Q&A with Filmmaker Eric Rich

Sep 29

Eric Rich is an award-winning writer and director from Long Island, NY. His short film Stalled premiered at the 2023 Slamdance Film Festival and later screened at Fantasia, Cinequest, and HollyShorts, winning Best Short Comedy at Kevin Smith’s Smodcastle Film Festival. It will also screen at this year’s Bushwick Film Festival.

Eric has directed numerous short films and commercials for brands such as BrightFarms, Wegmans, and Sevaro. Passionate about cinema since childhood, he brings an encyclopedic knowledge of film history to his work, creating timeless, thought-provoking stories about flawed characters facing alienation, grief, and destiny.

This Q&A is part of the Bushwick Film Fest Filmmaker Q&A series

What inspired you to create this film, and how did the initial idea come to you?

The film was loosely inspired by a real event that happened to me where a 5 year old tried to crawl into my bathroom stall after I saw Hot Tub Time Machine. I don't remember the movie very well, but the nightmares of what happened after have stayed with me for a long time.

Why does this story need to be told now?

It's a story about society. It's about our quick reaction to judge a situation and the aftermath that follows.

Describe who you want this film to reach.

It's a comedy for everyone to enjoy. It'll make you laugh and it'll make you cry. Mostly cry.

What do you hope audiences will take away from watching your film?

Don't poop in public bathrooms. Ever.

How do you want people to feel after they see your film?

If they leave the theater with a big smile on their face, then I know I've done my job.

What was the biggest inspiration behind this film?

After Hours. I love that film so much. It's my favorite Scorsese film.

What was your favorite part of making your film? Memories from the process?

My favorite part making the film was the murder scene. There was so much blood in that stall it terrified me.

What was a big challenge you faced while making this film?

Finding the right bathroom to shoot this in. We ended up shooting it on a sound stage, which gave us a lot of freedom to experiment with camera movement.

Tell us an anecdote about casting or working with your actors.

This was my first time working with a child actor. Our actor Asher was so great to work with and super professional. It was great! I also really enjoyed working with Langston. He's truly gifted and I'd love to work with him again.

Can you tell us about the central themes of your film? What message or emotion did you hope to convey?

Yeah. Don't ever, ever poop in a public bathroom. You might catch crabs. Or worse.

Were there any films or directors that influenced your approach to this project?

After Hours, Saw and Uncut Gems were my biggest influences.

What inspired you to pursue a career in filmmaking?

I saw Adam Sandler's The Waterboy when I was four. It was my first movie going experience that I can recall. I remember having a panic attack when Adam Sandler charged in front of the camera because I thought he was going to leap out of the screen and tackle me. I was crying for hours. My parents were confused and they said "I don't understand. This was supposed to be funny. Why didn't he laugh?" It was a day that changed me forever.

Why is filmmaking important to you? Why is it important to the world?

It's important to me because films can change you. Everytime you leave a theater you come out a changed person. You have a different outlook on life or on yourself. But if it's a bad film, you just leave feeling pissed.

What is something that all filmmakers should keep in mind in order to become better cinematic storytellers?

It's okay to fail. It can be scary the more you do it, but just know that you're going to get better at it the more risks you take.

If you weren’t a filmmaker, what would you be doing?

I'd join the army.

How do you approach storytelling in your films? What’s your process for developing a script or concept?

I don't have a process really. It varies with each project. I just start writing my thoughts down, then see if there's potential to expand on it. Sometimes I'll hit a wall or it will turn into something different. Something more fascinating than what I'd originally thought.

What’s your history with the Bushwick Film Festival?

This is the first time I'll be attending Bushwick with one of my films. I've attended the festival several times in the past. It's a lot of fun!

Can you talk about the festival experience? How does it feel to have your film selected?

It feels great!

How do you feel about your film being screened in front of a festival audience?

I'm excited to see how they react to it.

What’s the last film you watched?

All The President's Men. RIP Robert Redford.

What’s the last book you read?

Heat 2

One thing people don’t know about me is _____.

I have a third eye. It's hard to find it, but you'll see it if you look hard enough.

Early bird or night owl?

Night owl

What three things do you always have in your refrigerator?

Sushi, eggs, and water.