10 Questions With Filmmaker MICHAEL RAMOVA About THE MAKING OF PANTEON WOODS
WHAT INSPIRED THE SCRIPT FOR PANTEON WOODS?
The film was inspired by personal real life events that I experienced when I was younger. I have a great interest in cryptozoology and wanted to weave together a story that combines mystery with a message about where we are as a society.
DO YOU BELIEVE IN WEREWOLVES?
I do! About 10 years ago while driving through the Midwest, I saw two abnormally large pure white wolves on the side of the road (one eating roadkill). The sight was startling and unusual. It definitely made me question what else might be out there.
HOW LONG DID THE SHOOTING TAKE PLACE?
We shot during the fall between August and September. It took just 6 days of filming from 11am to dusk.
WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT SCENE TO SHOOT?
The last day was a diffucult day, more so due to weather. We were shooting an outhouse scene on an exceptionally cold fall day. There was light snow, and we were all sitting down on the concrete, freezing as we worked out this scene to perfection.
WHERE WAS THE FILM SHOT?
The film is shot in a variety of locations. I live in the Pullman Historic District in Chicago, so some scenes take place right outside my door so to speak. We also shot at Starved Rock State Park, Peoria, and Naperville, IL.
WHAT DO YOU HOPE PEOPLE TAKE AWAY FROM THE FILM?
I meant for the film to serve as a mirror. Regardless of your background, politics or creed, I want the audience to walk away thinking, perhaps evaluating themselves, not the film.
HOW WERE YOUR CHARACTERS DEVELOPED?
All the characters in the film are variations of myself. Doesn’t matter female/male, child or adult. Each represents a point of view that I have.
WERE THERE EVER ANY MOMENTS ON SET THAT WERE TRULY TERRIFYING?
I shot some of the footage alone, after hours. I have to say, recording sound in the middle of the woods at midnight with nothing but my microphone, headphones, and a flashlight was surprisingly terrifying. There were some strange sounds recorded that night, and it really brought the film to life.
WHY SHOOT A CINÉMA VÉRITÉ FILM?
I decided to shoot this film cinéma vérité after encountering quite a few setbacks with the budget. There was literally no money, just an idea and a script. I thought to myself, “I just want to shoot this thing, and I have a lot to say.” It worked out for the best. If the film had been shot as a glossy production, it would have lacked the realism I was going for.
WHAT WAS IT LIKE ON SET WORKING WITH THE CAST?
Most days were spent with Heather, Nixon, and Richard outside in the elements. They were such troopers enduring the unpredictable temperatures, mosquitos, and early snow. They made it fun and easy.
