Hi Shivaan! Tell us about yourself! Give us a brief introduction

I like anything with violence as it relates to real life. I also go by Sullivan McGuffin.

Recent Works:
Room 203 (2014)
2 Brothers (2016)
Pastiche (2020)

Where are you located?

Los Angeles, California

What is a quote that summarizes everything you’re about as a filmmaker?

The more successful the villain, the more successful the picture.

-Alfred Hitchcock

What inspired you to start creating films?

My father and Alfred Hitchcock.

Who most inspires/influences you currently and why?

Alfred Hitchcock and Stanley Kubrick because they crafted the art to extremities. As directors, they really expanded film beyond the proscenium arch. Everytime I watch their filmography, I always learn something.

What is your favorite film genre and why?

Thrillers. They always put us in danger without really doing it.

As a creator, what do you find to be the thing that most drives you?

I like to bring forth the darkness that exists in this life and needs to be acknowledged.

What is your absolute dream in life?

In a world where violent crimes occur, I want my films to educate the audience so that they can be forewarned of such horrors.

What work do you take the most pride in at this point in your career?

My latest, Pastiche!

What has been the most challenging project you’ve been a part of?

Making Pastiche was challenging because of all the violence. To an extent, the actors were getting beat up. Keep in mind, their safety was our priority.

What was the most valuable single lesson you learned in completing that project?

Camera blocking is key to any master shot.

What has been the most fun thing you’ve done in your career so far?

According to the make up artists, we used the most amount of blood. That was fun.

Who is one person that you hope to work with and why?

David Cronenberg because he knows horror and violence.

Is there anyone in particular that you’d like to thank and/or shout-out in this interview?

I thank my father everyday and I’ll thank him here too!

Thank you so much for being a part of The Film Festival Network Community, Shivaan! We can’t wait to see what you do next.

Thanks for having me!