Table of Contents
Three Key Takeaways
- "Fear is the real heart killer." Eric Boadella explores the humorous and exaggerated perspective on fear in Magical Meat, bringing to life a unique story where characters attempt to steal Danny Trejo's bravery.
- The power of collaboration. The chemistry between characters led Eric to focus more on the story's human elements rather than its comedic origins.
- Independent filmmaking fuels personal storytelling. Eric believes the greatest strength of independent filmmaking is the filmmaker's personal drive to communicate something meaningful.
Eric Boadella, a Los Angeles-based director originally from Spain, is making waves with his horror-thriller, Magical Meat, set to screen at this year's HollyShorts Film Festival.
Known for his music video direction for artists like Enrique Bunbury and Tracii Guns, Eric brings a unique vision to his projects.
His film features the iconic Danny Trejo, who plays a key role in this imaginative tale. Joining him on this creative journey is cinematographer Yasu Tanida and Dan Sasaki, Panavision's Vice President of Optical Engineering, who developed a special lens for the film.
Q&A Interview
What drew you to make Magical Meat?
Because I think today, the real heart killer is "Fear." We know how the paralyzing grip of fear can hold us back from pursuing our desires, our potential, even our happiness. In Magical Meat, I take a humorous and exaggerated perspective on fear, in a story where our protagonists want to steal Danny Trejo's bravery. It all started almost like a joke—asking my writing partner how could a fearful person steal Danny Trejo's bravery? And that question started everything.
What surprised you most during the filmmaking process?
The great chemistry between the characters made me focus on them more than I expected. At first, I thought of this short as a bloody-artsy funny film, but directing the actors, I changed my perspective. It became more fearful and human—less comedic and more about the needs of each character and the universe they create together.
Is there a moment in the film that feels the most you?
Instead of a moment, I would say the concept itself: the idea that we can eat Danny Trejo to steal his bravery—I don't think many filmmakers would come up with that concept and be able to call Danny Trejo and convince him to do it.
"I want them to smile and be scared at the same time, enjoying a short film as if it were a feature film."
What was the hardest creative decision you made while making this film?
Not having real animals on set.
What do you hope audiences take away from your film?
I want them to smile and be scared at the same time, enjoying a short film as if it were a feature film.
How has this film shaped the kind of stories you want to tell next?
This film made me realize that my next feature film project needs to be a horror film.
"The idea that we can eat Danny Trejo to steal his bravery—I don't think many filmmakers would come up with that concept."
What tool or resource was crucial during production?
Dan Sasaki, Vice President of Optical Engineering at Panavision, created a special lens for Magical Meat that he called 'The Ghost'. It allowed us to organically distort the image while keeping the center in focus.
What is the greatest strength of independent filmmaking?
The greatest strength is that the filmmaker lights the flame of the project because of their need to communicate something personal to the world.
What does it mean to you to have your film selected for HollyShorts?
It is a great honor to be selected to the best short film festival in Los Angeles, especially for a film shot in Los Angeles with a Los Angeles icon like Danny Trejo.
"The greatest strength is that the filmmaker lights the flame of the project because of their need to communicate something personal to the world."
Watch Magical Meat teaser
