The cast and producers of ‘Code 8: Part II.’ Photo Credit: George Pimentel, Netflix.
Filmmakers Jeff Chan and Chris Paré chatted about “Code 8: Part II,” which premiered on Netflix.
Jeff Chan served as a director, co-writer and producer, with Paré as co-writer and producer.
Directing the film
On directing the movie, Chan said, “It was so fun. I got to make a movie with my friends, and with people that I’ve known for a long time. I can’t complain whatsoever. It was a dream come true.”
Inspiration for the screenplay
When asked about the inspiration to write the screenplay, Paré said, “It goes all the way back to the short film, and the conversations about the kind of film that we wanted to make and see. We were leaning into Jeff’s strengths as a director and what he wanted to accomplish. This is a movie that we would be excited to watch ourselves.”
“We wanted to do something different in the genre. We love the big superhero movies, but this was more on the ground level and a little more human in its approach. That was the inspiration and now, it is about having fun with it with fun sequences and some great characters,” Paré elaborated.
Working with co-writers Sherren Lee and Jesse LaVercombe
On working with co-writers Sherren Lee and Jesse LaVercombe, Chan said, “It was awesome. They are both very talented, and it was interesting. They had just finished the screenplay for ‘Float,’ and we invited them to come on and help us get it all up and going in time.”
“They were both fantastic to work with, and they really supported us throughout that process. It was great to have another set of writers to bounce ideas off of and push the ball forward. It is such a journey with these projects. We wish we could say that writing this screenplay was easy, but it certainly wasn’t for us,” Chad added.
“We are both big fans of Jesse LeVercombe’s work. Not only is he a gifted writer but also an incredibly talented actor,” they concurred.
Working with Jeff Chan
“Jeff Chan has been the captain of this ship from the very beginning,” Paré said. “Jeff got us where we are today. We always believed in him and here we are.”
In return, Chan complimented his fellow filmmaker and co-writer Chris Paré. “Chris the real unsung hero of the movie,” Chan said.
Netflix
On partnering with Netflix for this project, Paré said, “Netflix has been an incredible partner from the beginning of it. We really owe a lot to them. When they wanted to do Part II, what more could we ask for? They gave us the support, resources, and the freedom to do it.”
“We made it the same way and with the same vibe as the first one. We worked with people that we trusted, and we had room to tell our story. Netflix was really supportive of that. Netflix really was a dream partner,” Chan added.
The digital age
On being a filmmaker in the digital age, Paré said, “To be able to reach that many people worldwide overnight is something that you couldn’t imagine doing 10 years ago.”
“The reach and support that the cast has with the fans through technology and social media is how we got the short film out there and that is how we raised money through crowdfunding. We owe a lot to technology even though we are all a little wary of some technology,” Paré elaborated.
“We definitely always want to be in touch and directly connected to our audience,” Chan said. “The audience helped us get out movie out there from the short to the feature to the second feature.”
“We are hoping that they will be excited about this one as well. We have a good feeling that they will enjoy this new movie as well,” Chan added.
Working with Robbie Amell and Stephen Amell
On working with Robbie and Stephen Amell, Chan said, “It was great. Obviously, they have known each other since they were both little kids and they grew up together. They have a great relationship together. On screen, you can just see how good they are together, and as actors, they are just incredible.”
“I think their family dynamic and their chemistry comes through in their characters in a way that couldn’t be done unless they have that relationship,” Paré added.
Working with Sirena Gulamgaus, Alex Mallari Jr. and Jean Yoon
“Sirena is amazing and unbelievable. We were so lucky to have her,” Chan exclaimed.
“Sirena has a certain presence about her that people are drawn to and want to root for this kid. The way she played Pav as a skeptical, but such a strong character was really great. She was just perfect for the role,” Paré added.
“Alex is such an incredible actor. He was in our first ‘Code 8’ movie in a small role and he thought that he was pretty good, so when we wrote the second movie, he invited him back. He has the right energy, charisma, and strength for this role,” Chan said.
“Jean Yoon was amazing too, and she was another person that we were lucky to have on this film. She was definitely really special, and she provided the foil for Robbie’s character and she is someone that will be a fan-favorite,” Chan elaborated.
“Jean Yoon is a powerhouse in her own way,” Paré added.
Working with Lin Shaye early on in their career
Paré and Chan both recalled working with “Scream Queen” and Emmy winner Lin Shaye. “Lin is the best,” Chan exclaimed.
“We were so grateful to have her on our first film. Lin really taught me so much about how to be a filmmaker and how to be a collaborator. Lin is such a great friend, and she is so talented,” Chan elaborated.
“At the time, we were just baby filmmakers, and Lin Shaye took us in under her wing. It is so nice to have somebody like that on your side. Also, her manager Gina Rugolo is so great; they are such a great team,” Paré said.
Stage of his life
On the title of the current chapter of his life, Paré said, “Dreaming.”
“For me, it would be to get some sleep after this,” Chan said with a sweet laugh. “I’m ready to take a little break, and then back to work.”
Success
On his definition of the word success, Paré said, “Being able to do the things that make you happy with people that you want to do them with. Being able to have this premiere with our friends and family is a success.”
“Success is being able to work with your friends and create something that you are really proud of. You can’t go wrong with that. It doesn’t get better than that,” Chan added.
Closing thoughts on ‘Code 8: Part II’
Chan concluded about the thriller, “I am really proud of this film and I hope that people love it around the world.”
Read More: “Code 8: Part II” review