“Vacancy” – Adam Wells

We had the opportunity to interview Adam Wells, the filmmaker behind the short film “Vacancy”. Vacancy is screening on April 29th at the Town Hub in American Fork Utah as part of the Utah Film Festival monthly screenings.  

What was the inspiration to make Vacancy?

At film school we had some left over set pieces from a Nicholas Cage movie that was filmed in the school’s studio. There was an old bath tub in a half destroyed motel room. I had an image in my head of a hit man smoking next to a dead body in the tub. The idea just grew from that image in my mind. David Lynch is probably the biggest inspiration from a directors standpoint. I wanted to use sound design to help create a hypnotic, repetitive feel.

From idea to completion, how did Vacancy change?  

I added some production design when I got to set. The flickering light in the bathroom was a last minute decision. Also the red light over the black door in the hallway was added once I got to set. I added the red light to create an unnatural and surreal feel.

What was the biggest challenge in getting Vacancy made? 

Finding the location for the motel room. I wanted a cheap, dirty motel, but it needed it to be large enough to film in.

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

Self-destructive behavior typically affects more people than just yourself.

If you could have a do over is there anything that you would do differently? If so, what would that be?

I would’ve spent more money on lighting. The film doesn’t look exactly how I wanted it to.

What do you have next in the works?

In May I will be the DP for a indie feature film we’re shooting in California. I have a short that I wrote and will direct later this year, it is currently in pre-production.

How can we learn more about you and your projects?

Disappear Here Films on Vimeo and on Instagram @dissapearherefilms