‘Model House’ Director Derek Pike Doles Out Interesting Screenwriting And Filmmaking Advice

The twisty thriller Model House centers on five swimsuit models whose stay at a secluded house turns nightmarish after a home invasion. Director/writer Derek Pike talked to Deepest Dream about his new movie which hits theaters, Digital, and On-Demand April 5.

Throughout his career, Derek Pike has directed over 100 music videos, collaborating with such artists as Wiz Khalifa, Aloe Blacc, XXXtentacion and PNB Rock.

Model House marks his second movie directing credit (he helmed the Lifetime film Kidnapping in the Grand Canyon). The ensemble includes Scout Taylor-Compton, Chris Zylka, Cory Anne Roberts, Kyra Santoro, and Hailee Lautenbach.

With directing experience under his belt, Derek Pike offers up what he believes is a vital characteristic that all directors should have. “I think the most important thing is that you have to know what you want coming into it, you know, coming into the day, know what you want and and if there are any issues, you have to be able to think quickly on your feet and come up with solutions,” said Pike. “I think that’s like the biggest thing, especially for new directors where they might not necessarily know what they want. And when you’re on a set with, you know, could be ten people, a hundred people, you have to be a leader. You have to show that you’re confident in what you’re doing. So then everyone else around you feels the same way.”

Although Pike penned the Model House script, he does not consider himself a natural writer. He started penning screenplays in his late twenties, and now he has found an unlock in his screenwriting journey. “I write pretty often now, and I do silly things like, I won’t shave, until the script is done and my beard will get really itchy,” said Pike. “It’ll just make me focus and say, ‘okay, well, I can’t deal with this much longer, so I better finish the script.’ So I’ll do things like that or if there’s something like, I want a burger, I’ll be like, well, ‘I’m not eating a burger till I till I finish the script.’ The little things (like) a trip, vacation, something like that. So that that always helps me at least to get things done.”

Full interview with Derek Pike:

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Let us know your thoughts on Model House! Movie hits theaters, Digital and On Demand April 5 via Shout! Studios.

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