Interview With Mark Miller

Born only slightly anal retentive, Mark Miller grew up to be a full blown obsessive compulsive. When he's not eating his food in perfectly proportioned bites, he works as an assistant at Seraphim Films.

What is the current project you are working on?

It's a trailer for a horror film I've written. It's called The Sickness. It's about a self-entitled heiress who contracts a deadly disease that makes her want to eat people. It's based on a true story.

Did you always want to be a filmmaker?

I always wanted to be involved in movies. And since I can't act, I figured I'd better stay behind the camera.

What inspired you to become filmmaker?

Masochism.

What is the best thing about being one?

Seeing the final product.

What is the worst thing about being one?

Seeing the final product.

What is the estimated number of projects you have worked on?

Well under 100.

Who is is your favorite filmmaker?

The Coen Brothers

How has your life changed since you became a filmmaker?

Stress. More stress.

What is one piece of advice you can give to someone who also wants to make it in the movie business?

If you don't like hearing the word 'no,' try a different career.

What do you like to do besides filmmaking?

I love watching story tell itself.

Have you had any other jobs before you decided to become a filmmaker?

Yes.

What are some of your favorite American films? Foreign films? Television shows?

American Films:

Being There

Marjoe

The Last Temptation of Christ

Network

The Elephant Man

Non American Films:

Throne of Blood

A Day in the Death of Joe Egg

Brazil

City of God

Anything by Monty Python

Television Shows:

South Park

How would you describe your film education?

Broad.

How would you describe the film "scene" where you live?

Hilarious.

How has social media changed the independent film industry?

I think it's too early to tell.

What's your opinion on crowdfunding?

Love it. It's a lot of work, but the people are great.

What is the casting process like?

Educational.

How does independent film differ from the mainstream?

Well, you get a lot of poo from both camps. But independent poo is whiny and mainstream poo is loud.

You could go back in time and see any classic film being made. Which film would it be and why?

Evil Dead 2. From the stories, it sounds like it was a blast to be there.

What's your favorite movie quote and why?

"Meteor shit!" - Stephen King as Jordy Verrill in Creepshow. It makes me laugh every time I say it.

You could have any super power. What would it be?

3 way tie: Teleportation, time travel, and the ability to have any food I want in my hand the moment I picture it.

Are you a fan of the movie "Kick Ass"?

I think it's Nicolas Cage's best movie since Adaptation.

What is your opinion on movie remakes?

They're just like the original, only worse.

What is your opinion on book to movie adaptions?

The Shawshank Redemption is one of my favorite movies. Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil is unwatchable. Lesson: Ya never know.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This is the most fun I've had all week. It was a pleasure being interviewed.

Thanks for doing the interview Mark. Keep me posted on the progress of "The Sickness".