Caring and Killing

My approach to filmmaking is that the best films are realizations of the entire cast and crew’s efforts. Also, coming from a technical background I always keep a balanced perspective when directing, considering the technical composition and break down of each scene from the moment of filming through until post-production. As such I was keen make sure that the crew I was working with could offer a fresh perspective on the script I had written when in production. To reach for high quality on a tiny budget I felt this was an essential strategy and in regards to the final film, brought a versatility to the craft and style of the film that shines through despite limited time and resources.

Right from the first auditions I was confident that I had a cast up to the challenges the script demanded. Early on we began to develop the characters, preparing to bring them to life, establishing goals, obstacles and objectives. My primary task was to convince the actors of each character, to make them believe in each action and every line of dialogue. Installing this belief for each member of the cast was my goal and I feel that the countless hours spent refining and developing the characters reflects this in the film.

Thematically, I was interested in unconventional character stories. I wanted to create a film where the protagonists true nature was inescapable, not fatalist but something ingrained your being, visceral and compelling, something to be feared and rejected by most around him but understood by a select few. The concept of a Boxer gave me the window through which to create such a character, someone whose savagery could be applauded on a stage but contrasting with and feared in everyday life. Making the film became a balance between displaying both sides of that character (Caleb), the recklessness to express and the language of violence Vs. the repression, the belief that you should conform if your true self does not fit to society. As such, the dramatic balance and conscience of the film was set.