March, 2020. Coronavirus pandemic in full effect. Isolation, masks, fear. That was the start. Two filmmakers, Aaron Krygier and David R. Williams, friends and colleagues for close to fifteen years chat as they do. Abel Ferrara’s classic Driller Killer is on Amazon Prime. And that’s how it began.
Inspired by Driller Killer as well as a bevy of other films, mostly from the gritty, grimy, raw 80s, Rust Belt Driller was born. Paying homage to Ferrara’s classic, but drawing inspiration from Videodrome, Perfect Blue, Eaten Alive, and many others as well, RBD went into pre-production officially in June, 2020.
Tilke Hill came on board as a producer, co-director, and acting coach at this time and assisted with casting and wrangling of performers. RBD was treated more like a play whenever possible regarding interactions with actors (digitally of course at the time). Tilke’s own experience and talent payed dividends from the beginning.
After only a 4 month pre-production schedule, filming commenced in late October of 2020, with a 9 day shoot in total. Made with a true independent film budget, a dedicated group both on and off camera, and a little bit of luck, we humbly present to you now Rust Belt Driller.
World Premiere: Dances With Films Festival 2021
Local WNY Premiere: Buffalo International Film Festival 2021
Picked up for distribution by: Bayview Entertainment and HNN Presents