Interview: Derrick Hammond

Nadeem Mirani Sunday, October 30, 2022 Content Leave a comment

Vents Magazine catches up with Director Derrick Hammond to talk about his passion for filmmaking and his most recent horror film CAROLTYN.

Let’s talk more about your most recent film: CAROLTYN . Where did the idea come from for this compelling story? And why was it so important for you to tell this story?

The idea came from our amazing writer, Jerrica Carr. It was important to me to put a visual to this story, because it’s not often you have a black demonic entity, let alone, a black female lead playing a demonic entity. And we, as magical people, bring something different to the characters that we portray.

2. Filmmaking is a laborious job, so what keeps you motivated?

What keeps me motivated is the passion for the cinema, the beauty and free will in creating something magical.

3. Do you think directing a film is the toughest job while making a movie?

Yes, it is the toughest job. You have all eyes on you looking for your direction, from the crew to the talent. You must always think on your toes and stay ahead of the curve, because anything is subject to change during a movie production.

4. What, in your opinion, is the most important quality of a film director?

The most important quality of a film director is communication. Knowing how to communicate your vision to the crew and to the talent is critical to the success of the story being told and interpreted by the actors so they can give their best performance.

5. Being a filmmaker needs a lot of expertise and patience because one has to handle everything all around, so what keeps you motivated?

My team keeps me motivated. I can depend on them 100%. We move as one unit and hold each other accountable. Knowing if I need something done, my team makes sure it gets done. I can’t thank them enough for riding with me. I live by my motto,” One Crew, One Take.”

6. What was the hardest artistic choice you made in the making of a film, at any stage In production?

Changing direction by making the lead a female when the story was based around a male lead. The new wave of black female leads is taking over and I’m all for it.

7. How did you choose the cast for your films?

We held a casting call and an idea of who we wanted to play certain roles.

8. Do you try to motivate your actors to perform better? If yes, then how?

Not so much to perform better, but reaching deep within themselves to bring the character to life. One thing I do stress to my talent is to take your personal self out of the character and become the character.

9. If you had an unlimited budget at your disposal, what would be your dream production project?

The movie I wrote called, “Bloodhound Manor”.

10. Do you have any upcoming projects?

Yes, I have three; “Get Close”, “Royal Bloodline” and “Lil Robbinhood”.