Charlie Perez is a director and writer, and he is passionate about dark, gripping
storytelling.He has co-founded Cruella Entertainment, now working more solo, where he focuses on bringing unique and intense stories that he would like to see, both as a director and editor. He has a background in various creative fields, including music, visual effects, photography, and cartooning, and I he loves to experiment with different forms of art to express himself.
Outside of filmmaking, he's also been involved in social media management and podcasting, helping other creatives engage or grow with their audiences and creating content that resonates. "It’s been a crazy ride so far, and I’m excited about the ways I can continue storytelling through different mediums."
You've submitted "Facing the Unknown", please describe the project to our readers.
Thanks so much for having me!
"'Facing The Unknown' is a sci-fi thriller that my sister Danielle and I co-produced. The film follows a woman who wakes up in a desolate, charred forest with explosions echoing in the distance and a mysterious spacecraft chasing her. As she struggles to survive, she stumbles upon a hidden tunnel, In the Tunnel she holds her bracelet which triggers a flashback to a bracelet she gave her daughter for strength. That moment of reflection pushes her to confront her fear and face the spacecraft head-on, bringing the story full circle with a twist.
The film blends intense action with emotional depth, exploring themes of survival, resilience, and the power of love. It's about how the love for your kids gives you the strength to face the unknown, even in the darkest moments."
How did you understand that this was your vocation?
Since I can remember, I’ve always had fun storytelling. I used to write stories and fan fiction, and my mom would even laminate them, spelling mistakes and all! My dad was a huge movie/tv guy, so he introduced me to all the classics, which fueled my love for film. My parents also played a lot of music, which got me into music videos and the role of music in films.
Growing up, I loved telling stories, watching movies, and experimenting with photography and video cameras. I was fascinated by movie sets and the magic of filmmaking. There was never a time I got into it; it’s just always been my life in some way or form since before I could even talk." That combination of influences and experiences led me right here... i guess.
What inspired you to write "Facing the Unknown"?
What inspired me to write 'Facing the Unknown' was actually a challenging time with my production company. Our team was falling apart, and while we had a lot of potential, nothing was getting done. In situations like that, it’s easy for everyone to start pointing fingers, and I wanted to prove to myself that I wasn’t the problem. Instead of just talking the talk, I decided to take walk the walk. Make a film solo.
So, I set out to make this film with my sister as the producer. Initially, I thought about acting in it too, but then I realized I wanted to focus on directing and making the film as strong as possible. I brought in a talented female actor because I love showcasing strong female characters, especially since there aren't enough of them in film. The story started to take shape based on how I was feeling at the time. The protagonist is stuck in a sort of end-of-the-world scenario that she can’t escape, mirroring my own feelings of being trapped. And just like in my life, her motivation comes from the love of her kids. They give me the strength to face challenges, and that theme of love and resilience became a central part of the story.
Shall we expect to see more of this story in the future?
Yes, I did think about expanding the story once 'Facing the Unknown' surpassed 10,000 views. I had a lot of ideas, including revealing who was in the spaceship and showing that the main character isn’t the only one trapped in this world. However, I ultimately decided to hold off on that for now because I want to focus on creating my first full-length film. I think that will be a great next step in my journey as a filmmaker.
We're very glad to hear, "Facing The Unknown" is very captivating and we'd love to see more of it.
Are there any filmmakers that inspire your work?
There are so many filmmakers who inspire my work! I draw inspiration from James Wan and Leigh Whannell for their unique storytelling, Alex Garland for his thought-provoking narratives, and Christopher Nolan for his intricate plots. I also admire Rob Zombie and early Tim Burton for their distinctive styles, as well as the Coen Brothers, the Wachowskis, and Josh and Benny Safdie for their fresh perspectives. David Fincher and David Lynch have influenced my approach to psychological depth, and I appreciate Michael Bay, Zack Snyder and Robert Rodriguez for their bold visual storytelling. Honestly, we could play this game forever!
What difficulties or challenges did you face during the development of the project?
I didn’t face many difficulties during the development phase since my sister is one of the best creative partners I could ask for. However, when it came to filming, we faced quite a few challenges. We only had about an hour and a half to shoot the whole film, and doing everything myself made it a bit tough. Managing time and resources while trying to capture the vision I had was definitely challenging.
Is Sci-fi the genre that you wanna stick with? If not what do you tend to produce and why.
I think everything I create has at least a touch of sci-fi. I’m not entirely sure why that is, but it just seems to flow into my work. However, for my upcoming full-length film, I'm planning to dive into straight drama. I’m excited to explore that genre more deeply and see where it takes me!
You're also an accomplished musician, cartoonist, professional, visual effect's artist, and professional photographer, we love to see all of these elements included in your work. What's your process for creating your original scores?
Music has always been a significant part of my upbringing; there was always music playing in my house. My parents had diverse tastes, which influenced me greatly. I started with drums in school, then moved on to guitar, playing in bands around the Hollywood scene. Throughout this time, I’ve always been drawn to the stories behind music videos and the songs themselves.
When I create scores, I often start with a rhythmic pattern that’s been playing in my head. For instance, with Facing The Unknown, I envisioned someone running away from a spaceship as the tension built. The closer the ship got, the more intense the score became. I weave in elements from my own life and feelings to add depth to the scene. This process is pretty typical for me: I make music or listen to it, and scenes start to unfold in my mind, driving the narrative of my projects.
We also saw that you're a dad, how is it to involve your kids in your projects?
It's amazing and so much fun! Every project I've worked on has included my kids and nieces in some way. They're all incredibly creative and smart, and they really understand the film world. We often watch movies together, breaking down scenes and discussing how effects are achieved. I believe films are all about evoking emotions, and making movies together creates lasting memories. It’s a wonderful way to share my passion with them!
What is your secret dream? A project not yet completed or a collaboration with another artist you respect.
The Goal was always to create a full-length film. It's something I've been working toward for a long time, and I’m excited about the possibilities. As for collaborating with artists, it's a bit tricky to answer because I've already had the chance to work with and meet some of the people I grew up watching and dreaming about collaborating with. That's already a dream come true for me! I'm very lucky.
Who would you recommend "Facing The Unknown" to? And why?
I would recommend "Facing The Unknown" to filmmakers who feel stuck in small towns or anyone aspiring to get into filmmaking but lacks connections. It’s a testament to how you can create compelling work with just a little bit of determination and a few supportive friends or family members. The film showcases that creativity doesn't need a big budget or a large team; it just needs passion and the willingness to tell a story.
What advice would you give to a new filmmaker or a new writer starting out?
Just do it! Create because you want to create. Don’t wait for anyone or anything—get out there and make your vision a reality. Every project, no matter how small, is a step forward, so keep pushing yourself and let your passion guide you.
One thing you wish you had discovered sooner?
I wish I had discovered sooner that you don’t need Hollywood to make your film. Just do it! Create because you want to create. Don’t wait for anyone or anything—get out there and make your vision a reality. Every project, no matter how small, is a step forward, so keep pushing yourself and let your passion guide you. Remember, no one is coming to make your film for you, so take charge and do it yourself!
Aside from "Facing The Unknown", what are you working on at the moment?
I have about 20 short films written, but I think I’m going to take a break from short films to focus on hopefully making my full-length film. It's time to channel my energy into that project and bring it to life!
What is your opinion on the involvement of artificial intelligence in the world of entertainment?
I flew to film in Wisconsin, and when I mentioned that I edit on a computer, someone said that wasn’t “real” editing because I wasn’t cutting film. It reminded me of when Photoshop was becoming popular, and people argued that it didn’t create “real” photos anymore. Every time there’s a shift in technology, there’s resistance. But AI is here to stay, so it’s important to learn about it and embrace it. However, always prioritize your creative mindset; otherwise, you risk getting left behind.
What does the future hold for you?
I’m working on something that’s been on my mind for a while now, a film that digs deep into the fear and desperation of living on the edge of danger. Without spoiling too much, it’s about a guy, Dominic, who finds himself in a situation that quickly spirals out of control. There’s tension, shady deals, and a lot of moments where you’re left wondering who to trust.
"A quiet city at night, but the real danger isn't in the streets. He betrayed the wrong people. Now, every shadow hides a consequence, and his next move might be his last.
We can;t wait to watch it then! Your future is promising!
Thank you for your time, we are proud to have an artist of your caliber in our fifth edition of Morgana Film Festival!
Thank you for letting me apart of this!
Email: black.heartcinema@gmail.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlie_lives/
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