A Glimpse into the Grindhouse: Brandon Bernath on "Illionaire" and The Abomic Toms

Following his recent appearance at SXSW London with his stunning short film “Illionaire”, Music News recently sat down with director Brandon Bernath to discuss his work, how the creative process with vocalist Zoe Fromer came together, and his new band The Abomic Toms!

Eager viewers unable to attend SXSW London can enjoy “Illionaire” in full below:



How did the collaboration with Zoe Fromer come to be?
I reached out to her on Instagram, and we went from there. 

What was the working relationship like when it came to shaping the narrative?
It was one of the easiest and most positive collaborations I have experienced. Everything flowed. She gave me complete creative control. That helps.

The video has a distinct grindhouse feel to it. Which films would you say inspired you to go in this direction?
The song just conjured those 70’s elements in my head. The genre is a surrealist comedy with sci-fi elements. I feel that is my aesthetic that I am exploring at the moment; a larger-than-life absurdist viewpoint based on American tropes, like greasers, burgers, cartoons, fast cars, shiny colors, and rock and roll.

You recently screened at SXSW London. What can you tell us about the experience?
I had a great time connecting with filmmakers and musicians and am honoured to have been included in SXSW London’s inaugural festival. 

You perform in a band, too, The Abomic Toms. Did you find your experience as a musician had an impact on your creative process with this project?
Being a musician influences everything I do. I am sure its impact on my film projects is pretty clear. Perhaps the best ways it can be seen are through the musical scores and sound effects as well as in my editing and in the rhythms of how I write a scenes dialogue and how my aesthetic influences are conveyed through clothing, colours, and scenery screen. 

What’s next for you?
I am shooting more music videos and various short form content for fashion brands. I am also finishing up a feature script. As far as music is concerned, my band, THE ABOMIC TOMS, is opening for Billy Idol and Joan Jett at the Kia Forum later this year, so we will be getting ready for that!