JR Timothy – Murder at the Hive
We were able to interview the comedy genius himself JR Timothy about his latest improv movie Murder at the Hive which is an official selection of the Utah Film Festival.
What was the inspiration to make Murder at the Hive?
Improv. We made up the whole thing as we went, but I did use the movie “Clue” for the story architecture.
From idea to completion, how did t Murder at the Hive change?
It was changing a lot. That happens when you throw the lines away and let the actors play in the scene with their characters.
What was the biggest challenge in getting Murder at the Hive made?
Coralling 10+ actors to improvise simultaneously and share the limelight of the camera. We found our rhythm and that’s what made the final cut, but it was an adventure finding those beats with all those characters in the room at the same time.
What do you think is the most important takeaway from your film?
One location for movies is awesome and makes it easier for production and quality. And collaboration with your friends rallying behind a good idea really helps to stretch your budget.
If you could have a do over with your film is there anything that you would do differently? If so, what would that be?
Yes, I would do 3 cameras filming simultaneously. It would help the comedy play out so much easier in editing.
What do you have next in the works?
I have my first big movie deal, “Uranus Attacks” filming in Missouri. It’s a sci-fi comedy/horror about 2 friends who stop an alien invasion in their small town. We’re doing a lot of practical effects and making some awesome characters people will love and root for.
How can we learn more about you and your projects?
Follow me on Instagram & TikTok I’ll be posting things nearly everyday about “Uranus Attacks” and showing the entire process from start to finish. @jrtimothy.comedygenius
J.R. Timothy is pioneering improvisational movies; he’s a comedian director set on entertaining his audiences through fun & off the cuff dialogue, unexpected actions and absurdity. His movies feel like a live performance, that feeds off the energy in the room, as every character on screen is constantly navigating the chaos of his improv comedic film style.
