Caleb Hatton – Gilead

Caleb Hatton will have his film Gilead screen during the Utah Film Festival on Thursday January 5th at the Towne Hub in American Fork Utah. Gilead is about A man facing his inner demons, all while being observed by his son.

Growing up in a rural community in Utah, Caleb started directing films at a young age. He was drawn to the film scene after watching the cinematic genius of Orson Welles, Stanley Kubrick, Andrei Tarkovsky, and many more. He continues to prove that he is one of southern Utah’s most talented up and coming directors.

We were able to interview Caleb about his film Gilead. 

What was the inspiration to make Gilead?

The inspiration for this project came from experiences I have lived and that I have seen other people live.  I wanted to create something that could visually show the thoughts that could be going on inside a person’s head that is struggling with thoughts of suicide.

From idea to completion, how did Gilead change?  

The biggest change came in the climactic scene, it was similar to the original idea and similar to what was written, however Brian Grob the lead actor came up with a fantastic idea for how to make the scene more visceral and impactful.  It strengthened the film.

What was the biggest challenge in getting Gilead made? 

This was a small production and relatively easy to turn into a reality.  The biggest challenges came from the working conditions in the climactic scene, it was a night shoot and it was quite cold.  Brian was wet and covered in mud, he put forth the effort needed to achieve what we did.

What do you think is the most important takeaway from your film?

The most important takeaway from the film is that there is always a reason to continue; no matter our circumstances suicide is never the answer, and sometimes we can find help in the places that we least expect it.

If you could have a do over with Gilead, is there anything that you would have done differently? If so, what would you change?

There’s nothing major that I would change about the film, it came to life, and the process was very enjoyable.  It was a great working environment, I would do it again in a heartbeat!

What do you have in the works?

I am currently working on a feature documentary to be shot next year in August in Northern Mexico, it deals with the lives and struggles of the native Tarahumara tribe in the Mexican state of Chihuahua.  Also, I’m producing the feature length film Chicken Coop that is currently in the editing stage, written and directed by Joseph DeGolyer.  Several short films in the works, as well as a three part feature that we plan to shoot the first part in the Mexican state of San Luis Potosi in February, it deals with the Spanish conquest of Mexico in the 1500’s and the native myths and legends of the time.