A Kingdom Without a King

The People Behind The Film

There is a subtle power to ‘Kingdom Without a King’. It’s a silent exploration of loneliness in the face of success. Before we get ahead of ourselves we wanted to get into the head of the man who was responsible for making this film. We interviewed Richard Perry in the comfort of his back garden. We like to look after our Snoovie makers.

I’ve always been interested in film and escapism.

There is a quiet confidence and solidity about Richard that would certainly help create a professional atmosphere on set. Knowing what he wanted to do from a very young age, it feels like Richard has used his years of experience to really develop his style of directing, without letting the Holy Grail of Fame get in the way. This comes across in the mood and feel of this Snoovie. Although a very simple concept, it requires a deft touch and great care and attention to create this delicate piece. Richard is an actor’s director, he understands how to bring out the best in them. Although he meticulously prepares his shots, he is always ready to accept an actor’s input.

As a director it’s never about budget. It’s about time.

Although the results of his endeavours are worth the effort, that doesn’t mean there aren’t difficulties. There is a constant battle with time, getting highly-in-demand actors and technicians together to rehearse and film, and occasionally having to deal with obstreperous crew. Being a director is mostly about logistics and perhaps 20% about creation. He has grown to loathe the mobile phone: “When you’re in pre-production your phone goes off constantly. From the costume designer, the production designer, the art director, the cinematographer, the producer. Everyone wants to know answers and you’ve got to give it to them like that.” He says clicking his fingers. “You know yourself what you’re doing. It just takes time to convey to the other heads of departments.”

Actors I find incredible to work with.

Richard has a great respect for actors. A bond is easily created between himself and his actors. The professionalism they bring to the space allows great depth to be created.

Richard knows what he wants, and plans to shoot this to “minute detail”. Visual style is very important to him as he concentrates a lot on composition.

If you work with the people you enjoy the most, why would you look elsewhere?

Richard has gathered an impressive creative network of professionals and organisations that he can call on when the next project beckons. Throughout his career he has worked with some of the best people in the industry, even for his own personal low budget projects. This is one of the reasons why we love all these guys. If a project has merit they’ll bend over backward to help create it. Of course, Richard is very professional and this is one of the best ways to maintain great working relationships.

I’ve never really done the festival circuit, I’ve always been afraid of it.

Like most people in this game, Richard isn’t resting on his laurels. There is always the next project to work on. For his next film, he plans to hit the festivals hard.

We wish Richard all the best for his blitz of the festivals and look forward to his expanding oeuvre.