So that the producers have the maximum information about you, who are you? 

My name is William Rush. I am originally from New York but I have lived in Philadelphia for 20 years. I originally moved to Philadelphia to go to law school, and I have been an attorney since 2006. I have a wife and three incredible daughters (Adriana, Mary and Victoria), two giant German Shepherds, and I have loved films and cinema for as long as I can remember. During the pandemic, I decided if I was ever going to pursue my passion for filmmaking, I had better start soon. 

 

I hope to be successful enough to be a full-time filmmaker. 

 

How many years have you been making movies? 

I made a short Stephen King adaptation in late December of 2022 into early January of 2023. That was my first project. I enjoyed it and it went well, but I knew I could do better. So I shot two feature films in 2023, “Group” and “Immersion”, and wrote some additional screenplays as well. 

 

So really I began filming my very first project, a short (which will remain unreleased) about thirteen months ago. Just over a year now.

 

What was your first experience making movies? Did you study at a film school or did you learn on your own? 

I am actually trained and educated as a lawyer, so I learned the filmmaking process on my own and through direct experience.

 

What budget did you have? 

Approximately $75,000.00

 

Is it a self-financed project? 

We had one investor to cover a good chunk of the costs. He really believed in the script and the vision. The rest of the costs were on us.

 

Any anecdote that you can tell us about the filming? 

During the middle of Renata’s take, a small fire started in the catering area. With the help of some friends (who happen to be successful podcasters) we were able to stop the fire without stopping the take or causing any damage. It was hectic but good. 

 

 

Also, there is a Funko Pop of Patrick Batemen intentionally hidden in many of the scenes.

 

 

If you had unlimited budget. Which actor and actress would you like to work with? 

Isabelle Huppert and Paul Giamatti.

 

Your favorite movie? 

"The Godfather" (I know, it's a sort of basic answer but it's a perfect film!)

 

Tell us 3 filmmakers that you like. 

 

Difficult question!

 

David Lynch

Michael Haneke

Julia Ducournau

 

What is the scene that has impacted you the most? 

The opening scene of "Inglourious Basterds" and the gas station scene in "No Country for Old Men" are the two scenes that will not escape my mind. They grip me, tattooed on my mind. I hope to shoot a single scene in my career even half as riveting as either of those scenes.

 

If you could do a remake of a movie, what would it be? 

"Halloween 2". The original "Halloween" from 1978 was perfect. It deserved a better sequel in my opinion.

 

Did you have light designs or did you shoot with the same light as the location? Can you explain the process of working with a cinematographer? 

We had to make the house (which was a real location and not a set) appear to be lit like a house. So we used some of our filming lights, very sparingly. What we did was replace every lightbulb in the house with bulbs that made for even and realistic lighting. The cinematographer, Michael Joseph Murray, chose the light settings and I think he did an excellent job making the house appear appropriate for a home meeting without being unrealistically or harshly lit. It feels like a home.

 

Did you have any problems when shooting? 

Honestly, no. The only real problem was that, in order for the film to work, a tight schedule was needed and everyone had to be fully prepared and on their game. Cast and crew alike. Everything down to catering. The planning process prior to shooting had to be essentially perfect. We had to re-cast one character due to some issues. But that was all prior to the shoot. The meticulous planning and pre-production was a time to try and think of every potential problem...from thunderstorms to power outages to delays, etc....and come up with several ways to deal with those hypothetical issues if they arose. 

 

When we got to set, it was like a play every day of shooting. We had one shot and we had to get it right, so we did.

 

And in terms of sound? Neighbors, flushing, cars? 

No not really. We controlled it very well and worked meticulously. One thunderstorm rolled through but the thunder added to the overall ambience so it was a happy accident. We maintained excellent set control.

 

How was the producer-director relationship? 

Excellent! But then, the producer, Xxena N. Rush, is my wife so that helps considerably. Of course, this also means that she is much more willing and quick to share her opinion and tell me when I'm wrong. She keeps me in check. 

 

And working with actors? Tell us about this process, how do you work with the actors? 

Trust is key. Once I cast an actor, the character I have written becomes the actor’s character. It’s not mine anymore because the actor brings the character to life. I love the actors in "Group". I have worked with almost all of them more than once. I love and respect the craft of acting. I use a positive and encouraging approach at all times, and I respect their input. 

 

 

The actors are more than performers. They are collaborators, colleagues and even friends. We are a team. The performances of the actors in Group also show how incredibly talented they are. 

 

 

Do you have any other project in progress? 

I am in post-production on my second feature, "Immersion". I feel comfortable saying it's a ghost story that focuses on the importance of women supporting women. I wrote two feature scripts that I am working on developing and submitting to festivals, "Sweetener" and "Fetish" and am also helping direct a documentary.