06 February 2012 (released)
07 February 2012
Dominic Burns is the director of gross-out comedy How To Stop Being a Loser which is available on DVD from 6th February, Film News caught up with Simon to discuss this (and there’s a bit about Luke Skywalker).
FN: So Simon, how did How To Stop Being a Loser come about?
DB: I was approached by Simon Phillips (plays lead character (and loser) James) who sent through the script in September 2010, we made a few tweaks here and there, eventually shot it in December 2010 and got it into cinemas by November 2011.
FN: How hard was it to finance?
DB: Raising money is a b*tch, particularly at the moment – we needed to raise the cash independently which was mainly done by Simon.
FN: What films did you aspire to with the project?
DB: The film was definitely American influenced, I love the American Pie franchise - I’m a big fan of that style of comedy.
FN: What’s been the general reaction to the film?
DB: It’s a bit of a marmite film, some people love it, some hate it but I’d rather provoke a reaction that have a bland movie.
FN: How difficult was it to cast?
DB: Not difficult at all, we pretty much got our dream cast - Richard E Grant was our first choice and said yes. Gemma Atkinson was also top of the list, she’s a great crack and fair play to her she gave up big money modelling contracts to work in the film. She’s blinding in Airborne, a horror film I also recently directed.
FN: So how did Richard E Grant feel about being killed off in the opening scene of the movie?
DB: Richard was up for it, it was bloody freezing shooting but he was game. I was actually surprised by how closely he wanted to be directed.
FN: It was certainly a bold opening, why did you choose to open the film in such a dark manner?
DB: I like dark humour, but the scene does undoubtedly split the audience. We lightened the film by adding Colin Salmon as the psychiatrist to balance the script but overall the whole film was a learning curve for me as a director. At the same time though (and I’m not wanting to sound arrogant) but I try not to give a **** and if someone tells me I can’t do something or that it might be a risk, I’m gonna do it.
FN: What was the hardest thing about shooting the film?
DB: Locations – at one point we had Sheridan Smith (Royle Family, Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps) coming down to shoot, we literally got there 5 mins before! We just had to roll with it.
FN: I thought Stephanie Leonidas (plays Patch) gave the standout performance in the film, had you worked with her before?
DB: No I heard about Stephanie through Richard E Grant’s agent, she’s one of the best actresses I’ve worked with. You’ve probably not seen in her much as she’s quite selective with her roles but I think she’ll find the right vehicle and go far.
FN: So what have you got coming up?
DB: I recently finished Airborne which stars Luke Skywalker, (Mark Hamill) it’s basically a horror film on an aeroplane. I’ve also got an alien Invasion movie called UFO coming out, we’ve had huge interest in this, it’s due to be released at some point this year. I’m also looking to produce a few films this year and potentially direct another.
FN: So Mr Burns are you aiming for Hollywood?
DB: I’ve obviously been over there and I’d like to work there - we’ve actually had interest and a more favourable response to How To Stop Being a Loser in the U.S.
FN: And finally to finish, if money was no object who’d be in your dream cast?
DB: Ummmm Pacino, De NIro, Julianne Moore, Annette Bening, Ryan Gosling.
How To Stop Being a Loser is released on DVD from 6th February 2012.
