AN INTERVIEW WITH
MARTIN MALINOV
EXPLORE THE FILMMAKING INSIGHTS, PERSPECTIVES & MORE!
Below, you'll find...
Our exclusive interview with Martin Malinov
We hope you enjoy!
Could you start by telling us a bit about yourself? Give us a brief introduction!
I wrote, directed, and produced my first 30-minute horror short in 2017 at age 13. Before that, I made a commercial for a hotel in Bulgaria, which honed my understanding of the creative process. Since 2017, I’ve been involved in at least two shorts every year, working with varying budgets, crews, and genres. My passion for film sparked from a young age, starting with classic horror movies. Now at age 19,I still seek to create films that are shocking and unconventional. My experience as a guitarist and music enthusiast has deeply influenced the musical choices in my films, where I strive for scores and music that add a second layer to the narrative. My time in Switzerland, working on live events and concerts, taught me the importance of live audience engagement and the dynamic energy it brings to any production. Currently, I am studying producing at Chapman University in LA
Where are you currently based out of?
Sofia, Bulgaria & Los Angeles
What inspired you to start creating films?
The "Thriller" video by Michael Jackson left a deep impression on me at a young age, sparking my fascination with the horror genre and the storytelling possibilities within it. "The Shining" remains a monumental influence, with its rich layers of dread and suspense inspiring me to create something equally profound and shocking.
Who most inspires/influences your style and specific execution currently and why?
I am drawn to the intense, visually striking works of directors like Ari Aster, Robert Eggers, Gaspar Noé, and David and Brandon Cronenberg. The naturalistic horror conveyed by Aster and Eggers, combined with the visually arresting and trippy sequences of the Cronenbergs and Noé, influence my filmmaking by setting a high bar for storytelling and cinematic experience.
What is your favorite film of all time?
The Shining
As a creator, what do you find to be the thing that most drives you to succeed? We like to use this portion for others to learn from you!
The culmination of a project into a final cut is an immensely satisfying moment, representing the fruition of extensive work and creative endeavor. I thrive in pre-production, enjoying the challenges of assembling the right team and managing the logistics that bring an idea to life.
What is your overall dream in life?
My main focus is film, and I aim to create movies that break away from conventional tropes and introduce new perspectives to the genre. I intend to intertwine my musical interests to enhance my storytelling in film. I would like to run a horror production company in Bulgaria and the US
What’s the title of your current project?
An Alcoholic Visits Me Every Night
What is your role in the film?
Produced, co-wrote
Who is the director & who is the writer?
Director: Toto Mitovski
Writer: Jacob Harenberg
What is the film’s genre?
Horror
What is the film’s logline?
an end-stage alcoholic's bottle is mysteriously filled every night. As bite marks appear on his body, he questions reality and comes head-to-head with himself and the force responsible for his drinking.
What inspired the way that you went about executing this project?
The initial seed of this project was the haunting image of an alcoholic haunted by a vampiric entity, which gradually morphed into a profound narrative about the insidious nature of addiction. The aesthetic was heavily inspired by the stark and oppressive atmosphere of Bulgarian communist-era architecture. This backdrop was pivotal in crafting the film's identity, where the dark and grainy visual texture mirrored the inner turmoil of the protagonist. The artistic choice to draw from this era was to juxtapose the personal battle against addiction with the broader theme of societal decay, creating a film that was not just a story but an immersive experience of tension and disquiet.
What was the most difficult part in the process of creating this film? How did you overcome it?
The nocturnal filming schedule was the most daunting challenge. The demanding nature of night shoots tested the limits of the entire crew. However, it was my age, being just 17 during production, that presented a unique challenge in asserting leadership. Winning the respect of a more experienced team required me to show a maturity beyond my years. It was through a blend of unyielding dedication to the film's vision and an openness to collaboratively navigate the hurdles that we forged a path through the night, turning potential obstacles into opportunities for authenticity in our storytelling.
What was the most fun part of this entire production?
Amidst the strenuous production schedule, the joy of working with Georgi Karkelanov, an actor of exceptional caliber, was a bright spot. His dedication and talent brought an unparalleled depth to the character. Additionally, the post-production phase was particularly rewarding. Crafting the sound design was akin to composing a symphony where every note was crucial to elevating the film's suspenseful and isolated atmosphere. It was a delightful process to see how sound could so profoundly shape the audience's experience.
What is the single greatest lesson you learned along the creation of this particular project?
The complexity of managing a crew of over 30 individuals in a confined space during night shoots was an unparalleled learning experience. It taught me the importance of clear communication, the art of logistics, and the need for adaptability. Each night presented a new set of challenges, and navigating through them required a harmony between assertiveness and empathy, ensuring that every team member felt heard and valued. This balance was crucial in maintaining not only an efficient set but also a positive morale, which is essential for the creative process.
Is there anything else you would like us to know? Or any final thoughts/things you’d like to share with our readers?
At the heart of my upcoming endeavors is a collection of four experimental horror shorts that I am currently producing. Each is designed to challenge and redefine the boundaries of the horror genre, offering audiences an escape into narratives that are as experimental in their technique as they are in their storytelling. These projects are my next steps in building a horror production studio that stands as a beacon for groundbreaking work in the genre. Keep an eye out for these films—they promise to be an exploration into the unknown corners of fear and suspense.
Thank you so much for being a part of The FILMNET Community, Martin! We can’t wait to see what you do next.
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