dangerous prejudice, it’s more important than ever to distinguish truth from reality. APOCRYPHAL asks us if our prejudices obscure the truth, no matter how much we may or may not want to believe it.
Tell us about what you think indie filmmaker need in today’s world of filmmaking?
JA: More funding, or at least a public understanding that unless you’re working on a big production funding is hard to come by. Support crowdfunding pages, go to independent screenings, and get involved with small film sets – even if it’s just making tea.
What else have you got in the works?
JA: We’re building a YouTube Channel, so I’m really excited about the shorts we’ve got coming on there soon. But I’m also building a network, and looking for producers for an episodic series.
Tell us what you think of the interview with Joshua Armstrong. What do you think of it? What ideas did you get? Do you have any suggestions? Or did it help you? Let’s have your comments below and/or on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
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