Gypsy Moon
Written and Directed by Tony Gibson
Overview:
The year is 1799 Romania. The Gypsy people on the verge of having their lands taken over by bloodthirsty rulers known as "The Order" who are invaded and killed by the hundreds. During a time of conflict, once every 500 years, a new full moon approaches. To the gypsy people of the fair moon tribes, this is message that peace will be restored and the balance of fate renewed. An officer of the Order known as "Captain" finds his way into a twist of unfortunate circumstances and at the mercy of the elements, chased by a creature of an unknown origin. Stranded and starving he begins to find his purpose and understanding of the Gypsy people and his bloodthirsty companions. Under the 500 year new Gypsy Moon, the truth is revealed.
Q&A with Tony Gibson
Q1: Where did the idea for Gypsy Moon come from?
The Pandemic had shut down production. I wanted to make a film, so I decided to use Virtual Production techniques in Unreal Engine to make one on my computer.
I wanted to show how cinematic and beautiful a film using Virtual Production can be, while moving the audience emotionally. I also wasn't going to miss the opportunity to make a film featuring robots, space travel and exotic alien planets. I love that stuff, but you don't get to do it much because they are very expensive to do in live action. Virtual Production makes them possible even on the limited budget of a short film.
Q2: Were there any funny anecdotes or interesting and memorable moments while making the film?
Child (Alexis Arnold) was the life of the party out on this set. A 6 year old little girl at the time, She wanted to learn about everything film- audio, story, camera, directing. Actually reminded me of several trains being interference w audio, parts in my own script that needed addressed & on top of memorizing her lines would be the 1st out on set & excited to be a part of the magic. Another time was with a few of the other actresses, were being playful sliding around in their socks inside this large beautiful Victorian home b&b I put everyone up at during filming. It made my heart happy then to see everyone then kinda making room for being a kid at heart outside of the daily 10-12 grind per day. Which wasn't easy on anyone. Especially myself to orchestrate every day.
Q3: As an independent filmmaker, what were some of the unique challenges you faced in creating this film? How did you overcome them?
This was a crash course for me, I realized making independent films without any real help to find my vision or my voice had its challenges. Though my one thought that got me through the day was that this will be nothing short of extraordinary for a first film. Despite the obstacles, egos, & just typical miscommunication that is very important in any line of work. My biggest challenge wasn't the filming itself, even though that was extreme. It was everything afterwards. A bit overwhelming to say the least, but a good lesson in understanding what comes from this type of creative collaboration. I'll just say, put your heart & soul into your work, but be understanding of the kind of equal delivery you expect from people you trust to help bring your story to life without having issues or drama as a end result. It's very common in the indie world & the film industry these days to feel you have to babysit a actress or actor because they could get their feelings or personal issues involved that don't have anything to do with your project or need to over validate their spotlight in your film, regardless of how kind you are to them. They will walk on your heart like a doormat if u don't Keep it pro, pay them, send them home. On to the next.
Q4: What brought you into the world of filmmaking?
My fascination of other worlds. Certain movies, where i felt so good after watching it, i wanted to be the one who created it or be a part of it. Time travel has always been my thing. When I was a kid, I was hardly ever present for more than 6 months. So I spent alot of my time up in outter space, so I was told. School felt like a breeze, I could process what I was being taught & the way a bird hummed just outside my window. It was as if they simultaneously had patterns of equal harmony. The teachers voice & the outside sounds. Kinda in a world of my own. So I reached a point in my life I felt the need to share what was in this world through movies, art, music, ect. Have a library of content I have yet to release, but hopefully will soon.
Q5: What films or filmmakers have been the most inspiring or influential to you and why?
I began working my salt in films by being a extra or small featured role onset. I spent years watching, learning & by just being in the moment. The others who were like me & hungry i feel we fed better on delivering our parts. Its never about (self) like many believe to me, its how well your co pilot helps you to fly while your in the pilots seat that is most powerful way to carry out an emotion. A part of film & how everything is supposed to go each have their own formula. Did my own homework on how these "Greats" kind of did their thing. Though nobody ever teach you "Vision" that came with understanding a lot about pain, pleasure, humbleness & humility. As for my favorite film makers Spielberg & Burton are my two favorites directors. Love their work & storytelling types. A lot feels it could be great even incredible out here in today's world. I'd rather a work of art than the art that just works.
Q6: Do you have a favorite film project that you have done? Why?
I have a few that I started on.. one is a Viking film called "Myth Among Legends" currently in the mastering process. "The Sculptor"(Supernatural thriller) that is now set to 1920s as a period piece & another called "Fox & The Bounty" (Western) filmed promotional pieces for them but looking at giving these stories the credits they deserve & somewhere along the lines of 50 - 120 mil for starters per season. Both in the works, who knows, may get lucky. I have a few more scripts that are being looked at as well. One a comedy & another a holiday type film just to have a variety of options to choose from.
Q7: What advice would you share with a new filmmaker about filmmaking or the industry?
My best advice is learn not only your role as an actor or actress, but take in everything life has to offer in the moment as well. Respectfully. If your filming on a sunset beach or in the snowy mountains, or a place you've never been. Enjoy being there & make the best of that moment. By living in the moment of where you are in your head, you can better understand what someone else is trying to see in a scene or say in a script that truly resonates the moment it is no longer about YOU, but the story. It should be fun & like a flight to a new world type of feeling. Not anything else. Your already in a room full of adult children as it is, lol. May as well make it fun & exciting to your audience as well. Good Energy is best exchanged that way.
Q8: Do you have any future projects coming up?
I do have a few I am looking to do. I haven't really been intrigued by much out there but a few have grabbed my attention to want to be part of. Really don't hear the phone ringing anymore tbh & I feel a lot is on hold for me at the moment & I'll probably vanish for a while then come back with a music record or new films. Always good to just break away for awhile. I love spending time with my family & seeing my friends & film family successful and that sometimes is enough for me. I don't take on just any film, it has to call to me. I'm good w that right now.
Tony recently sat down with host, Ranelle Golden, from the Movie Making Podcast. Make sure you're subscribed to be notified when the interview is released!
You can find out more about Tony Gibson and his projects below: Tiktok
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