VICARIOUS LONGING: NOSTALGIA AND DESIRE IN SCI-FI FILM “TO ERR”

“To Err,” directed by Derek Romrell, is a stunning achievement of filmmaking mastery. It is easy to get sucked into the world of the android characters (Dave Martinez, Cayla Berejikian) and what they are processing throughout the film, as if you’re being swept away into some distant but comforting dreamland. Longing for the human experience and somehow recalling what it was like, the androids are willing to do what it takes to for a taste of perceived freedom, even for a fleeting while. The film leaves you, the viewer, with a similar sense of existential longing . What is the nature of existence and time?

ZIFA had the opportunity to interview Romrell about this To Err, which is taking home awards from many different festivals, including FilmQuest, Desertscape International Film Festival, and Utah Film Festival. To Err took home Best Sci-Fi Film and Best Cinematography (Joseph Kitchens) in the autumn edition of ZIFA.

ZIFA: What inspired you to create this artistic piece of science fiction? Any influences? 

Derek: I carry a lot of nostalgia — which leads to a noxious desire for the past. During quarantine, I watched a lot of old, “thinky” sci-fi flicks that made me nostalgic for the 70s and 80s, which felt weird since I’m a 90s child. That vicarious longing, to be somewhere else instead of my own history, struck a nerve. So I set out to create that feeling within the vintage, lo-fi, sci-fi format.

Matisse Diaz as “Little Girl”

ZIFA: Where did you film it? And how long did it take?

Derek: The majority of production – namely interiors – took place outside of Salt Lake City, UT, then we shot exteriors just outside of Tillamook, OR on the coast. The entirety of shooting was about two weeks.

ZIFA: Can you talk about how you went about building your team?

Derek: I’ve learned that the stress of set-life is more enjoyable when surrounded by my buddies, so I sourced my core team from college connections and branched out from there. Case in point, Sam Sargeant, our camera op and creative producer, connected me to our producer Karl Danielson — who’s a big reason we pulled off our camera setup and massive shooting schedule in budget.

David Martinez as “Adam”

ZIFA: What was the biggest challenge you faced during production and/or post-production?

Derek: The biggest risk of any VFX-laden project is scope creep. It was mostly minor touch ups for To Err’s visuals, but our big stuff, like the environmental room, took a TON more time than anticipated. Our VFX team (Ben Ames, Coire Vosika, Brandon Griffin, and Jesse Garrard) did a lovely job, so I want to make sure I bring these guys in more on development/pre-production next time.

ZIFA: What was the most memorable moment on set? 

Derek: Two come to mind:

–Filming at Tunnel beach in Oregon. We were grossly underprepared for the weather, but it was such a freaking mood. The overcast skies and giant wall of black rock behind us were ideal for lighting — plus we had insanely good seafood sandwiches at the Blue Agate just off the beach. It was a stressful, but a blast.

–Wrapping our interior set. The crew’s spirits were high, we’d shot everything we wanted to, and the sun was setting gloriously through the location’s open front door. Just then, one of our set dressers (Zach Sawyer), started playing Beth/Rest by Bon Iver on a grand piano. It felt like a quintessence of filmmaking, like this is the reason we make movies, you know?

Dave Martinez as “Adam” and Cayla Berejikian as “Lily”

ZIFA: Can you talk about how you achieved the incredible wardrobe and set design?

Derek: That’s such a flattering question because I was deathly afraid the costumes wouldn’t sell on screen.  

I’d watched George Lucas’ THX-1138 while writing the script and I liked the near-sinister innocence those white jump suits evoked. Plus, I dig the lo-fi vibe of 70s and 80s sci-fi, which to me feels limited, yet intentional. 

Angela Watters did good work bringing that forth with her prop selection and eclectic set decor as well. Really happy to have her.

Cayla Berejikian as “Lily”

ZIFA: Any lessons learned or things you would have done differently? And any advice for aspiring filmmakers?

Derek: Finish faster!

Also, the best projects I’ve worked on are where the key creators are also great collaborators — nothing sinks a ship faster than an amateur creator who’s convinced their ideas trump everyone else’s. 

Recruit people who are great to work with, but better than you in key positions (editing, writing, producing, logistics, etc). Your project’s quality will improve accordingly.

ZIFA: Any upcoming projects?

Derek:

–Produced a horror feature film called Oubliette, starring Jon Heder and Mallory Everton – it’ll release in 2024

–Finished shooting a western short film called Lone Mountain — it’ll releasing in 2024 too.

–Entering development for a feature-length film called Angler — planning to shoot in September.

ZIFA: How can we find you and follow your work?

Derek:

insta: @derek_vr_romrell

TikTok: derekromrell

Derekromrell.com

Interview: Alicia Oberle Farmer