(Photos courtesy of Michael Day)
Written by Colleen Bement, Editor
Today we treat you to an exclusive interview with Michael Day, a visionary filmmaker whose career has spanned blockbuster hits and independent gems alike. Michael, a Pittsburgh native, has built a remarkable portfolio from directing high-octane spectacles like “Top Gun: Maverick” and “Iron Man 3” to crafting intense thrillers like “Malignant.” With a resume that includes influential work on “The Dark Knight Rises” and “Django Unchained,” Michael’s transition from a music video director for Wiz Khalifa to a prominent player in Hollywood is nothing short of extraordinary.
Michael’s latest venture, “Clawfoot” is his directorial debut that brings together a rich tapestry of cinematic influences. Drawing inspiration from Alfred Hitchcock’s classics such as “Rope,” “Dial M for Murder,” and “Rear Window,” Michael’s “Clawfoot” is a gripping blend of suspense and dark comedy. The film stars Francesca Eastwood (Running on Empty), Olivia Culpo (Paradise City), Nestor Carbonell (Shogun), and Milo Gibson (The Outpost).
Michael’s journey is a testament to his passion and dedication to the craft of filmmaking. After making his mark with independent projects like “The News Tank,” and “Sisters,” and producing the successful “Rogue Warfare” trilogy, he has moved on to produce and direct with Yale Entertainment, including the eagerly anticipated “Fog of War.” With several other exciting projects in post-production, including “Pretty Thing,” “Stranglehold,” and “Midnight,” Michael Day’s creative evolution continues to captivate audiences and shape the future of film.
Meet the mind of this multifaceted filmmaker, exploring the inspirations behind “Clawfoot,” his journey through Hollywood, and what’s next on the horizon for Michael Day.
Colleen Bement: What were the first thoughts through your mind on how you would tackle this project?
Michael Day: My initial thought was to infuse the project with a unique blend of darkness, humor, and quirkiness. I envisioned a film with a distinct tone, and my primary concern was ensuring that everyone involved shared and understood this vision. I knew there was a risk that others might interpret the script differently, so my first step was to communicate clearly with the cast. Fortunately, Francesca and Milo quickly grasped the tone I was aiming for and were enthusiastic about bringing this offbeat, yet fun, vision to life.
CB: What do you think people’s reactions would be after seeing “Clawfoot?”
MD: I hope people will come away thinking, That was a really fun movie. My goal was to create a dark comedy that provides a thrilling experience while letting viewers escape from their everyday worries for a while. I wanted to make something that I would enjoy watching—a film with engaging characters and an entertaining story. If “Clawfoot” can offer that kind of enjoyment and help people unwind, then I’d consider it a success.
CB: What was the experience like on set? Were there any challenges? Any funny stories?
MD: The experience on set was an absolute blast—it felt like we were all at summer camp! We had a great time working together and the camaraderie was fantastic. The biggest challenge we faced was our tight shooting schedule. With limited days to complete everything, each day felt like a marathon. But we pushed through and managed to get everything we needed.
CB: For a moviegoer who knows nothing about the process of making a film, what do you think would surprise them the most?
MD: From what I’ve seen with visitors to the set, like my own parents, the biggest surprise is the amount of time and effort that goes into creating just a few seconds of screen time. It’s incredible how many takes and adjustments are needed for a single shot or scene. Another eye-opener is the sheer number of people involved in the process. From the crew to the cast, and everyone in between, it takes a whole team to bring a film to life. The scale and coordination required are often much more extensive than people might expect.
CB: You’ve worked on some amazing films like “Top Gun: Maverick,” “Iron Man 3,” “The Dark Knight Rises,” and so many more. How have you taken what you’ve learned in those experiences and put that to work in your directorial debut?
MD: Working on films like “Top Gun: Maverick” and “The Dark Knight Rises” was incredibly formative for me. Observing how these top-tier productions handled challenges, interacted with cast and crew, and maintained their creative vision provided invaluable lessons. I saw firsthand the problem-solving strategies and leadership skills that set these projects apart. These experiences taught me a lot about effective collaboration, managing a set, and staying focused under pressure. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to learn from some of the best in the industry, and I’ve applied those insights to my own directorial debut, aiming to bring the same level of professionalism and creativity to my project.
CB: What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
MD: The best advice I’ve received is, If you want to be a director, getting the job is the job. I’m not sure who said it, but it had a profound impact on me. It’s a challenging process to convince others to trust you with the director’s role, especially when there’s so much at stake. Once you’ve secured the position, the real work begins, but you also gain a team to support and realize your vision, which alleviates some of the pressure. Understanding that getting the job is the job changed my perspective significantly. It made me realize that I needed to put in a lot more groundwork if I wanted to direct a feature. So, I dove into creating shorts, music videos, web series—anything I could to hone my directing skills and build experience.
CB: If you were a baseball player, what would your walk-up song be?
MD: I’d choose Kenny Loggins’ Danger Zone as my walk-up song. I’m a huge fan of “Top Gun,” and that song always gets me pumped up. It’s energetic and iconic, and it never fails to get me in the zone. Every time I hear it, I’m ready to take on anything!
…CB: On a side note, I’m working on hiring someone to remodel my bath. After watching this, I think I’ll just stick with the way it is.
MD: Ha ha good thinking!!
“Clawfoot” is streaming on all major VOD/rental platforms.
