In an exclusive interview, Flickering Myth sat down with Revaz-Giorgi Arveladze to chat about life in Los Angeles and his pivotal role in making movies in Hollywood…
Hi Revaz-Giorgi Arveladze, welcome to Flickering Myth! Was it always your dream to be working in film?
Yes, not that I always knew it. I always liked telling stories and “tinkering” with reality, so when I actually got behind the camera, it felt really good.
Congrats on your film Creeping Occupation. Can you tell us about the movie and the role you played?
Yes so Creeping Occupation is a thriller-horror film that follows the story of Giorgi who is heartbroken that his country is being occupied by Russia and is constantly plagued by a mysterious phantom named Krasbog. The phantom keeps Giorgi awake across all multiple nights, slowly chipping away at his anger and sanity.
What role did you play in the making of the movie?
This was my first big undertaking as a director, writer, and an editor. It’s probably my most eventful film as well, complete with three intricate fight sequences, which I staged with professional stunt men. The editing process was a pure nightmare too since my computer at the time was not fully ready to run 4K footage.
Every filmmaker faces challenges, from Spielberg to Cameron. What were some of yours with this movie?
Finding a good location is usually difficult, even in Los Angeles, but finding a dark, macabre place with safety and accessibility is much harder. We did manage to find an abandoned school building, but it was pretty dirty and we had to make to safe for the cast and crew. Oddly, the next morning when we showed up with cleaning supplies – the place had been completely dusted and ornamented. Apparently, someone else had found the place and used it for a photoshoot. This allowed us to save a lot of time, which allowed the Production Designer to paint some really beautiful pieces across the hollow wall.
The movie has been quite the film festival favorite. Tell about its journey so far.
Yes, we have been completely blessed with some amazing reviews and film festival attention for Creeping Occupation. So far the movie has won at the Independent Short Award the Silver For Best Action Film, Gold for Best first Time Director and Bronze for Best Film Noir. It has also scooped up Outstanding Achievement Award (Action Short) and Nominee for Best Original Screenplay at the Indie Short Fest, and was nominated for Best Directorial Debut at the Lonely Wolf London International Film Festival.
What is your creative process when preparing for a movie?
If the question is geared towards editing, the process is pretty straightforward, albite not simple. I start by labelling and synching the audio/footage. Then I arrange them in neatly so they can be easily accessible for the next guy.
As an editor, are you required on set?
Good question, it actually depends on the set. If it’s a big project they’ll have guys like me making dallies (small cuts) on set alongside filming. Also, my editor know-how comes in handy for other gigs such as cinematography, directing and script supervising. These are jobs on set that can be heavily assisted by an editor’s knowledge. I’ve also often advised on set as an editor, making sure the director gets me the footage I need to make his film come to life.
Has there been one particular moment in your career that you’re most proud of?
Creeping Occupation and Fourth is of a Devil are purely born out of my mind. They both cover a subject matter if care for greatly and I’d argue they are some of my best work. I will never forget the efforts and lengths I went to get these films done. Plus, I wrote, directed and edited them, so I was in complete control of the story.
If you had one message to give to your fans, what would it be?
You are your own worst enemy, so cut yourself some slack.
How can people find and follow your journey?
Thank you so much! My body of work can be found here https://rophaki.myportfolio.com/work/ and I am active on Instagram. Also, all my projects are listed on IMDb.
Our thanks to Revaz-Giorgi Arveladze for taking the time for this interview, and for Liz Rodriguez from EMR Media for helping us with the interview.
