Art of a Hit’s Rob Raco and Ryan Donowho on band feuds and psychological horror

As I delve into this captivating tale of camaraderie and cinematic endeavor, it’s evident that the cast and crew of “Art of a Hit” have truly embraced the spirit of adventure. Their experiences at the ancient castle, with its 1,000-year-old mold and labyrinthine stairways, have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on their collective memory.

Working in a band can feel much like being part of a family, and families often have their disagreements. In the movie Art of a Hit, we follow the story of Excelsis, a band that found success in the late 90s but is now struggling to regain their former glory as they reunite to produce another album. This time, however, they’ve chosen an unusual location: a picturesque yet eerie French chateau, owned by the eccentric record producer Charlie (Charlie Sexton). The band soon realizes that reigniting their spark isn’t quite straightforward. To make matters worse, strange events begin to unfold as they spend more time at the castle, with Ryan (Ryan Donowho), the band’s unofficial leader, experiencing particularly disturbing visions.

Before the movie’s premiere, we had conversations with both Donowho and Rob Raco, who plays Miles, a former band member who left the group to achieve solo fame. Miles’ fame brings its own unique mental struggles for Ryan, as he grapples with the group’s complicated past and uncertain future.

This interview was edited slightly for clarity.

As a gamer, let me share my experience: I’ve been friends with Gaelan Connell and Charlie Saxton for around 10-15 years now. In our past, we worked together on a movie called Bandslam. When they presented me with the script for this new project, I initially thought I might have a minor role, perhaps playing the drummer for a couple of days. However, they surprised me by offering me the lead role.

Ryan Donowho: Playing this role came easily to me since I’ve been in a band with Tim Jo, our guitarist, for quite some time. I also know that Charlie and Tim were once in a band together. The whole experience felt incredibly natural because I’ve already had arguments and debates about songs with Tim, worked with Charlie before, and have been involved in the music scene for around 15-20 years. As for the part where there is mistrust among bandmates, I believe that’s just a common aspect of being in a band – you’ve likely had those disagreements if you’ve ever played in a band.

In a band, you form a close-knit family. From playing in a garage to performing at the VMAs, there’s a clear progression. Miles is stepping into his next phase, and I can identify with that because I’ve experienced similar situations, both in music and acting. I didn’t come here to be satisfied; I believe that complacency spells doom for an artist.

Creating something like Miles felt personal because he seemed to need to take a leap. Ryan’s character embodied this perfectly. Miles offered them both an opportunity, but it also brought the looming fear of what might have been. That’s the real terror in this movie – the psychological terror of the ‘what if’.

Throughout the film, we see that Miles is on a stadium tour. They live in the constant shadow of the ‘what if’. I can relate to that because I’ve been on both sides. It was quite simple to connect with the character, truth be told.

Ryan Donowho: The castle was truly stunning, boasting an age of over 1,000 years in Dordogne. Many people wondered if it was eerie and spooky, and I must admit, it certainly had its haunting elements. For instance, there were bats living in one part, near where the director of photography resided. Additionally, rodents were present.

The castle’s aged mold was the most troublesome aspect. We affectionately called it “castle cough,” and everyone experienced a mild version during our stay. [Laughs] Fortunately, once we left, everyone quickly recovered.

Climbing stairs was also a common challenge in castles, as there were no elevators. I stayed on the top floor and had to traverse the castle grounds to reach my room, especially when changing clothes.

Despite these minor inconveniences, the castle’s beauty was undeniable. The location was breathtaking, and each day revealed new discoveries. I often wandered off to uncover hidden sections of the castle, finding it absolutely incredible.

Rob Raco: I spent a week there, primarily working during night shoots, which was wonderful. I’d wake up very early due to the lack of surrounding amenities. The castle was the largest in the village and stood alone in the countryside. From my window, I could see stunning sunrises over the mountains every morning.

The stairs were not the best built 1,000 years ago, with one side being larger than another. As you climbed, you’d encounter bats and spiders, adding to the experience. During my first night, I sensed a presence.

The castle only has one recorded death, which occurred in the chapel, three floors below me. At 3 am, I’d often be awakened by feelings reminiscent of a horror movie within a horror film. However, I learned to embrace it and even greeted this entity before going to sleep. It was an exciting experience, indeed. [Laughs]

Ryan Donowho: Gaelan and Charlie were determined to bring Jets to Brazil, if possible. They contacted Blake Schwarzenbach about it and were delighted when he agreed. They began working on the music, with Gaelan contributing a lot, especially in the guitar parts for the intro and trailers.

In Rob Raco’s own words: Diving into an indie production is always nerve-wracking. This film felt like a labor of love among family. We shared meals at the castle and beyond its walls, fostering personal bonds that translated to our scenes and characters.

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2024-08-19 19:25