Meet the Finalist: Allan Riggs, "Operation Shell Shock"

Tell us about yourself, and about Operation Shell Shock.

I was born in the US, raised in Brazil and starting acting for TV when I was 18 years old. Today, I'm 20 and my main focus is my personal projects, which I usually write, produce and direct. Operation Shell Shock was my first official short film and I was glad to have so competent friends with me to make it happen! This film is the union of all my favorite references and it is the starting point for a hole new universe I'm working on.

Share a memorable moment you experienced working on this project.

I would say that the most memorable moment was when we first tried a real explosion for one specific scene. I'd never done a practical effect like that, and I didn't know how it would be to see something exploding in front. I remember everyone came to see it, all the team, all the extras and actors, and when it happened, everyone just went crazy and cheered.

Name 3 collaborators that you'd take with you to any other project.

Kauê Santos (co-producer and protagonist of the film), Daimon Isaias (Director of Photography) and José Florêncio (Original Score composer).

3 tips you’d like to share with aspiring artists in your field:

First, don't let perfection get in your way. Second, believe in your idea until the end. And most of all: KEEP DOING MORE!

What do you hope to achieve in your career in the next 5 years?

First, I want to use this short film as proof of concept for my feature film version, which I'm currently working on and alongside it, I hope I can move to the US next year to pitch it with other projects I have planned. And in 5 years, I hope to be working on bigger productions in the US!

Operation Shell Shock is nominated for Best Action Film of the Year at the New York Film Awards.