PINATAS REVENGE Directed By Delaney Bishop

Indie Express: Tell us about your film?

Delaney: It’s about Pinatas – the most disrespected toy in history.

IE: How did you come up with the idea for the film?

D: My writer friend, Tony Perez developed the concept. We had been throwing around ideas for piñatas, then wanted to make some Halloween shorts.

IE: How did you assemble your production team?

D: Usual guys.

IE: How did you find your cast? 

D: Friends’ nieces, nephews.

IE: How long did the film take?  (From conception to final edit)

D: About three days to assemble elements, find location, get piñatas, figure out elements, 1 day to shoot, couple days to edit.

IE: Tell us a little about your process of directing (writing) this film.

D: It’s no dialogue – all storyboarded.

IE: What was the most difficult part of the shoot for you?

D: Figuring out how to hang six kids upside-down. We used a greenscreen but also had to provide a medic, padding, harnesses, etc.

IE: Any particular moments from filming that stand out for you?

D: Sundown, big piñata beating scene, and we had only one piñata left. We really had to restrain the kids from beating it. Especially because there was candy inside. I’ve never wanted to prolong the thrashing of a piñata so bad.

IE: Tell us about the film’s festival experience so far?

D: Admitted to Seattle, Jackson Hole, LA. All within last few months. Invited to Tooffy, CO, and something in Witchita.

IE: What are you most looking forward to at the festival?

D: Having fun. Still waing for a festival experience as amazing as SXSW where I premiered my last film, DEATH OF SALVADOR DALI.

IE: What has been your most interesting Q&A so far?  What was your favorite question?  How was the dialogue afterwards?

D: We’ve only had one with Pinata – in Seattle – interesting because our program included a short by Bill Plympton – and I’m a big fan. We had just seen his feature at the same festival and had no idea he or his short would be playing with ours.

Everyone on our team, or friends in attendance all forgot to put out ballots in the box – Too busy heading to the next event.

IE: What films or filmmakers inspire you?

D: Lynch, Jonze, Jodorowsky, Bunuel.

IE: What made you decide to become a filmmaker?

D: In my blood I guess. Would tag along with my dad to USC grad school when I was 5. Shot super 8 when I was 8, and at 16 told my girlfriend that’s what I ‘wanted to do’.

 IE: What is next for you? 

D: Developing 2 features.

IE: What is next for the film?

D: Probably internet. What else?

IE: If asked to give one piece of advice to a new filmmaker making their first short film… What would it be?

D: Cut it shorter.

IE: What question would you like to be asked about your film? 

D: Did this really happen?

IE: What is the Answer to that question?

D: Of course!