Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Big Bad Wolves?
A: Big Bad Wolves is a 13-minute short film directed by Rajneel Singh and produced by Craig Parkes. It portrays an alternate version of the fairytale Little Red Riding Hood, as told by a gangster to the rest of his crew. The film suggests that fairytales were originally teaching tools that have, since, been diluted into childrens' stories with no meaning or message. It is also an intentional spoof/homage of the diner sequence from Quentin Tarantino's film: "Reservoir Dogs".
Q: Where can I see Big Bad Wolves?
A: Big Bad Wolves has been released online in a number of places. Check out the Downloads section for the Vimeo link and some other cool bits and pieces.
Q: Will it cost to download it?
A: Big Bad Wolves is free to download for private viewing only. Email us If you are interested in exhibiting the film at a festival or distribute the film in some other way.
Q: I like the film and would like to show my support. How can I help?
A: We will graciously accept donations via Paypal.
We also would like to make more films in a similiar vein, so if you could email us with expressions of interest in purchasing a copy on DVD, with extras, this could possibly help us in securing DVD distribution so you can have a nicely packaged copy to take home.
Q: Why did you make this film?
A: We love films and film making. There is nothing better than to tell a good story and by doing so we hope to facilitate our ability to tell more stories in the future. As such we are always looking out for great ideas and was fortunate enough to come across a sketch written by Chris Kerr entitled 'Quentin Tarantino's Little Red Riding Hood', which contained just the gangsters dialogue. On reading it we knew it would make a great film and after getting Chris's support set about making the film.
Q: What format did you shoot the movie on?
A: Big Bad Wolves was shot on Mini-DV & DVCAM using Sony DSR 300 series broadcast cameras. By going with a broadcast quality standard definition camera we had access to good rental matteboxes, quality lenses, filters etc, which at the time weren't as available for many of the newer 'prosumer' range HD cameras. Camera & lenses were supplied by Niche Cameras. Mattebox and accessories were supplied by Panavsion New Zealand. Dolly/Jib equipment was supplied by Karl Vennimore. Additional camera equipment was supplied by Metro Films. Thanks to our amazing DOP Marc Mateo and lighting equipment supplied to us we believe we have managed a great look utilising Standard Definition tools, and are looking forward to working with some of the great new high definition cameras that are currently coming out. (Since making the film we have managed to work with many HD tools - and are still blown away with how well Big Bad Wolves looks for something recorded to humble old Mini DV!)
Q: The colours look really good for Mini-DV, how did you do that?
A: By having a strong post production team. After a professional online edit by Afterglow Films the film was output to Digibeta. It was then graded on a Baselight Color Grading System by the talented professionals at IMAGES POST. Additional special effects and title sequences were provided by Afterglow Films
Q: All that sounds expensive, how much did the film cost to make/who paid for it?
A: Big Bad Wolves was only made possible by the kind support and generous discounts offered by the above companies and a tireless group of volunteer cast and crew. What we could/had to, we paid for ourselves with the financial support of friends/and family. All that said we spent about $13,000NZ dollars (US$6000), but the true value of goods and services provided is much higher.
Q: The version of Little Red Riding Hood in this movie seems familiar to me. Where have I seen it before?
A: The version of the fairytale portrayed in this film is similar to other "adult" or "purist" retellings of the story. Notable versions of this story include Neil Gaiman's retelling in his comic book series "Sandman" and Angela Carter's bloody tale "The Company of Wolves" which was later filmed by Neil Jordan. The sexuality of the original tale is hinted at and explored in films such as "Freeway", "Hard Candy" and "The Woodsman".
Q: Where can I find more historical and interpretive information on the story of Little Red Riding Hood?
A: A good place to start would be the excellent article on the fairytale written in Wikipedia which shows the evolution of the earliest known renditions of the tale and also lists various modern adaptations and uses.
Q: Is there a DVD available to buy with extra features?
A: At the time of this FAQ, plans are currently in place to produce a DVD. However none are available at this time for purchase. Please email us with expressions of interest if you would like to purchase the film on DVD, as it will help us securing distribution/justify production expenses.
Q: Who are you and what else has the team done?
A: "Big Bad Wolves" was made by an ensemble team who of young filmmakers with the help of experienced practitioners from the New Zealand Film Industry. The director Rajneel Singh was co-creator of the hit Internet fan film "The Fanimatrix", which was released in 2003, you can read more about that in it's wikipedia entry Learn more about the team at the Cast & Crew page.
Q: So what's next for you guys?
A: We currently have a number projects in development. Keep an eye on our IMDB profiles and you may see some new projects appearing on there in the near future.