Overlook Film Festival is on its way, and that also means we get to feast on a slew of excellent and diverse horror shorts too.
We caught up with the first-time director Bill Neil to talk about his queer horror short Role Play.
You’ve previously worked in other areas, what prompted you to take up the directing mantle with Role Play?
I’ve been a horror fan my whole life – and I love working on scary trailers (even though I work in all genres). After spending so much time in the editing bay, I thought it was about time to try my hand at directing finally.
What were your initial thoughts on the script?
The two writers, Alex Henes and Matt Merenda, were working at the same company I am at – and they showed me a number of scripts they had written for some shorts. Role Play really stood out to me cause it was an exercise in slow burn suspense. I love the set-up… and what really sold me was the note-passing moment. In the original draft, the notes were passed under a closet door – but the location gave us the frosted glass – which was so much better.
There is a real slow burn quality to Role Play and potentially some subversion, was this your intention?
Totally! I love that DePalma-esque/Carpenter-esque suspense. It’s totally my vibe. Mood and vibe are what I love.
I felt like there were some Twin Peaks vibes with the set design, especially the rose walkway, was this intentional?
Well, Lynch is a huge influence on my aesthetic (obviously). The hallway was at our location – and I love it. I actually call it the “Suspiria” hallway. It reminds me more of that movie rather than Twin Peaks – but I love that it makes you think of that! I think if anything, the sound design is very Lynch in the film.
Jason Caceres is quite well-known in queer cinema, tell us about working with him and assembling this cast?
Jason was absolutely amazing! We found him through an open casting call – and we were thrilled to have him. Initially, I envisioned the character as more of a twink-y type blonde – to contrast with the tall/dark/handsome “stranger”, but Jason is just so good and winning and sweet and believable – that it was a no-brainer to cast him. Ryan Kendrick was also awesome to work with. He actually usually does more comedic stuff, but he was great as the creepy guy.
You are starting to get into the festival circuit, with Overlook Film Festival coming up, how exciting is this as a filmmaker?
I think having the opportunity to have as many people to see the film as possible is every filmmaker’s dream. Overlook is one of the coolest festivals out there – and I’m thrilled the short is in the festival. And I love getting feedback – whether it’s positive or negative. I’m excited to learn and grow.
Do you think you’ve got the directing bug now; what’s next?
When I was in film school, I realized I really didn’t like the production/ shooting aspect of filmmaking – which is why I decided to become an editor. But the experience was so fun and satisfying, I’m looking forward to trying this again as soon as possible! Currently developing some ideas for another short.
Role Play screens as part of the Overlook Film Festival 2023.
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