5Q's w/: Anna Hammill "Darby After Dark" Director, Writer, Producer

QUESTION#1: What excited you the most when making this film?: What excited me the most about making Darby After Dark was the opportunity to create an intense and suspenseful story in such a compact, focused way. I loved the challenge of building tension and a chilling atmosphere within the confines of a single scene and a short runtime. Knowing that we could rely on dialogue, subtle visual cues, and creative sound design to drive the narrative really pushed me to think outside the box.

I was also excited to explore the concept of a paranormal game, which is something I’ve always found intriguing. Stories like these tap into the perfect balance of curiosity and fear, and it was thrilling to bring that to life in a way that keeps the audience guessing. Additionally, collaborating with the talented cast and crew, and seeing their passion and creativity breathe life into the film, was an incredibly rewarding experience. It reminded me why I love storytelling and why I’m so passionate about the horror genre.

Lastly, I was excited to make something set in the 70s, as this was my first technical "period piece." The fashion, the music, and the overall vibe of the era gave the film an extra layer of texture that I found both fun and challenging to bring to life.

QUESTION#2: What was the most significant film you've seen AT THE THEATER in 2024, and how did it influence your filmmaking?: My favorite film that I saw in theaters in 2024 was Longlegs. It’s hauntingly atmospheric storytelling, masterful balance of suspense, and character-driven narrative definitely left an impact on me as a filmmaker. The way Longlegs utilized its pacing to build tension and deliver unexpected twists inspired me to focus more on the rhythm and timing of my own work. I was particularly drawn to the film's use of visuals and sound design to create an immersive experience. It reminded me of how much these elements can elevate a story's emotional and psychological impact. Watching Longlegs reinforced my love for horror as a genre that can push boundaries, both creatively and emotionally, and it motivated me to bring that same level of intention and artistry to my own projects.

QUESTION#3: What's an obvious and not-so-obvious question someone might ask about your film?: An obvious question someone might ask about Darby After Dark is, "What inspired you to create a horror story around a paranormal game?" It's a pretty common question since the game's central to the plot, and people are often curious about what sparked the idea. Darby was definitely inspired by some of the stories I came across on Reddit's r/nosleep and various Creepypastas that feature paranormal games. I’ve always been fascinated by how these stories build tension around simple rituals that lead to terrifying consequences. That blend of curiosity and fear was something I wanted to explore.

A not-so-obvious question someone might ask is, "Who exactly is Margaret and what is her influence Darby?" Margaret’s true intentions are left unclear throughout the film, which plays into the suspense and mystery. The decision to keep her background and motivations vague adds layers to the story, keeping the audience on edge and uncertain about who Margaret really is and what her call means for Darby’s journey. The role of ambiguity in heightening tension was something I was excited to explore and bring into the narrative.

QUESTION#4: A magic movie genie is giving you an unlimited budget for your next production! However, you're only allowed to use it on either "above line" or "below line" resouces. Which do you choose and why?: If I had a magic movie genie offering me an unlimited budget, I’d absolutely pour it into below-the-line resources! It would be such a game-changer to have the funds to craft those eerie soundscapes, jaw-dropping set designs, and chilling VFX that truly bring a horror film to life.
So far, I’ve made all of my films with either no budget or ultra-low budgets, so the idea of an unlimited budget would be a total game-changer, giving me the freedom to expand my creative vision in ways I’ve only dreamed of. I would focus on world-building, where every little detail gets the resources it needs, crafting an atmosphere so unsettling it lingers with the audience long after they leave the theater.

QUESTION#5: What is it about your current movie that will influence your next film?: For my next film, I'd like to experiment with something a little longer (around 15 pages) and incorporate more than one location. However, something from Darby After Dark that will definitely influence my next project is the importance of set design. I'll make sure that every location is not only functional but visually engaging, as I’ve learned just how much a well-designed set can enhance the atmosphere and narrative. I’ve also come to appreciate how much you can achieve with just a little. Working with limited resources in Darby taught me that creativity and resourcefulness go a long way in making a film feel bigger than its budget, and I plan to carry that mindset with me into future projects.

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