An isolated cult prepare for the prophesied apocalypse in Patrick O’Bell’s frightening The Blessed Ones, now available on Amazon Prime from Wild Eye Releasing.
In writer-director Patrick O'Bell's The Blessed Ones, an isolated cult hiding in a desert enclave prepare for a prophesied apocalypse, led by a charismatic Jim Jones-like leader. As the end of the world allegedly approaches, he binds them all to a suicide pact, in hopes of transcending earth for a new life in paradise. Two dissenters flee through the vast desert wasteland on the eve of the ceremony, hunted by the cult’s enforcer, who will stop at nothing to ensure that they keep their part of the bargain.
How did you get started in the industry?
I started off as a Production Assistant in Film and Television and worked my way up to be a Cinematographer on several projects.
Lot of support along the way?
Yes. Fortunately, I had a mentor who showed me the ropes and helped develop my craft.
Did you have to work other jobs – maybe you still do? – in between projects? Or has it got to a stage where filmmaking is putting the food on the table?
I'm still not at that level yet. I have a steady job working for a studio to put food on the table and help finance my film projects.
Has the industry changed since you entered it?
Yes it has. Everything is streaming now, so the market place has changed dramatically. The studios are losing a lot of money in regards to their distribution outlets (Theatrical /DVD's). Even though it's easier to film with the new technology, it's extremely difficult to secure financing.
Has it gotten easier over the years? Is there a particular film that really helped kickstart your career?
It's gotten a little easier as you work in the industry, you build a reputation. Actually, The Blessed Ones is officially my first film, so I hope it helps my career.
Do you have a favourite project that you’ve worked on? Maybe it was one that never even came to fruition?
I'm working on a new horror film right now, Departer, which I'm very excited about and is currently my favourite; it should be finished in 2018. But I'm very proud of The Blessed Ones.
And what appealed to you first and foremost about the film?
Besides being fascinated with cults, I always wanted to shoot in the desert and rugged terrain and insert some surreal imagery.
How much time did you have your co-stars mingle together before filming, to get that chemistry down pat?
It varies. In regards to Andy Gates and Tamzin Brown, we spent several weeks rehearsing and going over the characters. For the rest of the cast, it was mostly a day or just a couple of hours.
Is there a moment in the movie you found particularly hard to film or really felt for your actors?
Unfortunately our schedule was pushed back into August and we had to film in extreme heat at the compound and in the desert. It was a challenge, but everyone was up for it.
What do you hope audiences get out of the movie?
I wanted to evoke a very hypnotic dream like effect while watching the film.