Ex-Killer Collective, 4min., UK
Directed by Leon Lopez
An unwitting volunteer happens upon a unique group of people, trying to overcome their addiction to a seemingly unusual vice.

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Get to know the writer. Daniel Hypolite:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Leon Lopez contacted me from Parliament Street Productions, a new company he was building with Cherise Weaver and Brodie Arthur; they were looking for a comedy script and so I set to work on some top lines. As the four of us are each connected to Liverpools Black Actors Collective, we knew that we were surrounded by a breadth of talent and we really wanted to create a piece that would showcase that. Along with my writing partner, Emma Hippolyte, we began thinking of scenarios in which lots of people would meet, some kind of group gathering came to mind, possibly in a circle to give each character space. We soon stumbled on the idea of a support group for struggling vegans. Whilst Emma is vegan, I predominantly follow a plant based diet and we regularly see the juxtaposition between the perceived reality and actuality of vegan existence; we thought it would be fun to explore!

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

From idea to finished product, it probably took around a year. We began writing in the winter of 2024 and everything was completed by December 2025.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

Meaty. Fun.

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

The biggest obstacle in completing the film, was scheduling and time. Everyone involved is both talented and busy and ensuring we could get together at the same time was challenging. The time factor wasn't helped by the need to keep straight faced on set. It was genuinely funny. Devon Anderson, Kieran Foster and Maxine Okpala's expressions, the energy from Wendy Okoli and Sinead Renaye, and the subtle reactions from Patrick Graham, Winston Branch and Brodie Arthur; it was a very entertaining shoot day with lots of laughs!

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

I loved that people felt a sense of inclusion coming from Devon Anderson's performance; he captured the journey of the character perfectly and to hear audience members feel they were with him was really important to us. It was also nice to see that it made people feel thoughtful around our food choices.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

I realised I wanted to make films shortly after my dad's passing in 2016. He was an actor and great story teller. I'd been writing stand up for a number of years prior to this but I strongly felt that I wanted to move from live comedy to recorded works of multiple genres.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

The film I have probably seen the most is Absolute Beginners. It's a musical film exploring the Notting Hill Race riots of 1958. My dad played Mr Cool and whilst it was exciting to see him on screen as a child, it's become a sentimental staple in my film collection.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

We are all really happy with the festival experience. If we had to think of something? Perhaps more social media presence or online collaboration highlighting both the festival and the entrants.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

We have to credit Leon Lopez for all of the hard work behind the scenes to submit via the platform. He didn't complain too much so we can only assume it was a straightforward task.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Steak and chips. Just joking, it's pizza.

11. What is next for you? A new film?

We're still very much enjoying the concept of the Killers Collective and are currently writing more group scenarios! Who knows. Maybe we will see the group return!