Valve Survivors and Undead are about to become the protagonist of a movie: Left 4 Dead – The Movie. No, we are not talking about another poorly written tie-in that features Zombies + Holywood + Well—Know title, Left 4 Dead – The Movie is an italian fan-made motion picture that represents an really oddity in the italian film industry. We spoke with Daniele Bellucci (leggi l’intervista completa in Italiano), director and CEO of Mexican Standoff, the indie production house behind the movie.
Hi Daniele, please introduce yourself
Hi all, my name is Daniele Ballucci and I live in Rome. I’m a 28 years old filmmaker with a passion for cross medial productions. I’m always up for interesting project that can attract talented people and in the mean time I try to have fun doing it. Now I make a living with commercial stuff like wedding videos and similar, but in the near future I hope to concentrata on what I love the most.
Can you say few words on your education?
I studied at DAMS (e.d. University course multimedia oriented), then I moved to shot a couple of amatorial short film, always trying to improve myself. I think that getting your feet wet is better than fancy degrees if you want to be good at this job.
Tell us something about Mexican Standoff
MS is the idea behind Left 4 Dead – The Movie
Why did you shot a tie-in? Why Left 4 Dead?
Left 4 Dead – The Movie is a project born during a conversation with one of my ex business partner. We were trying to test ourselves with something that could challenge our skills, something bigger than the usual low budget short movie. The first idea was a tribute to ’70-’80 zombie movies, but during that period L4D was very popular so we decided to take the chances and shot a L4D inspired movie. Our first reference was Escape from city 17 and two italian fan production: Philanthropy, a fan film set in Metal Gear Solid world, and Dark Resurrection inspired by Star Wars.
Being indie means creativity freedom. Is it true for L4D – The Movie?
Yes, we defined our production pillars and we set in autonomy the goal of the movie. We chooses to adhere to the game as much as possible. We shot the movie as a tribute to the game fans first of all, because we are among them! We struggled a lot against budget problems and we tried to get noticed by Valve without any success but we found a lot of support in different people, many of them in the film industry. Our screen writer is american and it is thanks to him if right now L4D – The Movie is a 45 mins motion picture and not a short film.
So you weren’t backed by anyone. How did you support the film?
L4D – The Movie is a low budget production. Except for personal efforts, the production was handled with no budget at all. We tried to collect founds with a pledge, but we had a limited support, around 3k. A small sum that, nonetheless, bought us the chance to complete the movie. I want to thank anyone involved in the project for their efforts and passion that made all of this possibile. L4D – The Movie now is post-production and before the end of the year should be out.
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Left 4 Dead isn’t famous for a structured and deep story. How do you fill that gap?
It was our first concern, but Bryan Shulz (nephew do Charles Shulz, Peanuts creator!) managed to create a believable experience. Bryan created a totally new “campaign”with a narrative complexity that isn’t part of the game at all.
The movie feature characters from the first chapter. Is is a sequel or a prequel of the game?
The story is not tied to the events of the game. it is something totally new
How did you managed to show the massive zombie horde, a famous element of the game?
We found a good compromise. We have a couple of good shot with huge zombie crowds. you won’t be disappointed.
Which is you favourite movie genre?
Horrors and thrillers. Donnie Darko is one of my favourite films. I think that Zombie movies are evergreen and we love to do them. I’m a big fan of The Walking Dead (E.d. Daniele proudly showed his Walking Dead comics collection), the comic most of all. I think that the TV serie is a little bit slow.
Do you have a videogame that you would like to turn in a movie?
I have a project for a Manga! But it is a secret!
Do you think that social network are enough for low budget film as audience?
I think that social network can be a potential audience for indie movies but you have to plan ahead if you want to finance other project with revenues of the previous work.
Xbox One or Play Station 4?
Multi-platform!
Favourite game?
Metal Gear Solid
Chapter?
All of them!
A game you hate?
Fifa 2014
Most played game?
Skyrim, 200 hrs
Comics?
Lately I’ve started with some american comics. I love the way they use color. Nonetheless I’m a manga fan. My favourite are Jojo and 20th Century Boy.
I know that could be a spoiler but I have to ask. There will be any Witch?
Yes! Don’t worry! (but you can freak out if you want
