Danilo Proh
I am Danilo Proh, a 19-year-old filmmaker originating from a serene Italian town. While my journey in the film realm may lack extensive experience, my heart is filled with a strong passion for cinema. This fervent love propels me forward, driving my pursuit to weave captivating tales onto the silver screen despite the challenges that initially confront me.
My inaugural into filmmaking with "Bloody Date" marked a significant milestone. Delving into dark and intense themes within this project provided a foundational launch pad, sparking my creativity and guiding my initial steps in this dynamic industry. Yet, this is merely the preface of my narrative.
Join me in this cinematic expedition, where a 19-year-old filmmaker, fueled by an unwavering affection for the art of storytelling, invites you to partake in this thrilling voyage. Your presence is cherished, and I extend my gratitude for embarking on this exhilarating adventure alongside me.
What are your ambitions with your project?
BLOODY DATE is my first-ever film project, the first dive into filmmaking. Despite its amateur level, which is evident, I truly believe the competitivity of my short film with others that could be such as big-budget shorts. Since the beginning, I aimed to tell the story of a rough and raw character; on one hand, someone who is struggling with his life, a sorrowful man, on the other hand, a character who can make his life better than it appears, who can make It trough but with violence and criminal purpose. This project holds special significance. It's the culmination of a long-held dream to create narratives that dig deep into the gritty realities of human existence. This project holds special significance, my first art is this, and I'd like to discover more from my creativity but I always dreamed of making this type of project, and well, here it is, eventually, when I'll gain my craft in filmmaking, I aspire to revisit and remake this short film, aiming to create a more polished and refined version, perhaps a feature film.
Tell us something about your shooting. What pleasantly surprised you?
As I mentioned, BLOODY DATE marks my debut in shorts, and delving into the shooting process was an exhilarating experience. First thing first I planned all the shoots with my cast and troupe, so everything seemed quite fine until we were on the sets! We are all friends so we had to take infinite shots for different scenes because was all hilarious... Indeed we are amateurs and this is one of the beauties of it, share friendship and a deep connection between all of us. However, as a first-time director was super excited to cooperate with all the people, make them work together on the set, and share the same love: CINEMA
For what group of spectators is your film targeted?
I think that BLOODY DATE is targeted at all audiences, but the ones who are more attached to the action/crime genre could like my short even more.
Why should distributors buy your film?
BLOODY DATE could have a lot of potential with the right gear and a well-planned budget. To be sincere this short film, in particular, does not have that high-quality level that is necessary for distributors, but as I said, I aim to make BLOODY DATE a feature with all the right cards of the game.
How would you specify your work? What characterizes your film?
My work is principally characterized by this type of multiple flashbacks from the narrative that since the first drafts of BLOODY DATE I found very intriguing for the plot... It is also defined by the lead character, Javier who I find really charming.
Why did you decide to become a filmmaker?
My dream to become a filmmaker started at a young age: when I was a little tiny child I used to watch a significant amount of Spaghetti Western with my grandad (perhaps the greatest lover ever existed of Spaghetti Western). Some of them are now forgotten but some of them have a special place in my heart, like Navajo Joe, The Good The Bad The Ugly, A Fistful of Dollars, and Once Upon a Time in the West. Then my passion grew, and I started to make some videos for YouTube creating some channels and doing some practice, then, this year, completely self-taught, and I wrote my short and directed it. My dream came true after I projected my short in a Cinema in my hometown: what a feeling. At the premiére, there were something like 150 people... I do think that was the most satisfying moment of my entire lifetime.
Who is your role model?
Quentin Tarantino is my icon, his unique way of crafting stories and directing is my greatest inspiration. I like his style, I just can't add other words. He is the greatest filmmaker alive in my own opinion. Don't kill me :)
Which movies are your favorites? Why?
Great question, well, my favorite movie of all time, don't kill me either :) is Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. What I find in that movie is unparalleled to any other film that I have seen. I just have to say that the plot of it, is super capable, is so easy that it flows wonderfully with the ambientation of the 60's Hollywood and the EXTRAORDINARY characters created by Mr.Tarantino. This film is truly a beauty for the eyes, but the answer to why this film is so much in my heart is the style. When I watched it for the first time in the theatre, I was surprised not by the plot itself but by all around it, I think that what makes this film are the gorgeous cars, the great soundtrack, Cliff Booth, Rick Dalton, the story between them, their lifestyles, the clothes, the shots technique, etc... Well what a banger... Well, other movies that hit me a lot are Babylon and Whiplash by Chazelle, 8 and a Half by Fellini for the extremely original plot, Citizen Kane by Welles, Birdman by Inarritu for his unique style of directing, what a piece of art and Interstellar by Nolan and so on because I could talk hours about my top 10.
Where do you look for inspiration for your films?
I find profound inspiration in solitude. Whether it's wandering through nature during long, contemplative walks or delving into captivating films, these moments of solitude serve as my essential inspiration. The tranquility of nature and the narratives in movies, they nurturing my soul and igniting my creative spirit.
Which topics interest you the most?
My favorite topic right now, is drama, absolutely. I'm getting ready for the next one. I watched a ton of drama movies in the past few days. However I also like so much crime and action genres of course, but, yeah, drama is on top now.
What do you consider your greatest achievement in your career?
I'm glad and truly honored to have the opportunity to travel foreign from my hometown and coming there in London in February, I'm super excited. Also, a great achievement is the award winner at the Indie Short Fest of Los Angeles as "Best Film Noir" of November 2023, I was speechless, for real. The last and greatest success was the Premiére that I mentioned before in my hometown in December for BLOODY DATE, wow, the best day that I have ever lived till now.
What do you consider most important about filming?
The essence of filming is the cooperation between all the team. As a director, I learned how to make people comfortable on the set and also you have to plan everything, every little detail before the shooting, or it could be a very disaster... Like we did sometimes :) So planning all the shots perfectly and coordinating people on them is crucial.
Which film technique of shooting do you consider the best?
The medium shot is my favorite, you can see it in BLOODY DATE most of the time. But I will improve all the different film techniques that exist with experience, I'm pretty sure.
How would you rate/What is your opinion about current filmmaking?
Filmmaking today shows immense potential, and while I'm currently at an amateur level, I'm dedicated to improving my craft. I'm confident in the strong foundation I've built and excited about the journey ahead.
What can disappoint you in a movie?
A film's disappointment often arises when the narrative feels challenging or disconnected. However, a director, if he's not a writer, his primary aim should center on creating a well-crafted movie (talking about filmmaking) that seamlessly connects with audiences, prioritizing visual engagement.
Who supports you in your film career?
I have to say THANK YOU VERY VERY MUCH to those (they know who they are) who have helped me through this long journey, which is BLOODY DATE, thank you for putting all of your trust in my vision, without you, BLOODY DATE would be just a script. But also thanks to myself, who have believed in this every day, every hour, every minute since the beginning. Those who believe, those who are passionate, can really make it through. This is what we will discuss in the next chapter of my filmmaking journey. SEE YOU SOON.
WATCH TRAILER FOR BLOODY DATE
My inaugural into filmmaking with "Bloody Date" marked a significant milestone. Delving into dark and intense themes within this project provided a foundational launch pad, sparking my creativity and guiding my initial steps in this dynamic industry. Yet, this is merely the preface of my narrative.
Join me in this cinematic expedition, where a 19-year-old filmmaker, fueled by an unwavering affection for the art of storytelling, invites you to partake in this thrilling voyage. Your presence is cherished, and I extend my gratitude for embarking on this exhilarating adventure alongside me.
What are your ambitions with your project?
BLOODY DATE is my first-ever film project, the first dive into filmmaking. Despite its amateur level, which is evident, I truly believe the competitivity of my short film with others that could be such as big-budget shorts. Since the beginning, I aimed to tell the story of a rough and raw character; on one hand, someone who is struggling with his life, a sorrowful man, on the other hand, a character who can make his life better than it appears, who can make It trough but with violence and criminal purpose. This project holds special significance. It's the culmination of a long-held dream to create narratives that dig deep into the gritty realities of human existence. This project holds special significance, my first art is this, and I'd like to discover more from my creativity but I always dreamed of making this type of project, and well, here it is, eventually, when I'll gain my craft in filmmaking, I aspire to revisit and remake this short film, aiming to create a more polished and refined version, perhaps a feature film.
Tell us something about your shooting. What pleasantly surprised you?
As I mentioned, BLOODY DATE marks my debut in shorts, and delving into the shooting process was an exhilarating experience. First thing first I planned all the shoots with my cast and troupe, so everything seemed quite fine until we were on the sets! We are all friends so we had to take infinite shots for different scenes because was all hilarious... Indeed we are amateurs and this is one of the beauties of it, share friendship and a deep connection between all of us. However, as a first-time director was super excited to cooperate with all the people, make them work together on the set, and share the same love: CINEMA
For what group of spectators is your film targeted?
I think that BLOODY DATE is targeted at all audiences, but the ones who are more attached to the action/crime genre could like my short even more.
Why should distributors buy your film?
BLOODY DATE could have a lot of potential with the right gear and a well-planned budget. To be sincere this short film, in particular, does not have that high-quality level that is necessary for distributors, but as I said, I aim to make BLOODY DATE a feature with all the right cards of the game.
How would you specify your work? What characterizes your film?
My work is principally characterized by this type of multiple flashbacks from the narrative that since the first drafts of BLOODY DATE I found very intriguing for the plot... It is also defined by the lead character, Javier who I find really charming.
Why did you decide to become a filmmaker?
My dream to become a filmmaker started at a young age: when I was a little tiny child I used to watch a significant amount of Spaghetti Western with my grandad (perhaps the greatest lover ever existed of Spaghetti Western). Some of them are now forgotten but some of them have a special place in my heart, like Navajo Joe, The Good The Bad The Ugly, A Fistful of Dollars, and Once Upon a Time in the West. Then my passion grew, and I started to make some videos for YouTube creating some channels and doing some practice, then, this year, completely self-taught, and I wrote my short and directed it. My dream came true after I projected my short in a Cinema in my hometown: what a feeling. At the premiére, there were something like 150 people... I do think that was the most satisfying moment of my entire lifetime.
Who is your role model?
Quentin Tarantino is my icon, his unique way of crafting stories and directing is my greatest inspiration. I like his style, I just can't add other words. He is the greatest filmmaker alive in my own opinion. Don't kill me :)
Which movies are your favorites? Why?
Great question, well, my favorite movie of all time, don't kill me either :) is Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. What I find in that movie is unparalleled to any other film that I have seen. I just have to say that the plot of it, is super capable, is so easy that it flows wonderfully with the ambientation of the 60's Hollywood and the EXTRAORDINARY characters created by Mr.Tarantino. This film is truly a beauty for the eyes, but the answer to why this film is so much in my heart is the style. When I watched it for the first time in the theatre, I was surprised not by the plot itself but by all around it, I think that what makes this film are the gorgeous cars, the great soundtrack, Cliff Booth, Rick Dalton, the story between them, their lifestyles, the clothes, the shots technique, etc... Well what a banger... Well, other movies that hit me a lot are Babylon and Whiplash by Chazelle, 8 and a Half by Fellini for the extremely original plot, Citizen Kane by Welles, Birdman by Inarritu for his unique style of directing, what a piece of art and Interstellar by Nolan and so on because I could talk hours about my top 10.
Where do you look for inspiration for your films?
I find profound inspiration in solitude. Whether it's wandering through nature during long, contemplative walks or delving into captivating films, these moments of solitude serve as my essential inspiration. The tranquility of nature and the narratives in movies, they nurturing my soul and igniting my creative spirit.
Which topics interest you the most?
My favorite topic right now, is drama, absolutely. I'm getting ready for the next one. I watched a ton of drama movies in the past few days. However I also like so much crime and action genres of course, but, yeah, drama is on top now.
What do you consider your greatest achievement in your career?
I'm glad and truly honored to have the opportunity to travel foreign from my hometown and coming there in London in February, I'm super excited. Also, a great achievement is the award winner at the Indie Short Fest of Los Angeles as "Best Film Noir" of November 2023, I was speechless, for real. The last and greatest success was the Premiére that I mentioned before in my hometown in December for BLOODY DATE, wow, the best day that I have ever lived till now.
What do you consider most important about filming?
The essence of filming is the cooperation between all the team. As a director, I learned how to make people comfortable on the set and also you have to plan everything, every little detail before the shooting, or it could be a very disaster... Like we did sometimes :) So planning all the shots perfectly and coordinating people on them is crucial.
Which film technique of shooting do you consider the best?
The medium shot is my favorite, you can see it in BLOODY DATE most of the time. But I will improve all the different film techniques that exist with experience, I'm pretty sure.
How would you rate/What is your opinion about current filmmaking?
Filmmaking today shows immense potential, and while I'm currently at an amateur level, I'm dedicated to improving my craft. I'm confident in the strong foundation I've built and excited about the journey ahead.
What can disappoint you in a movie?
A film's disappointment often arises when the narrative feels challenging or disconnected. However, a director, if he's not a writer, his primary aim should center on creating a well-crafted movie (talking about filmmaking) that seamlessly connects with audiences, prioritizing visual engagement.
Who supports you in your film career?
I have to say THANK YOU VERY VERY MUCH to those (they know who they are) who have helped me through this long journey, which is BLOODY DATE, thank you for putting all of your trust in my vision, without you, BLOODY DATE would be just a script. But also thanks to myself, who have believed in this every day, every hour, every minute since the beginning. Those who believe, those who are passionate, can really make it through. This is what we will discuss in the next chapter of my filmmaking journey. SEE YOU SOON.
WATCH TRAILER FOR BLOODY DATE