Interview With Ryan Swantek, Director of ‘White Willow’

First time filmmaker Ryan Swantek may be new to the horror scene, but after watching and reviewing his debut horror short, White Willow, I can honestly say that this guy has what it takes to leave his own bloody swath through the genre. Recently, I got the chance to chat with Ryan about the creation of his short, as well as what really scares him.

PopHorror: Ryan, thanks so much for agreeing to do this interview! My first question – when did you first realize that you wanted to be a filmmaker?

Ryan Swantek: I’ve always loved film my entire life, specifically horror. It’s been a part of my life as far back as I can remember. I would say it was in high school when I realized that I wanted to be a filmmaker. There’s nothing else in this world I could imagine myself doing.

PopHorror: Tell me about your first horror movie experience.

Ryan Swantek: It’s tough to remember because I’ve been watching horror movies since I’ve had a conscious memory, but I’m pretty positive it was Nightmare on Elm Street. I’m not sure which one I saw first, but I remember watching Dream Warriors and the beginning of that movie was always so scary, but I loved it. The VHS box artwork of the NOES movies always drew me in and I had to watch them.

PopHorror: I absolutely loved your short White Willow. What inspired you to make it?

Ryan Swantek: I was in my senior year at the University of Toledo and reality was starting to set in that it was coming to an end soon. This was during the first semester before I knew I was moving to Sarasota, and I felt like I was going to be forever trapped in Toledo with no chance to do what I really wanted to with my life. There is no art scene, no film, that doesn’t exist there. The thought of that being my reality was terrifying and naturally gave me anxiety and depression. It also gave me a lot of self hate. That’s when the idea for White Willow was formed, and it’s been in my head since. When I finally realized it was time to do my first short, I knew that was what I wanted it to be.

PopHorror: What was the hardest thing about filming White Willow?

Ryan Swantek: The hardest part was definitely finding the people who would be willing to put their trust in a first time filmmaker. Before I made White Willow, everyone in Sarasota just knew me as Ryan the production assistant or boom op. It all ended up working out for the best though because the small cast and crew I had put their all into this and it really shows in the final product.

PopHorror: What was your favorite aspect of filming White Willow?

Ryan Swantek: Finally getting to do what I’ve been wanting to do for so long. Just seeing everything come to life after the prior months of work, the years of wanting to be a filmmaker, and knowing it was actually happening was indescribable. I also probably got a little too excited when I saw those first drops of blood hit the sink through the monitor.

*Check out the entire two minute short below!*

https://www.facebook.com/whitewillowfilm/videos/299480080509438/

 

PopHorror: What do you do to get the creative juices flowing?

Ryan Swantek: I’m a very active person, and I like working out to help me put my mind in a different place. Just getting outside and clearing your head can help a lot. I like to watch the alligators in my backyard, too. That’s pretty fun.

PopHorror: Remind me to never hang out in your backyard! Who inspires you?

Ryan Swantek: I wouldn’t say anyone really inspires me. I don’t really like the word “inspire” because it makes it seem like I look up to people, or need someone else to motivate me. There are many people I respect not only in film, but in all different forms of art. I wouldn’t say it’s “who” inspires me as much as it is “what” inspires me. My inspiration is reality and life. Those are the things that drive my work.

PopHorror: If you could work with anyone in the business, alive or dead, who would it be and why?

Ryan Swantek: Kate Beckinsale. Not just because she is the most beautiful actress in Hollywood, but because I love the original Underworld. It is one of my favorite movies that I can watch any day of the week. To be honest though, I’d probably just freeze up if I ever met her and she wouldn’t want to work with me anymore. I’m staying positive though (laughs).

PopHorror: You never know! You’ve worked on different positions in the filmmaking process. What’s your favorite job to do?

Ryan Swantek: The two jobs I do that get me on sets are production assistant and boom operator. They both have their pros and cons, but I would probably say production assistant just because it allows me to interact with all the different departments and learn from everyone. It also doesn’t hurt my shoulders and back as much (laughs).

PopHorror: What’s your favorite horror movie?

Ryan Swantek: That’s really hard to answer. I can’t really say I have a favorite because there’s so many I enjoy. I of course love the originals like The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, Nightmare on Elm Street, and Halloween. I love the original Underworld, like I mentioned. I have to include Silence of The Lambs and Black Swan as well. There’s so many more I could mention. It all just depends on what I’m in the mood for.

PopHorror: Do you have any projects coming up that you can talk about?

Ryan Swantek: I’m going to be doing another short later in the year. This one is going to be a little longer with dialogue this time. It’s based on a feature that I wrote, and I can’t say too much about it because I’m just starting to move forward with finding cast and crew, but I can say it’s going to be dark and it’s going to be intense.

PopHorror: I honestly cannot wait to see it! What really scares you?

Ryan Swantek: Life scares me, because life is real. There’s a lot of crazy things going on in this world, and a lot of it we don’t know is even happening. Even worse, there’s a lot of things we do know are happening, but choose to ignore because it doesn’t or hasn’t affected us personally yet.

PopHorror: Last but not least, what’s your favorite Halloween candy?

Ryan Swantek: I’m not me when I’m hungry, so I would have to go with Snickers.

Be sure to check out Ryan’s short, White Willow, up above, and let him know what you think in the comments!