INTERVIEW with Tom Michaels

How long have you been doing movies? How did you decide to start making movies?

I have always been an Actor first and received my first credit in 2011 but I said to myself it’s best to learn the other side of the business as well. I also always wanted to direct and write as well. In essence, I needed to create my own destiny. After I received my degree in acting, I continued with my craft and later applied for film school, which I was then accepted and eventually graduated in 2019 at the USC Cinematic Arts Program in Los Angeles, California. I have written, directed and starred in three short films since 2023 through my production company Orzel Films and fortunately have been quite successful to date and transitioning to theatrical Independent features for a world wide audience.

Why did you do this project?

I came up with a good story and I had a feeling if I did it the way I envisioned in my head, that the project would be something special, particularly since I shot this on 16mm, which I did.

(If you can say). How much budget did you have to do this project?

The cost for Come the Nightfall was $75,000.00 which includes post production as well.

Was it self-funded or did you get budget/producers/investors?

This project was self funded.

How long did it take from the initial idea to being able to release?

This only took a matter of a few months. I like to work quickly from start to finish. The time frame also depends on the availability of the cast and crew as well.

Are you happy with the result?

Finishing the project is always a good thing and whenever you view a finished product, we tend to nitpick certain areas of the film that maybe we could have done a bit differently, but that’s a normal stigma attached to filmmakers. At the end of the day one should feel proud of the end result.

What phase is this project in right now? Are you in the initial phase of sending it to festivals, middle phase or finishing the circuit?

As we speak, Come the Nightfall has been submitted to numerous festivals and from that point on it’s just a waiting game.

How has your experience been with the festivals so far? Where do you think they should improve?

My previous two short films The Devil’s Entrance and Older Self have done quite well during their festival run, particularly Older Self which has garnered 33 wins and over 50 nominations during its run which ends during the end of 2025. I think festivals in general are a wonderful event and place for collaborating talent but truth be told it tends to be very political especially the top tier ones. It’s unfortunate but it is what it is.

Could you tell us which platforms you use to submit your entries to festivals?

I use filmfreeway. The navigation is very smooth and customer service is wonderful. How do you think I found you!

Normally, filmmakers use many references, favorite directors, favorite movies, etc. Were you inspired by any director or film? If so, tell us your references.

The directors who were very inspirational to me as a child were Alfred Hitchcock, Stanley Kubrick and John Carpenter. Each brought something unique and different to the table. Hitchcock brought great story lines and suspense where Kubrick was a very powerful visual storyteller and Carpenter created powerful atmospheres with his unique choice of using synthesizers. Also with Carpenter he was just a great visual storyteller and the choice to use anamorphic lenses. He is one of my favorite directors of all time.

Your favorite movie?

My favorite film of all time is North by Northwest. It’s a perfect movie that combines a unique story, great characters, the rich colors and the way in which each scene flows so perfectly. Just a beautiful picture.

Favorite series?

The Rockford Files and The X-Files

Do you see yourself making movies in 5 years? Where do you see yourself?

I will continue making films for as long as I can. This is just the beginning. My production company Orzel Films is growing rapidly, so why stop. Making movies for a world wide audience is a fun job, if you want to call it a job.

Do you have any other projects in mind?

Come the Nightfall was the last short film I've done as we have numerous projects in the works which includes Independent Feature films and TV shows as well from here on out.

What do you ask for the future? (cinematographically speaking)

Please never let film disappear. I am speaking of shooting on film instead of digital. I love film and I hope it never disappears from existence.

Your best experience in a movie theater?

3 years ago was the 40th anniversary of the release of The Thing which was directed by John Carpenter. They had a screening near where I live in northern california. This was a Wednesday evening which constitutes a work day. People usually come home after work and they want to rest and so forth. The film started at 6pm and when I got there it was nearly sold out. It was unbelievable for a film that is 40 years old, and to be able to be there and experience this was magical. Everybody from all walks of life were there. Young and old. It doesn’t matter the age or gender. Everyone enjoyed this classic. When you make a great film, people will come. It was surely my greatest experience in a movie theater ever.