Fans of *The Road* or *Children of Men* will want to keep an eye on *Violent Heart*, a new post-apocalyptic film from Andrew Bussey and Duane Frey of Bad Radical Films. The duo, who began their filmmaking journey in high school with comedies shot on Handycams, are now stepping into feature filmmaking with *Violent Heart*, a project they hope to complete with support from an Indiegogo campaign.
Filmed over six months in 2020, *Violent Heart* is now in post-production, with Frey and Bussey seeking $11,500 to cover essential costs such as editing, color grading, and sound design. The film follows a man in a toxic future world where fragmented memories and survival collide. Driven by grief and haunted by memories of his late wife, the protagonist faces both external threats and his own inner turmoil in a visceral, introspective thriller.
Frey, who relocated to Capreol from Kitchener-Waterloo during the pandemic, explained that *Violent Heart* draws from a short film called *Zone One*, which he and Bussey originally created for a competition. Set in a bleak, post-apocalyptic landscape, *Violent Heart* expands on themes of memory, grief, and survival. “The themes really resonated with us, especially as we went into pre-production during a time when the world was dealing with unprecedented stress and uncertainty,” Frey shared.
Filming during 2020 created an unexpected connection between the film’s themes and real-world events. Masks were a key part of the story even before the pandemic hit, aligning seamlessly with the narrative’s toxic, dangerous environment. Frey noted that creating *Violent Heart* was a collaborative effort, with volunteers committed to practical effects and immersive experiences, steering clear of CGI to achieve a raw, gritty realism.
Improvisation played a significant role in the film’s development as well. While *Violent Heart* had a structured storyline, there was no formal script. Lead actor Owen Fawcett improvised his lines, evolving his character organically as the six-day shoot unfolded. “Owen really embodied his role, creating an experience that felt spontaneous and real,” said Frey.
Frey describes *Violent Heart* as a blend of harsh realism and psychological depth, inspired by atmospheric, thought-provoking films like *Stalker*. “Our goal was to create a visceral experience, capturing every shot practically to maintain a gritty, unsettling authenticity,” he said.
Beyond fundraising, the Indiegogo campaign aims to raise awareness for the film, with hopes of showing *Violent Heart* at festivals and independent screenings. “Connecting with audiences who appreciate the creativity and dedication of indie filmmaking is our goal,” Frey added.
For those who can’t contribute financially, Frey emphasizes the impact of sharing the campaign online. “Every post brings us closer to reaching our goal,” he noted.
Commentaires