Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How do you approach collaboration with other departments, such as cinematography and sound design?
Krista Michaels (KM): I absolutely love to collaborate with my amazing team at Retro Raptor! With that said, I am not only the Director/Cinematographer on my projects, but I also do sound design, editing, musical composition, and more! We are an indie company, after all, and one must wear many hats!

Q: What techniques do you use to effectively manage a film set and ensure a smooth production?
KM: My film sets are usually pretty fucking chill. It’s a bunch of amazing friends hanging out together… and making a awesome horror flick with tons of practical effects kills. If we can’t hang outside of filmmaking, then you’re probably not on the film set.

Q: Can you discuss a challenging project you worked on and how you overcame the obstacles?
KM: Every film I’ve ever made has been challenging. There is no exception. If there is a problem that you can run into, you better believe that we’ve encountered said issue at one point or another! We’ve had to deal with dying batteries, failing equipment such as lights (oh, this can be such a problem!), last-minute continuity issues, conflicting schedules due to 9-5 jobs, etc. Yet somehow, we still manage to finish our films on time, and do our absolute best to deliver! We’ve won a few awards at film festivals now, and it is the greatest honor to see all of our hard work pay off!

Q: How do you stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in filmmaking?
KM: We don’t, usually. We have an older 4K camera that we’ve been using to shoot for three films (at this point). It’s the Panasonic LUMIX G9 that came out in 2018. I got it at a discounted rate while working as a salesperson at a local camera store. It’s technically a micro four-thirds stills camera, but it has amazing video capabilities, and even shoots in 10-bit. We’ve found no reason (nor funds) to upgrade. We, at Retro Raptor, are deeply inspired by indie 80s cinema, and couldn’t care less for the latest technology. Though, I will say this: I absolutely love my LED lighting kit!!

Q: What role do you believe storytelling plays in the filmmaking process?
KM: Storytelling is everything in film!! No story, no film! At the time of this writing, I’ve directed three horror short films, which are extremely tricky; you have to be able to get the message, premise, and total idea of what you’re trying to communicate with the audience out in such a short time frame. I’ve written several feature scripts, and can’t wait to delve deeper into the psyche of my characters!

Q: How do you handle feedback and criticism from producers or peers?
KM: I usually produce my own films, so I haven’t had to worry about feedback from a producer. However, I always listen to my cast and crew. We’e had several moments of improv in our films, as I tend to work with the local comedy scene, which my beautiful girlfriend, Brandy Bryant, has been/is involved with. I love listening to new and fresh takes! Hell, maybe their ideas are better than my own. I like to film things to make everyone happy and feel included on set. The editing room? Well, that’s a completely different matter…

Q: Can you explain your experience with different film formats and how they influence your work?
KM: Omg! I love this question!! So far, I’ve only shot my films using a 4K digital camera. But I am absolutely head-over-heels in love with 35mm film!! I can’t wait to shoot a film on 35. I used to work at a local theatre in my hometown in southern Virginia as a projectionist, where I operated dual-35mm projectors. It was a wonderful job! Since then, I’ve shot 35mm and 120 film as a passionate hobby in my spare time. I also process my own film at home (both color and black & white)!

Q: How do you prioritize tasks and manage time during a tight production schedule?
KM: We plan way ahead for everything. Our pre-production process is usually fairly lengthy and detailed. We always have storyboards, shot lists, and plans for every aspect of production. So that when we are ready to roll the cameras and sound, we are 100% ready for any occasion. We plan for things that could go wrong, and if we’re somehow behind, we find ways to make up for it.

Q: What strategies do you use to develop strong characters and engaging narratives?
KM: Most of my stories are co-written with my girlfriend, Brandy Bryant. We base a lot of the characters on ourselves and attributes from our friends/family. And our stories are often inspired by real-life events or ideas that are personal to us. The only people we ever try to impress are ourselves. Of course, we strive to entertain the audience. But we can’t make everyone happy! So we make ourselves happy first. If other people dig our work, then fuck yeah!!

Q: How do you ensure that your films resonate with diverse audiences?
KM: Brandy and I are transgender filmmakers ourselves. And I am bisexual. We have many friends of all types in the LGBTQ+ scene, and diversity greatly matters to us and for our films. Our previous films have been diverse, and so too will be our future ones.

Q: Can you share an example of how you adapted your vision based on budget constraints?
KM: We’ve never, to this point, had a budget. We self-finance everything based on what we can scrounge together from our 9-5 jobs. It sucks. Give us money!

Q: How do you approach casting and working with actors to bring your vision to life?
KM: I’ve held auditions before… but I feel like in addition to that, I can usually tell if someone’s gonna fit the role that I have in mind. I like to hang out with someone and see how we connect. If you’re chill, and you feel the part, then I cast you. It’s as simple as that. After all, there are many Hollywood actors that I don’t think are very good. Credits mean very little to me.

Q: What is your experience with post-production processes, and how do you collaborate with editors?
KM: So far, I have edited each and every one of my films. It’s honestly something that I’m passionate about, as I’m also the cinematographer, and I’d greatly prefer if I edited my own shots. That way, the vision carries from start to finish. What you see is what I’ve fully intended.

Q: How do you incorporate feedback from test screenings into your final cut?
KM: If it’s a good idea, then I listen to the feedback/criticism. If it’s completely outside of the vision that I have for said film, then I ignore it.

Q: Can you discuss a time when you had to make a difficult decision during production?
KM: There have been times when a certain scene in a film didn’t quite align with the budget, and I had to cut it out completely. It’s always sad, but you have to remember what’s best for the creative vision of the film as a whole. Listen to your gut, and make the best film, regardless of what needs to be cut out.

Q: How do you balance artistic vision with commercial viability in your projects?
KM: I don’t worry about that nonsense. Even people who are 100% looking to make a commercial film with zero integrity aren’t always successful. All I can do is follow my heart and make the best film for myself and my crew. It’s a collaborative effort. I wouldn’t completely ignore commercial viability in terms of trying to go out of my way to make schlock. That’s not the case here. It’s just that I want to make a film that I feel confident about… something that personally makes me happy. If that happens to align with commerciality, then fucking awesome.

Q: What role does research play in your filmmaking process?
KM: Ohhhh, research plays a HUGE role in my filmmaking process. Sometimes, my girlfriend, Brandy, says that I do too much research on things that don’t matter… such as weapons, history/lore, and other stupid shit. But I do love an excuse to research. I love learning.

Q: How do you approach marketing and promoting your films once they are completed?
KM: We always put a considerable amount of our saved money into film festival submissions, and between our friends and family, we have a fairly decent social media presence that we like to blast content out to! I really enjoy promoting our films with cool posters, indie merch, and all sorts of ideas/knowledge and experience that I gained while in the punk rock music scene as a teen! So much fucking fun!

Q: Can you describe a time when you had to lead a team through a crisis on set?
KM: Luckily… and +knocks on wood+ we haven’t had a crisis on set yet. But I’m not afraid to push through and lead our team past any bullshit that life throws at us. As a millennial, we’ve already been through so damn much. I have nothing left to lose, quite honestly. We just want to have fun, and make films. We will stop at nothing to move past any barriers!

Q: How do you ensure that your films maintain a consistent tone and style?
KM: Though each and every one of our films is unique in its own way, we can’t help but to maintain style and consistent tone. Every Retro Raptor production just… feels like us? I can’t explain it, but we’ve got this.

Q: What are your thoughts on the impact of streaming platforms on the film industry?
KM: First off, we are fans of physical media! Brandy and I have a huge collection of VHS, DVD, and Blu-ray/4K movies! With that said, I also like streaming (to a degree). I don’t usually trust them to keep films alive, or prices down… but we have several films on the Troma NOW! streaming service, and we fucking love Lloyd Kaufman and his team at Troma! They’ve been good to us. Please visit and check them out.

Q: How do you foster a positive and inclusive environment on set?
KM: By making sure that everyone is happy, fed, and has something to do. I like everyone to feel included. And I want everyone involved to feel like it’s also their film, too. That means a lot to me. We are the Retro Raptor family! <3

Q: Can you discuss your experience with film festivals and how they have influenced your career?
KM: Oh, man! Some of the greatest experiences of my life have happened at film festivals! I have met so many amazing actors, writers, directors, producers, etc. in the horror film industry, both big and small. And it’s been a blast!!! I fucking love to network, and above all else, make friends. We’ve met people that we plan to work with in future films.

Q: What do you consider your greatest achievement in filmmaking, and why?
KM: At the 2023 Rocky Mountain Nightmares International Film Festival, our film MANTID screened to a packed room! And horror icon, Bill Moseley, as well as an actor from the Terrifier franchise were in attendance. And the crowd shouted and cheered during our kill sequences, with amazing special effects makeup work by my awesome girlfriend, Brandy Bryant! Afterwards, we did a Q&A, and shook the hands of the audience who had glowing reviews. It was the best night of my filmmaking life. <3

Q: What is something about you that others may not know?
KM: I am deep into ufology and alien lore. Please, come and visit me! ✌️👽

Q: What is your favorite horror film?
KM: Ju-on: The Grudge (2002)

Q: What other films do you like?
KM: Taxi Driver, Goodfellas, Vertigo, Barry Lyndon, 2001: A Space Odyssey, The Terminator, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Madman, Maniac, The Burning, Halloween, That Thing You Do!, Hook, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Sandlot, The Coen Brothers’ filmography

Q: What is your favorite music?
KM: The Beatles