Interview with ‘The Kid’ Writer-Director Nicholas Wenger

The Kid is an action-sci-fi film about an extraordinary young boy and woman who are chased through the streets of Los Angeles.; it is a proof of concept short film. The Kid was screened at Fighting Spirit Film Festival in 2019 and Nicholas Wenger won Best Director for the short film.

Nicholas Wenger is a filmmaker that specialises in writing, directing and editing. Though Wenger has worked on television series and commercials, The Kid is the first action movie that Wenger has worked on.

Describe yourself in three fictional characters? 

Hmmm. Three fictional characters... Let's go with: Atticus Finch, because that's just a great multidimensional character, George Costanza because I'm neurotic, and Inigo Montoya in Princess Bride because I admire his tenacity.

What sparked your interest in filmmaking?

I've always been really passionate about storytelling. I grew up watching a lot of TV and acting out my own 'adventures' with elaborate plots and characters. I think I wrote a book when I was 6 and thought it was a masterpiece. So it was only a matter of time before I took that confidence and translated it into my own filmmaking. I studied theatre in high school, but discovered video production in college, and that's when I decided to get serious about it.

I know that you have a degree in Psychology, does Psychology inspire your work?

I've always loved studying human behaviour and logic. I think psychology dictates everything we do, and helps me write three dimensional characters. It also helps me behind the camera. Approaching professional interactions on set with a background in psychology is helpful with things like crisis management or understanding opposing views. I sort of consider psychology as a catch-all term for social interaction and understanding. It's always helpful in that regard.

You attended USC School of Cinematic Arts, how was your experience?

I loved my time at USC. They have a wonderful program and I am still in regular contact with a lot of my classmates. They tell you when you start the program that you'll be working together for the rest of your life, and it's very true. We have a great network.

How would you describe your filmmaking style?

It's hard to describe my own style, but I would say that there's a big emphasis on understanding my characters and trying to make every visual decision reflect the emotion in play. If I go to a wide shot, it serves a specific emotional purpose. If I shake the camera, or use certain colours, or cut super fast, it's for a reason. I think filmmaking is such a powerful medium in its ability to combine multiple layers in storytelling. I try to keep that in mind when I'm directing.

What were your inspirations for The Kid? 

Images courtesy of Nicholas Wenger

I take a lot of inspiration from some of my favourite action movies. The Matrix, Looper, Logan. Gritty, darker films that integrate fantastic elements into present-day reality. This is true tonally, but also in terms of how we choreographed the action. Obviously action is a big part of the short film, and we wanted to have it feel as realistic and honest as possible... with a few exceptions.

Can you talk about the writing process for The Kid? 

Ellen Wroe (lead actress) and I came up with the idea to make The Kid as a proof of concept for a feature film that we've written together. It's called TRANSFERENCE and it's a grounded, dramatic take on the superhero genre. A fantasy action thriller that explores themes of family, trust and redemption.

What do you think is the most important thing when writing stories? 

I think there are so many ways to write, there's no right or wrong. But I would say for me, the most helpful thing is to try and write something that I'd want to see. Writing is hard, and you have to stay motivated and dedicated to the material. So if your heart isn't in it, you won't be able to convince your audience to commit emotionally. If you love the material, your audience will feel that, and they'll go on the ride with you.

What do you think are the key components of making a science-fiction film?

I think science fiction can take many forms. I love smaller indie films like Primer and big epic films like Minority Report. I think the key is to have a grounded element, with characters that are relatable, in spite of the lunacy that unspools around them.

How was your experience filming The Kid? 

Filming The Kid was an amazing experience! It was my first time directing an action film, and it was a thrill. I was lucky to have a great stunt team and we worked through every step together. I learned why action takes so long to film, because it's immensely hard on the talent, and it requires a lot of coverage. It also needs to be treated with extra care for safety, so everything just takes a long time. I know that we were all exhausted by the end of that weekend, and I think Ellen was recovering for about a month. 

How did you feel on the first day of filming The Kid?

First day of filming was great. There were a lot of unexpected challenges, as tends to be the case with low budget filmmaking, but we managed to figure everything out. Our producer Brent McHenry was great at putting out 'fires' and our cast was fantastic. Watching Ellen fly on that rig for her big backflip was so cool after months of prep. She pretended to be Peter Pan and everyone had a good laugh.

What are your hopes for the future of The Kid?

Well, luckily we've got a great feature script based on the short! It's in good shape and we're shopping it around. If anyone is interested, I'd be happy to talk to them about it. 

What was the best feedback you received from audiences?

I think the best feedback is honestly sitting in an audience and listening to their involuntary reactions to the various moments throughout the film. It's so fun when the visceral elements work, and you can hear it in real time. It's also a lot of fun reading the YouTube comments. Or at least, MOST of the YouTube comments. 

How did it feel to win Best Director at Fighting Spirit Film Festival 2019?

I was honoured to win Best Director. I was honoured just to be nominated! I honestly have so much appreciation for the festival and how supportive they've been.  

How has your experience been with the Fighting Spirit Film Festival?

The experience has been really great. Soo is clearly so invested in the films and the filmmakers, and it shows in every aspect of the festival. I am grateful to have been a part of it. 

Images courtesy of Nicholas Wenger

Speed Round. Pick one film for each category.

What is the first film you ever watched?

That's a great question! I honestly don't know. But I know the first film I watched in a Theatre was Disney's Oliver and Company. 

What is your favourite superhero film? 

It's a tie between X2 and Iron Man. 

What is your favourite film by your favourite director?

My favourite director is Steven Spielberg and my favourite of his films would have to be Minority Report. 

What is your favourite 80s film? 

I'm a big fan of Back to the Future! 

What is your current favourite film?

I loved Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Tarantino is a mad genius and I think that's my current favourite. 

To keep up to date with Nicholas Wenger, check out his Website and follow him on Instagram.