Director, writer, and editor Mark Regan is a talented rising film maker from Western Australia. Mark hopes to contribute to the Australian film scene by creating compelling drama feature films. The Australian Short Film Network had the absolute pleasure of interviewing Mark about all things film related and his new short film "The Memory".
Welcome to The Australian Short Film Network Mark Regan.
Mark – Hiya and thanks for having me.
When did you realise you wanted a career in film?
Mark – I always wanted to be a filmmaker since I was kid. I basically used to role play scenes of movies with my siblings, directing them to play certain characters and behave in particular ways. As I got older, I had the chance to borrow an old video camera from Dad’s work. I started writing and shooting films with my siblings as actors. Genres I lent into were action, horror and science fiction.
Who are what are your biggest inspirations?
Mark – Fritz Lang, Stanley Kubrick and then recently Christopher Nolan. I love the darkness and melodrama of Fritz Lang. Stanley Kubrick’s attention to detail like colour and metaphors is inspiring. And finally, the way that Christopher Nolan makes audiences deeply think about the themes of his films.
What is your favourite Australian film?
Mark – Oooo that’s a tough one. I love the action of the original Mad Max, the comedy of The Castle, the horror of Wolf Creek.
If you could work with any film maker or actor, who would it be and why?
Mark – I think it would be Martin Scorsese because he just seems to create very good narrative structures to all his films. He also consistently produces strong acting performances. It would be such an opportunity to learn about his approach to film making and directing by working with him.
As a Western Australian film maker do you feel there is less opportunities here or more?
Mark – I am a big believer in the idea of “just make it with what you have got” so I feel that it is up to make to make opportunities happen no matter where I am located. I feel that there is less opportunities in WA compared to eastern states with the big film productions, networking and ongoing film production. Grant Sputore spoke about this with I am Mother. He tried to shoot it here in WA but there was no sound stage big enough, so it was filmed in SA. However, I feel if you want to make a film or any creative project, you need to just make it happen, even if no one else is willing to help you.
If you could remake any film what would it be and why?
Mark – Total Recall (1990). This would be a hard challenge as the original is a fantastic science fiction action film with Arnold Schwarzenegger at his prime. This film for me has the right ingredients for a film and I would love to reincarnate this concept into a modern story. The original lasts the test of time due to; story’s theme is universal, the futuristic components were very cool (think x-ray scanners and fingernail painting in a flash), and extreme violent scenes. The key question of the film of whether the whole experience is real or not is something I would like to play on and further extend. This idea of perception is explored in my short film, The Memory. So, I think taking on Total Recall and exploring that idea of implanting memories is fascinating idea. I think it could be interesting to modernize this classic.
Can you tell us about your short film The Memory?
Mark –
The Memory is a psychological thriller which questions whether we should trust our memories. Written and directed by me, I like the idea of analysing our brains through film narrative. I think it is fascinating that we all experience life so differently and our memory of events can be vastly diverse from one person to another. I hope the film will make audiences take notice of their own memories and how we process them.
The Memory depicts the story of a young man who is brutally awoken in his bachelor bed. He is physically forced to remember a crime he committed against a young woman which reveals the truth about his intruder but makes him question his whole reality.
Filmed in Silver Sands, Western Australia with a Peel based crew and Perth actors.
Synopsis = Eric, a 30-year-old good looking man, is awoken brutally in his bachelor bed and physically forced to remember a crime he committed against a young woman which reveals the truth about his intruder but makes him question his whole reality.
What are you currently working on?
Mark – Scripts for upcoming short film production. The next short film I am creating will be about time travel. I will be following that film with a dark comedy short film.
In the past three years I have written one feature film script per year. I have received positive industry feedback from those scripts. So, over the next twelve months I will write my fourth and try to get it sold.
I also co-host the podcast Space Brains which reviews Science Fiction films fortnightly.
Describe yourself in 5 words?
Mark – creative, punk, consistent, loyal and loud.
Where would you like to be in 5 years film wise?
Mark – At the premiere of my feature film which is sold on a global distribution deal. That would be great wouldn’t it. I am motivated to make stories that ask big questions and encourage the audience pause and reflect. My dream is to direct compelling feature films that appeal to a wide audience and contribute to the Australian Film Industry.
Any advice for people wanting to pursue a career in film?
Mark – Just do it. Just be you. Everyone has their unique voice and as an artist people should find ways to express that. Discover what part of the industry you like to be involved in and try to get involved anyway you can. Just make the film with what tools and equipment you can get your hands on. Learn from that experience and make another film. Rinse and repeat.
Where can are readers find you?
Mark – Basically on the socials =
YouTube channel
Teaser Trailer - The Memory
Trailer – The Memory
Behind the scenes director’s diary - The Memory
Thank you for your time Mark.
Mark – Thanks so much for supporting. \
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