Joao Augusto De Nardo
He is the filmmaker of Tudo o que Voce Ama Sera Destruido Dollar Baby film
SKSM: Could you start with telling me a little bit about yourself? Who are you and what do you do?
Joao Augusto De Nardo: I’m Joao Augusto De Nardo, a Brazilian writer and director. I have a passion for storytelling and filmmaking. My goal is to bring captivating stories to life through the medium of film.
Throughout my journey as a writer and director, I’ve been inspired by iconic horror films from various eras, including classic works by Dario Argento, vintage slashers, psychological thrillers, and modern supernatural horrors. Each film has left an indelible mark on my creative vision, pushing me to experiment with different horror subgenres and techniques to craft my own unique cinematic experiences.
SKSM: When did you know you wanted to become a filmmaker?
Joao Augusto De Nardo: Filmmaking has always fascinated me since I was a child. As I grew older, I realized that telling stories through movies was my true calling. The power of visuals and emotions that can be conveyed through film inspired me to pursue a career in this field.
My passion for horror films played a significant role in this realization. I was captivated by the way horror films could elicit such intense emotions and immerse audiences in a world of suspense, fear, and excitement. The ability to create atmospheres, craft suspenseful narratives, and bring terrifying visions to life on the screen fascinated me.
Growing up, I was drawn to iconic horror movies like “The Exorcist,” “Halloween,” “A Nightmare on Elm Street,” and “Psycho.” These films showed me the power of storytelling through visuals and sound, and how horror could tap into our deepest fears and anxieties.
As I honed my filmmaking skills, I found myself gravitating towards horror as my preferred genre. I admired the creativity and innovation that horror filmmakers employed to scare and entertain audiences. The genre offered a unique canvas for exploring complex themes, human psychology, and societal fears.
SKSM: When was Tudo o que Voce Ama Sera Destruido made? Can you tell me a little about the production? How much did it cost? How long did it take to film it?
Joao Augusto De Nardo: “Tudo o que Voce Ama Sera Destruido” is a horror short film that I made recently, July this year. The production process was intense and thrilling, aiming to create an eerie and suspenseful atmosphere. It costs less than $500 and was shot in one single night. The entire process of pre-production to post-production and screening take about 2 months to complete.
SKSM: How come you picked Tudo o que Voce Ama Sera Destruido to develop into a movie? What is it in the story that you like so much?
Joao Augusto De Nardo: I chose to adapt “Tudo o que Voce Ama Sera Destruido” into a horror movie because the story’s elements perfectly lent themselves to creating a chilling and spine-tingling experience. It had the potential to evoke fear and suspense, making it an ideal choice for horror enthusiasts.
SKSM: What do you think it is about the story that attracts people so much?
Joao Augusto De Nardo: The horror genre attracts people because of its ability to evoke primal emotions like fear and anxiety. It allows audiences to confront their deepest fears in a controlled environment, offering a cathartic experience.
SKSM: How did you find out that King sold the movie rights to some of his stories for just $1? Was it just a wild guess or did you know it before you sent him the check?
Joao Augusto De Nardo: I found out by chance. After my last short film I was trying to create a story with the least money possible and discovered about the dollar baby program.
SKSM: Was there any funny or special moment when the movie was made that you would like to tell me about?
Joao Augusto De Nardo: During the making of “Tudo o que Voce Ama Sera Destruido,” there were certainly some eerie and memorable moments on set. I recall the last scene of the movie was made in only one take, a 2 minutes scene with continuous shot using practical effects that left the cast genuinely unnerved.
SKSM: Are there points that you say afterwards that we could have done better differently.
Joao Augusto De Nardo: There might be aspects that I believe could have been executed differently for a more intense scare factor or a stronger emotional impact, but I’m really happy with the results. Filmmaking is a learning process, and I always seek to improve my craft.
SKSM: Are there things cut out of the movie that you miss now?
Joao Augusto De Nardo: In the editing process, we may have had to omit some scenes for various reasons. While it’s tough to let go of those moments, the focus remains on delivering a coherent and captivating horror narrative, so I think that what’s on the movie is the better and there’s nothing to miss!
SKSM: How does it feel that all the King fans out there can’t see your movie? Do you think that will change in the future? Maybe a internet/dvd release would be possible?
Joao Augusto De Nardo: It’s a privilege to create a horror film based on a Stephen King story. While not all King fans may be able to see the movie immediately, right now it’s available on youtube, and I hope we can explore distribution options to make it accessible to horror enthusiasts worldwide.
SKSM: Can you describe the feeling when the movie was done? And how the film was received after viewing.
Joao Augusto De Nardo: Completing “Tudo o que Voce Ama Sera Destruido” brought a mix of emotions. It was gratifying to see the horror unfold on screen, and after the viewing, the audience’s reactions and feedback provided valuable insights into the effectiveness of our short.
SKSM: What “good or bad” reviews have you received on your film?
Joao Augusto De Nardo: Some viewers praised its suspenseful atmosphere and psychological depth, while others had criticisms regarding certain aspects of the storytelling and pacing. Overall, I appreciate the feedback, both positive and negative, as it helps me grow as a filmmaker and continue to refine my craft.
SKSM: Do you plan to screen the movie at a particular festival?
Joao Augusto De Nardo: I plan to submit “Tudo o que Voce Ama Sera Destruido” to various horror film festivals to connect with fellow horror filmmakers and enthusiasts. Horror festivals are great platforms to share our tales. I plan to screen the movie at the locals “Fantaspoa” and “Festival de Cinema de Gramado”
SKSM: Are you a Stephen King fan? If so, which are your favorite works and adaptations?
Joao Augusto De Nardo: As a horror fan, I admire Stephen King’s works immensely. Some of my favorite horror novels and their corresponding horror film adaptations are:
“The Shining”: This chilling tale of the haunted Overlook Hotel and the psychological descent of Jack Torrance is a horror classic in both novel and film form. Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation is a masterpiece of horror cinema, capturing the eerie atmosphere and intense psychological terror.
“Misery”: The story of an obsessed fan holding a famous author captive is a thrilling and intense psychological horror. The film adaptation, directed by Rob Reiner, brilliantly brings the tension and terror of the novel to life.
“Carrie”: The haunting portrayal of a bullied girl with telekinetic powers is a powerful horror story that has been adapted into several films over the years. The 1976 adaptation, directed by Brian De Palma, remains a classic of the genre.
As a horror filmmaker, I am continually inspired by Stephen King’s ability to create compelling characters, eerie atmospheres, and deeply unsettling narratives. His works and their adaptations have shaped my approach to horror storytelling, and I eagerly look forward to future projects that pay homage to the master of horror himself.
SKSM: Did you have any personal contact with King during the making of the movie? Has he seen it (and if so, what did he think about it)?
Joao Augusto De Nardo: Unfortunately, I haven’t had any personal contact with Stephen King during the making of “Tudo o que Voce Ama Sera Destruido.” If he were to watch the film, I would be thrilled to know his thoughts on our adaptation.
SKSM: Do you have any plans for making more movies based on Stephen King’s stories? If you could pick -at least- one story to shoot, which one would it be and why?
Joao Augusto De Nardo: If given the chance, I would love to adapt more Stephen King stories in the future. One story that has always intrigued me is “Needful Things” because of its intense psychological elements and unique premise.
“Needful Things” is a gripping tale that weaves a web of horror and psychological intrigue. Adapting this story into a film would allow me to explore the depths of human desires, the consequences of unchecked ambition, and the fragility of human relationships when faced with temptation. It’s a story that promises an unsettling and thought-provoking cinematic experience for both horror enthusiasts and general audiences alike.
Another desire is maybe doing a horror anthology purely with King’s adaptations. Paranoid: A Chant is also a favorite of mine.
SKSM: What are you working on nowadays?
Joao Augusto De Nardo: Currently, I’m exploring new ideas and scripts for future projects. As a filmmaker, I’m always seeking opportunities to bring compelling stories to the screen. I’m committed to creating more bone-chilling and thought-provoking horror films.
My latest project is a full-length slasher film inspired by the iconic movie “Scream”, blends self-awareness, meta-humor, and suspenseful slasher sequences.
As the film progresses, the lines between the killer’s motives and the characters’ own secrets become blurred, creating a tense atmosphere of suspicion and distrust. The suspense builds as the characters navigate through a labyrinth of twists and turns, desperately trying to survive the night and unmask the ruthless killer.
It pays homage to classic slasher films while offering a fresh and modern take on the genre. It embraces the nostalgia of ’90s horror while delivering a rollercoaster ride of scares and surprises for today’s audience.
SKSM: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Joao Augusto De Nardo: One surprising thing about me is that I draw inspiration from real-life fears and psychological horror, and I often incorporate these elements into my storytelling.
SKSM: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Joao Augusto De Nardo: In five years, I hope to have expanded my portfolio with even more horror films that resonate with horror enthusiasts globally.
SKSM: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Is there anything you want to say to the fans that read this interview?
Joao Augusto De Nardo: To the fans who read this interview, I am incredibly grateful for your support and interest in my work. I hope “Tudo o que Voce Ama Sera Destruido” and future projects will bring you emotional connections to the stories we bring to life.
SKSM: Do you like to add anything else?
Joao Augusto De Nardo: I want to express my gratitude to everyone involved in the making of “Tudo o que Voce Ama Sera Destruido,” from the talented cast and crew to the fans who have shown their support. Filmmaking is a collaborative effort, and I’m excited to embark on new creative journeys in the future. Horror filmmaking is a relentless journey, and I’m excited to continue exploring the depths of fear and human psyche through the lens of my camera. Thank you for your time and interest!
