A Philaye Films Double Feature: Creators Behind ‘The Unhinged’ and ‘Maybe Next Christmas’ Discuss Creative Processes for the Films

Halloween and Christmas can serve as memorable times in one’s life, good, bad and indifferent. Creatives Philip Johnson, Robert Graves and LJ Lameck decided to tackle both holidays in new and different ways.

“The Unhinged,” created by Graves and Johnson, follows a young man who tries to find new love after losing his partner, only to find his suitors are being hunted by a night stalker.

“I sent Phil a 2 min horror short I shot in Atlanta,” Graves said. “It was dark and eerie. Now, I didn’t expect him to see it, because I mean it’s PHILAYE, but Phil responded and was like ‘OMG, this is dope! I’ve been wanting to do horror.'”

Johnson said he loved the clip’s cinematography and “it really spoke to my love of this thriller/horror genre. We decided to come up with a thriller film to make, and the rest has been history.”

With two soldout shows under their belt, Graves and Johnson will host a third in-person premiere for “The Unhinged” in Atlanta on Feb 19.

“The Unhinged” Q&A

Q: As the director and a co-writer, how were you able to translate the script vision to on-screen magic?

RG: As Phil and I were writing and revising the script, I began to visualize the scenes, dialogue and movements throughout that process. Once we completed writing the script, I created a storyboard to capture what was in my head. When we got to set, I utilized those tools as first camera operator and DP and relayed the scenes I did not physically shoot to our second camera operator, Marquese. There were certain camera movements I wanted to capture to really bring the audience into the story, it was about making them feel a part of the character(s). It was important to evoke emotions from the viewers.

Q: Were there any artistic changes you made as director in the making of this film, at any stage in production?

RG: We actually cut a lot of scenes and key elements, because of scheduling and timing, but we made it work. I choreographed the final fight scene in Philly months prior to filming because it was important for Phil and EJ Joseph, who plays Tyriq, to know that choreography because it was intense and extremely physical and they still had to deliver lines while fighting.

The other three murders were actually choreographed right before we shot those scenes. Additionally, the bulk of the changes took place in post-production. Most importantly, I changed the ending of the film, because I wanted to leave the viewers wanting more, I wanted it to punch you in the gut and leave you with a ‘WTF’ moment.

Q: We’ve talked about this film a little bit in the last interview, but how does it feel to see it and the support received?

PJ: It feels like a surreal blessing! I still can’t believe that Robert and I made a film in a fun genre we both love and that everybody loves it as much as we do. As artists, that’s a very special feeling.

Q: What inspiration went into filming a horror flick?

RG: A lot of the inspiration came from our own lives. We played around with a few ideas prior to settling on what you see in the film. It was important to capture the trials and tribulations of love, relationships and how that affects one’s mental health.

Q: This role was different than what we’ve seen in the past. How did you prepare?

PJ: I had to do a lot of research into the psychological components of the role, and I really dug deep to find the different qualities and motivations of the character I played. I loved the rehearsals and choreography for the fight scenes. It was a lot of fun.

Q: Both premieres sold out. What does that mean to you?

RG: For me, it showed me that this is where I need to be, this is what I should be doing– telling authentic stories of blackness and/or queerness. It wasn’t about it being sold out it was the reviews, thoughts, emotions and feelings expressed during Q&A, if there was no emotional response or thoughts provoked then it would have all been for nothing. The audience was diverse from Black to white, straight to LGBTQIA and everyone in those theaters could relate to that story and those characters regardless of their identity.

PJ: It meant ending 2021 on such a high note with a project that we truly love. And I can’t wait for us to continue moving the movie forward through film festivals, streaming app distribution and further pitches/spin-offs.

“Maybe Next Christmas” Q&A:

“Maybe Next Christmas,” an idea for the film came to her in a dream, was created and co-executive produced by Lameck, and co-executive produced by Johnson.

“This is the most realistic way to describe how Christmas is for me now, and several of my peers,” Lameck said.

With the help of crowdfunding, “Maybe Next Christmas” saw its debut, which Lameck said she couldn’t believe.

“Me and Phil would call each other screaming like ‘we finna make this film,'” Lameck said. “After reality set it, then I realized that collaboration is key to success. Also, I cried a lot because my first time crowdfunding was unsuccessful.”

Q: What did you learn about yourself during the filming? Has your creative process changed?

LJ: Learning to not be a one-woman show and trust my producer. For many years, I struggled with asking for help, which changed immediately after hiring Phil. As for my creative process, I learned to quit writing down my ideas and start. Also, you’d be surprised how many indie filmmakers are willing to help.

Q: How did you feel seeing your vision come alive? The soldout show?

LJ: Tears, because for years, I was told my dream was dumb; that I’m wasting my years chasing something unreal. Now, I have proof to back myself up. No negative thoughts can even touch me anymore. The soldout show just made me overwhelmed with joy and hearing everyone say ‘keep making films’ or ‘what’s next?’ lets me know I’m on the right path. 

Q: You made cameo appearances but mainly stayed behind the scenes. How different was that for you?

PJ: It actually felt like second nature. My original background was in finance/business, so lots of people don’t know that I actually love the producing/behind the scenes end the most. I act partly because my supporters pressure me to since they enjoy me on-screen.

Q: What is Christmas in L.A. like?

LJ: Different because I’m a southern girl, so I’m ready to feast on my classic meals. Then, realized all my friends here are either vegan, gluten-free, alkaline and etc. Besides that, spending time with my chosen family I always cherish.

PJ: Like any other day in LA. Not bad, but not the magical Christmases we had as kids. 

Q: What do you want people to take away from the film?

LJ: I want people to take away, your friends are your family lean onto them. You don’t have to go home to your family, who constantly disrespect you. Also, chase that dream you can’t get out of your head, it will come true.

PJ: I want people to see that no matter where they are in the world, friends can always help make
tough times better. Lean on them!