An Interview with Zack Inglis - Director, Writer and Musician.

Zack Inglis is a multi-talented up and coming film maker from Western Australia. His first feature length film "The Light" takes inspiration from his upbringing in the goldfields town of Kalgoorlie.This film project brings home that making movies doesn't have to be a big city endeavor. Zack is also a talented musician and songwriter with his music being featured in "The Light". He is a film maker to be on the look out for, driven, talented and inspired, I am sure we will be seeing big things from Zack in the future.

(Zack Inglis - photograph by Rachael Hayes)

Welcome Zack Inglis to the Australia Film Network Journal

Zack – Thank you so much.

When did you realise that you wanted to make films?

Zack – As a child, I would say. I think I’ve always really connected to narrative, and had the desire to create and engage with stories and characters and emotions. In year four I would draw myself with a goatee and a ponytail, as a film director. Seeing behind the scenes DVD footage excited me so much. Live action Scooby Doo was huge for that.

You are also a talented musician; can you tell us about your music?

Zack – Thank you! Yeah I’ve been recording music since around 2015, with Scott Tomlinson. My music’s very dramatic, and heartfelt and lyrical. It sounds like growing up. I really enjoy writing it. I just released a new song ‘Geraldine, Queen of Winter Weather’. It’s a kind of driven, sad and sweet love song.

How has it been making a feature length film in rural Western Australia? Do you think that there are any benefits to working on films in the country than in the city?

Zack – Kalgoorlie gives so much life to our movie. There’s a sense of place and feeling and flavor, history and grit. I think filming in Kalgoorlie was everything. It brought our movie to life. I loved it. I want to hear stories from these places. I want someone who grew up in The Vines or wherever to be telling their specific stories in their place, about their place. I grew up in Kalgoorlie, and we got so much support there. It was really so special, and a total honour for me to be able to film there.

What inspired your feature film “The Light” and can you tell our readers about the film?

Zack – ‘The Light’ was inspired by growing up in Kalgoorlie. It’s a thriller, horror whodunnit kind of feature film, and I think in a lot of ways it’s about a loss of innocence. A young kid working out that the world isn’t as sweet as he thought it was. That’s heartbreaking and compelling to me. It’s about fighting for what you believe in and sticking by your friends. Basically, this teenager Ben and his friends are being targeted by these violent masked criminals in Kalgoorlie. It’s a mystery to uncover. There are twists and turns leading to a tense, emotional, dark and juicy third act. It’s a lot of fun.

(The Light movie poster)

What is your favourite Australian film?

Zack – Oh my goodness! Okay I love, The Rage In Placid Lake. There’s not a lot of Australian film I love, I probably should watch more. I want the Australian film industry to be better and more ambitious. The standard for Australian film seems like it’s ‘well made’ and we pat ourselves on the back for that.  I want them to mentor and invest more in young creators and first-time creators. I want our stories to be life-changing: to dictate and influence people’s lives in a real way. I want our standard to be higher, our bullshit detectors switched on. We have to be unforgettable, powerful, and not just good enough. The only way we do that is by taking chances, and by redirecting our goals. I want the Australian film industry to have the guts to make content that changes lives, digs in, grabs and affects people.

What is your favourite genre of film?

Zack – I would say coming-of-age thriller. Like a teen thriller is very much my genre. With horror elements.

What television series did you last binge watch?

Zack – I’m watching The Challenge non-stop, this wild reality show that’s fully psycho. Always Riverdale. I watched Cheer recently and loved it.

Who or what inspires you?

Zack – I would say investing in and working with other artists in a really pure way, and seeing their success and triumph. Seeing people put their hearts on the line, in a super honest way. Driving. I’m inspired by the thought of people collectively engaging in moments. I’m inspired by possibility. Neutral Milk Hotel, Bruce Springsteen, Hillary Clinton, the fight for justice in the world.

Where would you like to see yourself in 5 years?

Zack – I’m working on a teen thriller TV series and I’d love to see that go somewhere! I want to make great, exciting, accessible art with great people.  I’d be 29/30 then… oh boy. Still going to the gym. Still working hard. More wealthy. Engaged in a community of talented people, working on important projects. Writing and directing, with a big and full life.

What advice do you have to Indie film makers just starting out?

Zack – I think it’s about finding stories that you believe in so much, that you won’t get tired of it. It has to demand to exist. You have to fight for it, and get others to believe it too. Also, uni is amazing for working out what you do and don’t want to do. Trust people with different skill-sets to be able to execute. Encourage others and tell a story only you can tell. Excite people. Give them a reason to care.

(The cast of The Light - photograph by Andrew Samson)

Do you think that Indie film makers get enough support in the Australian film industry?

Zack – No. In terms of funding, you need to have a proven track record. That’s a hard thing to get without any funding. But we make it work.

If you could remake any film, what would it be and why?

Zack – Oh God! Scream.

If you could work with any actor or director who would it be and why?

Zack – Lili Reinhart. Anyone who expresses through their eyes that much, and carries that emotion and power and humour. Young and earnest talent in general. Lili Reinhart as Sidney Prescott is a whole new world…

Where can our readers find you?

Zack – I’m @zackvitus on Instagram. Zack Inglis is my music page on Facebook. ‘The Light’ screens March 15th as a part of WA Made Film Festival! Tickets at www.wamadefilmfestival.com.au My music’s under Zack Inglis on Spotify and everywhere. Keep up with ‘The Light’ at www.facebook.com/thelightfeaturefilm and www.thelightfilm.com

What is next for Zack Inglis?

Zack – I’m working to release The Light online. I want to find representation in the industry. I’m working on an incredible TV series, about a generation let down by the generation above them. Of course it’s a teen thriller. It’s crazy exciting. These characters are compelling and I think it’s the sharpest my writing’s been. I have an album coming out soon! I want to travel to Vancouver at one stage.

Thank you for your time.

Zack – These are the best questions ever. Thank you so much!