Interview with director Kyran Davies (STEPHEN THE TIME TRAVELLING DOG)

STEPHEN THE TIME TRAVELLING DOG, directed by Kyran Davies is perhaps one of the most loved films that was ever played at a WILDsound Festival. The audience attending the July 2016 Under 5 minute FEEDBACK Film Festival LOVED this film. It was a pleasure interviewing the director, especially because his answers were all funny.

Matthew Toffolo: What motivated you to make this film?

Kyran Davies: People always say that you should write about what you know. I’d probably say time travel is one of my favourite past times. Next to mountain hikes and playing Tetris battle. I’m particularly fond of the 16th Century. So I’d say my main motivation came from my love of time travel and my fondness for animals. Especially cats.

MT: From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

KD: It took me about four years to convince a crew to come and shoot it with me. But once i did the shoot only took a day. It was the best day of my life.

MT: How would you describe your short film in two words!?

KD: Gritty Realism

MT: What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

KD: I was really lucky to work with a super professional crew during the shoot of this film. Unfortunately I can’t say the same about a certain unnamed cast member, who kept barking, asking for treats and shitting on the floor. The Dog Archie was great to work with though. There was also quite a steep flight of stairs in the flat that we shot the film in which I had to walk up and down at least twice, that was quite challenging.

MT: What were your initial reactions when watching the Toronto audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

KD: When I first got sent the link, I thought it was spam mail but I watched it anyway. Initially I thought “Who the hell would make a film about a time travelling dog” but once I remembered that it was a film I’d made I was very grateful for the kind words and positive feedback. It meant a lot. I have lots of love for the Canadian Audience and for all the people at Wildsound.

MT: How did you come up with the idea for this short film?

KD: I was playing a lot of Bugs Bunny: Lost In Time for the playstation 1 at the time I came up with the idea for Stephen the time Travelling Dog. It’s a fantastic under rated game that really shows off diverse character study and complex narrative involving time travel and animals. It really was a big inspiration so I just tried to visually rip it off as much as possible.

MT: What film have you seen the most in your life?

KD: When I was a kid I used to have periods of time where I’d binge watch Return of the Jedi for weeks on end. But as an adult I usually wake up each morning and watch a scene from Purple Rain with Prince to start my day. Seeing Prince do something cool is my substitute for coffee.

MT: What is next for you? A new film?

KD: I’m currently working on a short comedy film set in the 90s about a video shop. I am going to release it directly online once it is complete. Hopefully towards the end of 2016. Should be a nice bit of nostalgia for all the 80s, 90s kids and anyone who remembers their local video shop.

Watch the Audience FEEDBACK Video of STEPHEN THE TIME TRAVELLING DOG:

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Interviewer Matthew Toffolo is currently the CEO of the WILDsound FEEDBACK Film & Writing Festival. The festival that showcases 10-20 screenplay and story readings performed by professional actors every month. And the FEEDBACK Monthly Festival held in downtown Toronto on the last Thursday of every single month. Go to www.wildsound.ca for more information and to submit your work to the festival.