We enjoyed our interview with Elysia Rotaru. Check out the interview below!
Hi, Elysia! Thank you for granting the interview. You teamed up with director Stephen Sawchuk (Love It or List It, Bachelor Canada), to produce a new 90’s-set horror comedy short film called FWD, which follows two 20-something women who face the consequences of not forwarding on a late 90’s chain email. What should the audience expect to see?
People are in for a real treat when they watch FWD as we take them back in time and get them to remember the good old days of killer chain emails and choker necklaces. There will be some blood, stunts and your classic slasher film moments on screen that will get the audience’s blood pumping.
What we enjoy most about FWD is the approach to using “chain mail!” Who doesn’t hate chain mail and believe it’s the evil spawn of the Internet? In your opinion, why did you choose to use “chain mail?”
Well back in the 1990s, it was the ultimate thorn in our sides am I right? But I guess some people found them fun (laughs). Not to mention, it was also a staple of that era.
We know how deceptive “chain mail” can be. How did you conduct your research for the script?
Stephen Sawchuk, FWD’s director and writer, and I really just had to jump into our time capsule and draw on our past experiences. It was a lot of fun trying to dig up those old Hotmail emails and see what we could find. And also diving into our twisted imaginations to conjure up some great ideas was fun too.
This is a silly but fun question. It always produces great answers. Have you ever received a “chain mail?”
Oh absolutely! And I admit, there were times I did not pass them on to see what would happen. And thankfully, nothing did (laughs).
How did you choose talent for the film?
We held a casting session and ended up seeing some really amazing talent in Vancouver. It was a blast and a part of the production process that I really enjoy.
The subject matter of the film is awesome. In your opinion, how does the production bring something new to a thriller?
A question I think all filmmakers have is “how do we make it different and original?” And for us, we really wanted to follow the thriller rules, if you may, and we wanted to make sure to tell a complete story in under 8 minutes. The uniqueness came from the subject matter and how Stephen flavored it with the comedic twists you can see in the film.
What is going to surprise people about FWD?
If I told you, it would totally ruin the whole film, but I will say, there are some great jump scares, and great special effects.
Without giving anything away, what’s your favorite line of dialogue and why?
Probably the very last couples line of the film between Casey and her scene partner. You’ll have to watch the film to see what they entail.
When looking back on the production, what resonated with you the most and why?
I was able to make a film with one of my best friends and how much I learned from him about producing. It was my first time fully behind the camera and I loved every moment.
In your opinion, what scene in the film is going to blow people away and why?
The end scene of course!
What do you enjoy most about the film’s production?
Learning about all the different stages involved and how much work actually goes into creating a film. It’s an area I have never been privy to before, being in front of the camera for so many years, and now I have gained new respect, adoration, and understanding for all the departments and people involved in the creation process. We all do our part to make something special and now when I get onto the set as an actor, I notice other aspects more. My passion for and gratitude for everyone on set has grown tenfold.
Do you have anything else you would like to share about FWD?
I had a blast making it with Stephen and all those involved, and I’m hoping we can get it distributed fully in the market soon so people can watch it over again and have a good little scare and laugh. We hope you enjoy it.
Do you have anything else you would like to share about your career?
Well, I can now be heard as the voice of She-Hulk in a new Marvel Super Hero Adventures animated short, also featuring Spiderman and The Hulk, and I can be seen as Taylor Crane in a great psychological thriller called KILLBIRD, which premiered at the Dances with Films Festival in Los Angeles this past June. I was able to perform the majority of my own stunts in this film, so it will be a fun one for audiences to see. Keep your eyes peeled for the upcoming feature film Buddy Games, directed by Josh Duhamel, and in the fourth Darrow and Darrow film from Hallmark Movies and Mysteries. In the meantime, you can now hear and play me in various video games including Crackdown 3, FIFA 19, and Anthem, and keep your ears open for me in the virtual reality games, Echo Combat by Ready at Dawn Studios, and Face Your Fears by Turtle Rock Studios and Oculus. I will also be producing more this year too. Stephen and I are working on another horror short film and also a series he wrote, and I also started producing my own YouTube show called FIELD TRIP, a few episodes are already up on my channel. Otherwise, you can see what I’m up on Instagram and Twitter at @elysiarotaru.
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