“I started on Reproach The Darkness at the end of May 2025. First ordering the realistic looking prop knives. One thing people wouldn’t know, I personally don’t do scripts. Not with Reproach or previously with ChooChoo McGovney (Comedy). I personally find if you give people lines to memorize, they tend to worry on that and lose the realistic natural flow of talking. I do bullet points to hit on and let the actors improvise the rest. I’ll say, “What would you actually say if this were really happening?” That way it gives freedom and their words are genuine. I’m not knocking the traditional way. Whatever works for each Director.
I’m a Special Needs School bus driver for a living. So I mainly film on weekends and breaks off from work. It definitely can get frustrating when actors are scheduled for an outdoor shot and bad weather comes. I’d have to wait another week! Specifically with Reproach, it was tough to find real woods (not near traffic) that’s not in a neighborhood (people might call the Cops). Jacy, who I co-directed ChooChoo McGovney with/also acted in Reproach, said if you’re willing to help clear out some of my woods, you can film here (left alone).
I was solid as a rock with Reproach being black and white (in honor of Rod Serling). Also, the time length is close to an episode of Twilight Zone. Budget wise, I love saving money! 1. I choose friends who would love to be in something. I work with their acting. Hiring people would be expensive! Plus more laid back with friends. 2. I’m all about filming at real locations (not renting out some filming place). 3. Effect wise, doing it ourselves (David B. Goodwin editing). We used some AI/David’s skills mixed. Handing off to some effects guy is expensive! 4. Myself/the other actors, all had real contact (willingly). Not hiring stunt doubles. I’m also not a fan of constantly using camera angle tricks. I personally want to SEE the hit! Tony Jaa (Martial Artist) is actually a big influence of mine with that subject!”
P.s. movie still wise, I didn’t want to give away too much. Otherwise it’d ruin the surprise of some of the startling moments.
– Stephen Kern (Director, Reproach The Darkness)
