Interview with 2 Days Later Co-Director Mick Etherton

Russell Evans from Digital Video Magazine spoke to Festival
Co-Director Mick Etherton

Q1: Could you describe the 2 Days Later festival and how it's different to other festivals? Why did you decide to specialise in one type of film?

It’s unusual in that it requires the films to be specifically made for the competition and made in only 2 days! Horror was chosen as it appeals to the novice film maker, everyone can have a go. It’s about accessibility. We wanted people to not get too worried or scared about making a film and not spend too much time or money on it. As we tell them, ‘All you need is a camera and a bottle of ketchup’!

The formula works. We’ve had some great feedback from the filmmakers and some have gone on to make feature films as a direct result of showing their 2DL films. Making a film for this was the initial motivation and what they learned and achieved with their horror short spurred them on to their next project.

Q2: I imagine you must get lots of submissions -- how do you judge the good ones from the not-so-good? What is it that makes the good ones stand out?

As the filmmakers have gone to the trouble of making the films, we make a point of screening every film that has fulfilled the entry requirements. Last year we had 38, so we had a matinee ‘B movie’ screening of the ones that were not selected to go to the Judges’ Panel. The judges are industry professionals, very busy people who are not able to spare the time it takes to go through the whole lot. So we select the film entries that might attract the judges’ attention.

The story is usually what makes an entry stand out. We have found that the entries roughly fall into one of three sectors: at the top third there are always entries which surprise us with their quality and originality; these entries are remarkable, in terms of production values and script, worthy of entry to any international short film festival. The middle third are the usual spoof Hammer and Zombie blood and snot movies – good fun and popular with the audience. And we show the other third, too!

Any film has the chance to win the Audience Popular Vote for each of the screenings, voted by audience ballot. For me, that’s the best category to win, as it’s been judged by over 200 fellow filmmakers on the night. The event has a fantastic atmosphere, attracting filmmakers from all over the country. Some even come in fancy dress!

Q3: What do you think festivals offer filmmakers? What is their role these days?

It’s a chance to get noticed. If your film is interesting and you have luck on your side, you could win! And in any case you have made a film and it has been showcased. It’s also a great opportunity to meet others in the business, a ‘networking’ opportunity. Film festivals are the only events that stimulate low budget media production.
As for exposure, you can easily put your cherished film up on the net, but it’s a lonely old business. Your film will definitely be seen by more people, but you’re unlikely to get much feedback. After a lot of hard work, nothing beats seeing your film on the big screen with a load of people watching it and enjoying it!

Q4: Why do you think horror is so popular in the UK these days?

The recent remakes of cult British 60’ and 70’s horrors, although often inferior to their originals, have got a new generation of young filmmakers and audiences interested in the genre. I think horror is popular because it addresses a sort of hankering for elements of the macabre, which are lacking in modern day life: death, extreme danger, terror and gruesome discoveries that are no longer a feature of our lives as they were just 50 years ago.

Q5: Finally, do you have tips for readers who want their shorts to get into festivals and get seen?

Read the festival entry details properly to make sure you are eligible. The British Council are helpful in promoting your film and funding you to attend a foreign festival screening if you have been accepted. Or simply enter the 2DL07 Competition. It will only take up a weekend of your time.