Featured at JDIFF, Failed State emerges as one of the most original and irreverent entries on the independent festival circuit, blending conspiracy, satire, and comedy with a voice of its own. In this interview, producer Debra Hoy reflects on the film’s creative strength, her collaboration with Matt Doherty, and its potential to connect with festival audiences through entertainment, reflection, and a strikingly unique identity.
Failed State has a very bold and unconventional premise. What convinced you that this was a project worth backing as a producer?
I found “Failed State” hilarious! I love a good laugh and this definitely reminded me of some of my favorite comedic films that I found so funny and smart. When Matt showed me the first clip, I just knew instinctively it could be something more than a work-in-progress, post writer’s strike project.
Producing a comedy with such a specific universe and so many eccentric ideas must come with its own challenges. What was the biggest one for you?
Matt Doherty was the creative vision, since he wrote and directed. My job as producer is to keep everything flowing smoothly and problem solve. I think the biggest challenge for me is always staying on budget and post-production. We had a few unforeseen glitches, which causes staying on budget to be impossible. However, Matt and I both reached out to people who have experience in these areas. It was from their suggestions and guidance that we were able to resolve these glitches and turn them into a positive learning experience. I am not a fan of “reinventing the wheel”, so I always know there is someone out there with more experience than me and has an answer to my problem, In other words, if you need help, ask for it.
The film seems to play with the logic of modern conspiracies while never losing its sense of fun. How do you see the identity of this work within the genre?
“Failed State” will take the lead as a quirky, fun, comedy conspiracy in the comedy genre. The first one of it’s kind! Did I mention we have a website? https://ohkeydoh.com/ LOL!
In projects like this, where originality is so central, how do you protect the creative vision while still thinking about audience connection?
Basically, I trusted Matt and let him do what he wanted creatively since he was both writing and directing. I am a big believer in staying true to the writer and director’s vision. However, I am always thinking about the audience connection when I am asked to work on any project.
There are four (4) things I look for to make sure an audience is engaged and those are the four (4) things that I respond to when I am an audience member. I won’t reveal all four (4) things I look for, however, one (1) was the laughter I had watching that first clip.
What was it like collaborating with Matt Doherty on this project, especially considering his involvement in multiple aspects of the production?
I previously worked with Matt on “Brother’s Play” which he wrote and helped to get funded. He’s an all-around good guy, excellent communicator and very creative. We would talk frequently during the shooting of “Failed State” and are always able to reach a mutual decision about what was best for the film. However, our collaborative process is about being “open-minded to the possibilities” and that we have the freedom to say what we want to each other, even if we disagree. And when we do disagree, we say to each other: “I disagree with you,”. We both give each other space to process that disagreement time and come together for the good of the film.
What do you believe makes Failed State stand out within the independent and festival circuit? And specifically at JDIFF.
There is nothing like “Failed State” out there. It is completely original, new and different. “Failed State” pokes fun at a lot of reality right now. Entertainment is supposed to entertain. Take us out of our real lives for a couple of hours and give us something to think about and uplift our spirits. “Failed State” does this and I think JDIFF does a good job of this with their programming.
