Interview with Inexchange director Zack Parker

1)  What was your inspiration for writing and directing Inexchange?

As for inspiration, I have always been a fan of horror films, as long as I can remember. But I think my real love of horror came later in life, when I started seeing, and understanding, films like "Rosemary's Baby," "Carrie," "The Shining," and especially "Repulsion." They had such an intellect and maturity to them. No longer was the fear caused simply by cheap music gags or make-up, elements you experience externally. Now the fear was in my mind. I loved that. My goal was to make a film where audiences would experience that same internal reaction.

2)  How long did it take to shoot, and where did you shoot it?

We shot for 22 days. Straight. Nineteen at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana (where I attended college for two years, and where I began writing the script), and three in Richmond, Indiana (my hometown). We were supposed to have off every Sunday, but starting from day one it started to rain and didn't stop for two and a half weeks. Needless to say, this really messed up the schedule. So for the duration of the shoot, anytime it wasn't raining, we were shooting Exteriors, if it was raining, Interiors. Our average day was 20 hours. Not a great way to shoot a film, but I had a great cast and crew, never complained, and we got through it.

3) Although your cast may not be "household names" they're all quite good in their roles. Most independent productions — particularly independent horror productions -- can't always attract competent actors. How'd you get so lucky?

Well, I think I got very lucky. I was living in Los Angeles at the time when I was finishing the script, and was trying put together a reading, just so I could hear the thing out loud. I was referred to a couple of actors through some friends, and Sean just happened to be the guy that was reading Maury that night. I thought he nailed the thing so well, especially for a cold read. I could tell right away that he was someone that understood what Maury was going through. We ended up talking afterwards, and I just remember saying to him "You're Maury. No matter what happens, you're Maury."     Todd, on the other hand, came from an ad we had in Backstage West. He had some good credits to his name, gave a great audition, and had a real presence on screen. I thought of him originally for Kily, since he could be so intimidating, but then I started to realize that he could pull off something much more complex. He loved the idea of playing someone that the audience would kind of like in the beginning, then pulling this complete 180° halfway through the film. Then spending the whole second half trying to make them sympathize with him again.

Everyone else were actually Acting Majors at Ball State at the time. I was very nervous about this, given all of their inexperience. Lara was going to be a critical role, and I needed someone that could execute the subtleties of that performance, I was quite relieved when I found Tiffany. As for the rest of the cast, I believe I primarily just casted on type. I needed people who, in life, were somewhat similar to the characters. Adam, Sam, and Brad stood out in the auditions, and they looked the part. Sometimes that's all you need.

4) Inexchange is not one of those comedic horror movies; it's pretty dialogue-driven and serious. But did anything fun/funny happen during production to help lighten you guys up a bit?

I think one of the most unusual aspects of our Production is that we all literally lived together throughout the shoot. Our deal with the school was to rent out one floor in one of the dorm buildings on campus. It was the beginning of the Summer, so the building was completely empty except for us. Each one of us had our own room, we stored equipment in one room, ate our meals in the Study Lounge, and shot in two of the other rooms. We all even used the same bathrooms and showers that are in the film. It was like camp, in fact we called ourselves "Camp Inexchange."

5) What is it about psychological horror, especially the idea of an avenging id, that keeps audiences interested?

I think it goes back to having an internal reaction. The fact that it is something we feel, as opposed to something we just see or hear, that makes it more effective. It can be both intimate and violating. You can't cover your eyes or ears, because it's in your head. 

6) What has viewer feedback been on Inexchange? (Did you test-screen it, did

you show it at film festivals, etc.?)

Reaction to this film has been split down the middle. We have had several test screenings, in addition to giving out copies to friends, family, and colleagues, some of which work within the Film Industry, but a majority of which do not. The general consensus seems to be that those who have experienced real loneliness in their lives, or monotony, or have at some point felt like an outsider, tend to really relate and empathize with Maury's situation. Those who have enjoyed more popularity when they were younger, a more social life, generally have not had too much of a problem with the opposite sex, tend to find the film a bit boring. I believe these reactions to be completely appropriate. I never had any allusions that "Inexchange" was for everyone. If you have never experienced that true inner struggle over a lengthy period of time, I don't expect to understand what Maury is going through, or even care.

7) Have you ever had a weird fan experience?

Well, this is my first feature, so I don't think I am in the position as of yet to label anyone as a fan. But something that I do find strange recently is people that I have known, in some cases since childhood, looking and treating me a little differently after seeing the film or hearing about it being released. One situation in particular that was a little unusual was someone I know, about a week after seeing the film, presented me with an action figure of "The Figure." I was quite flattered, but also a little confused. I didn't understand why someone would take so much time to make this thing for me. They just said, "I liked the character, and thought it would make a cool figure."

8) What scares you, in the movies?

Definitely subjects and situations that affect me on a psychological level. But also, since childhood, I am terrified of Zombies. Something about the slowness of their movements, and the emptiness in their eyes, especially little girl zombies. Also, the protagonists always seem to end up getting trapped somewhere, and I'm terribly claustrophobic. "Night of the Living Dead" freaked me out, and might be one of the only movies I can still watch and be scared.

9) What is your greatest fear in life?

Probably time, not having enough of it to get to achieve everything I want.

10) If your life was a movie, in what section would I find it in the video store?

I guess Drama, because there is no Boring section. I am preparing now for my next film, which is set to be shot next Fall, but my wife and I are pretty much homebodies. It's amazing how much work you can do out of your home these days. We are both from the same small town, and are now living in a suburb of Chicago. We like to take it easy, go see a movie every weekend, have a few laughs, and basically live life like anyone else. I guess it's in my films that I get to exercise any dark or wild sides of my personality. It's probably better for everyone else that way too.

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Interview by Staci Layne Wilson