A group of astronauts living in deep space find their emotional tether to humanity threatened when Earth is devastated by an apocalyptic event in the new sci-fi film 3022. Starring Omar Epps, Kate Walsh, and Miranda Cosgrove, 3022 is coming to theaters, VOD, and Digital on November 22nd from Saban Films, and we caught up with director John Suits in our latest Q&A feature to discuss the movie's journey to becoming a reality, the film's intimate approach to a massive concept, the existential horrors of deep space, and the sci-fi horror films that helped shape the tone of 3022.
Thanks for taking the time to catch up with us, and congratulations on 3022! When did you first read Ryan Binaco’s screenplay for 3022, and what made you want to bring this story to life on screen?
John Suits: Thanks for taking the time to talk to me! I first read the script for 3022 about five years ago. I wasn’t able to get the option at the time and the company that had it kept it for three years. I have since become friends with the writer, Ryan, and was able to option it once the rights became available. I wanted to bring this story to the big screen because I loved that it was a very big concept told in an intimate way. The script really stuck with me after I read it.
Where did filming take place, and how many days did you have in your shooting schedule?
John Suits: We filmed in Los Angeles and shot the movie in 16 days, which was definitely tough with the scale of what we were trying to pull off, but we had an amazing crew that made it possible.
Space itself is a horrifying place, but it becomes even more terrifying when you take Earth out of the equation. What types of scares can viewers look forward to experiencing in 3022?
John Suits: That’s exactly right. 3022 tackles the terrifying concept of being the last of humankind in a scenario with seemingly no hope. A lot of the terror in the film is on a psychological level as we watch these characters try to grasp with the existential crisis they’re facing. I feel that all the characters have a justifiable reason to act the way they do. For me personally, I find myself wondering how I’d react if put in this scenario.
You got to work with a great cast on this film, including Omar Epps, Kate Walsh, and Miranda Cosgrove. What was it like to work with such a talented group of actors on this movie?
John Suits: It was really incredible working with this cast. Everyone is crazy talented and just great to work with. I loved watching Omar, Kate, Angus, Miranda, Jorja, Enver, and Haaz all work together in bringing the scenes to life. They also all had great ideas that added depth to their characters and scenes.
Films featuring space crews, deep-sea teams, or other isolated groups of people hinge on the chemistry of the cast, which can really bring the camaraderie and conflict of their characters to life. Did the cast of 3022 have time to rehearse or just be around each other before filming to build those bonds?
John Suits: I totally agree with you. The cast met up before we shot, but we didn’t do rehearsals. I definitely wanted to make sure the actors had time to form bonds with the characters they should know well. For example, it was important for Omar and Kate to connect beforehand and have an understanding of their history and relationship. In terms of rehearsals, I actually wanted to avoid rehearsing until we were on set because I like the scenes to be fresh for the actors. With rehearsals, sometimes you find an incredible moment in a scene and then are trying to repeat the magic on the day you shoot where it no longer feels genuine.
Looking back at your time on set, is there a favorite or memorable moment that stands out?
John Suits: There were many amazing moments on set, but I think my favorite was on the first day of shooting when I looked up and saw all of the actors in wardrobe on the set. It was an incredible moment because sometimes the project felt impossibly ambitious for our budget, and it was very gratifying to see that it was really happening, and happening in a way that far exceeded what I thought was possible when we initially set out on the journey.
Were you influenced or inspired by any other horror or sci-fi movies while making 3022?
John Suits: Yes, definitely. The writer, Ryan Binaco, and I spent a lot of time discussing films that would serve as the foundation for the tone, look, and feel. We really wanted to create a retro feel for the film and were inspired by films like Alien, Event Horizon, and Outland.
Ultimately, what do you hope viewers take away from 3022?
John Suits: I ultimately hope viewers leave the film thinking about what they’d do in a similar situation, and I hope that they engage with the characters and the story in a way that will stick with them long after the film ends.
What has it been like to partner with Saban Films to bring 3022 to the masses?
John Suits: It’s been incredible partnering with Saban Films on 3022. I really appreciate how much they all believe in the film, and I couldn’t have asked for a better partner.
With 3022 coming to theaters, On Demand, and Digital on November 22nd from Saban Films, what other projects do you have coming up that you’re excited about, and where can our readers follow your work online?
John Suits: I actually just got back a few weeks ago from directing a movie called Breach with Bruce Willis, Cody Kearsley, Thomas Jane, Rachel Nichols, Callan Mulvey, and Timothy V. Murphy. Readers can check out more of my work at www.johnsuitsfilms.com.
Raised on a steady diet of R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps books and Are You Afraid of the Dark?, Derek has been fascinated with fear since he first saw ForeverWare being used on an episode of Eerie, Indiana.
When he’s not writing about horror as the Senior News Reporter for Daily Dead, Derek can be found daydreaming about the Santa Carla Boardwalk from The Lost Boys or reading Stephen King and Brian Keene novels.
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