SANGUINE DEPOSIT, 15min., USA
Directed by Robert Del Campo
Mac is a violent, train hopping, drifter who has found himself wandering from small town to small town during the Great Depression. He is a sadist with no compunction about using robbery, or even murder, to survive. Although he seems happy-go-lucky, he can become annoyed or angered easily. To Mac, the world, and everything in it, are up for grabs to someone who is not afraid to use violence as a tool.

https://www.instagram.com/sanguine_deposit/

Get to know writer, executive producer, and lead actor (Mac), Dr. Greg McWhorter.

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Without getting into too much detail, I basically saw that I had an opportunity to work with a director to create my vision of a black-and-white, silent, horror, film, and I approached him with it and luckily, he agreed to work with me on it. I always wanted to make a silent horror film that would've been like the first slasher film ever made but also like a lost film from the 30s that we're just discovering nowadays. And I wanted it to be violent, but also fitting with the times and I knew I had the chance to use a lot of great sets and I have an eye for buying the right pieces for the costumes and props. Basically this was in my head for years and I saw the opportunity to work with the right director to get this done.

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

Like I said, the idea has been going around my head for years, but from the moment I approached the director and sold him the idea to the point where we actually had a finished film, took us about 2 1/2 years. So it was crucial to get the continuity, right (which fell on me).

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

Vintage slasher.

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

The hardest part was actually in the changing landscape in the cities we shot in. If we had made this film five or 10 years ago, we would've had no problem having some amazing alley shots, but with gentrification and Alleys being blocked off to keep the homeless from living in them, it was really hard to get some good alley scenes and that really held us up

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

I was actually pleasantly impressed and excited by how much they seem to like the story and the acting, which was my doing. But I'm glad they also talked a lot about the cinematography which was my director's doing. We made a good team and this film never would've been made if it wasn't for both of us bringing our talents to it. I am always thrilled to learn when an audience likes our film as that is what it's made for... Entertainment!

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

I've actually wanted to make films my whole life, but I'm more of a writer and actor than doing the technical end. I used to work for a television station doing technical work and I realized that that side was not something I enjoyed. Sitting around editing for hours upon hours when I could be doing other things. This is where my director's talents came in to play as he loves the technical and with the camera shots and the editing, and he even learned how to do some computer generated images during the making of our film, which expanded his repertoire of skills and abilities in filmmaking.

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

I have to preface this by saying that I love films from around the world and silent films, and of course, horror films, but probably the film I've seen the most is Big Fat Greek Wedding. I know this doesn't fit with me, writing horror and making a horror film, but I've played it over and over again for background as I was working on my doctoral degree and also when I've written my non-horror novels. So you can say it's been played the most of my house, but I don't know if I've really watched it that much. It's just a nice smart film to have playing in the background that I don't have to pay too much attention to, but it still has decent dialogue and is not annoying with loud noises or big explosions or other nonsense to distract me from my writing.

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

I'm not too sure, but as of right now, I'm pretty happy with the festival experience. Of course I'd like to know more about where the films are shown and if it's possible to attend some of these screenings.

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

Film freeway has been fantastic for us, and it has enabled us to get our film screened in festivals that otherwise we may never have known about. I have nothing but good things to say about Film freeway. If you were a filmmaker, it's a fantastic resource.

10. What is your favorite meal?

I'm a foodie and I love food from around the world so that's a tough question. I love Indian food, Thai food, South American cuisine, and so on. I will say that no matter where I go in the world I can't wait to come home and get some good Mexican food! Growing up in Southern California, Mexican food is my soul food! Tacos, burritos, enchiladas, caldos (soups), etc., are all my favorites! If I had to pick just one meal, I would say it would have to be a combo platter with a taco and enchilada and a chile relleno.

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

My director and I are moving forward with a new film, which is already in preproduction. I can't see too much about it now, but it is another horror film, but this one will be set in modern times with color and full sound. My director is really gonna push the envelope with color and lighting and I'm gonna be pushing myself on my acting ability as the lead in this one as well. We're really excited about it and we think that it's going to be a great calling card for us to hopefully bigger productions. I'm 55 years old and my director is 60, but we feel that age is just a number and we still have great hopes for working on even greater films in the future!