Interview: Matt Wohl – Writer/Director “SCOOTER”

It’s not the destination that kills you, it’s the journey – as Matt Wohl’s new film “Scooter” validates.

 

Scooter. How did it come about, sir? An idea you had while riding one?

 

I do own a scooter. However, the idea came to my laying in bed one night, trying to see if I could find a way to do a found footage film I didn’t hate. I often think about taking a long trip on my scooter. Then, my brain kicks in and I think of all the things that could go wrong. That’s the film.

 

And is it fair to say it’s as much a thriller as it is a cautionary tale about using social media?

 

For sure. I think social media, and the need for attention, blinds the characters into making choices that bring about all the things that happen to them.

 

Have you had any troubling incidents on socials that might have been weaved into the screenplay?

 

No. My son and I watched a lot of the British show Top Gear. They get into all kinds of situations. I really wanted to take that a step further.

 

Is filmmaking in the blood? If not, when did you decide it was time to give it a whirl?

 

I think it’s in the blood. I actually started doing theatre when I was 10. I was cast in a film at 16 and that was it. I was hooked. Lately I’ve been focusing more on writing, but I’ve wanted to move more into creating. I love it, it’s addictive. Although, it’s an expensive addiction.

 

What films would you compare Scooter to?

 

I think there’s a bit of the original Blair Witch. There’s a touch of Get Out. There’s a bit of Top Gear. There’s some Cool Hand Luke. Those would be some of the influences. Then, generally I was looking to add to the sub-genre of “road trip gone bad” films.

 

To see if SCOOTER is screening near you check here : https://www.facebook.com/pg/scooterthemovie/events/