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Director Mitesh Kumar Patel On His New Film Woman in the Maze, Possible Sequel
Image Credit: Mitesh Kumar Pater/Stonecutter Media
The 411 Interview: Mitesh Kumar Patel
Mitesh Kumar Patel is a writer, director, and producer who, according to imdb, has been making movies since at least 2010. Patel has directed such movies as Neron, Anti Corona Virus, House of Quarantine, and Instant Karma. Patel’s latest movie as a director is the horror thriller Woman in the Maze, which is set to hit theaters October 6th, 2023, followed by a digital release on October 12th, 2023. In this interview, Mitesh Kumar Patel talks with this writer about making Woman in the Maze, making a movie in Arizona, and more.
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Bryan Kristopowitz: Why did you want Woman in the Maze to be your next movie as a director?
Mitesh Kumar Patel: I was searching for a unique story, and I came up with the idea of what would happen if someone got trapped, and every door or window led to a different place. That’s how the concept for this movie began to take shape. I felt strongly that this idea had great potential to be my next film project. As I started developing it, I incorporated the town of Jerome’s input to add a horror element to the story, creating a thrilling experience since the character is confined to the house. The combination of these elements resulted in a compelling story that I was eager to direct and produce.
BK: Where was Woman in the Maze made? How important was it to you to make the movie in Arizona? Is it difficult making movies in Arizona?
MJP: Woman in the Maze was filmed in Arizona, and we utilized four different locations. The house scenes were shot in Chandler, we used a studio in Phoenix, Prescott served as our outdoor location, and Jerome was also used for outdoor scenes.
Choosing Arizona was significant for me because it’s a beautiful state with many locations that haven’t been explored in films yet. Additionally, I live in Arizona, which made it more convenient for me to work there. The cost of filming in Arizona is also relatively lower compared to other places, making it a practical choice. Filming in Arizona was not difficult at all. The people there are incredibly friendly and cooperative. I had the opportunity to work with many helpful individuals who were eager to be a part of the movie or provide locations for filming. It was a smooth and pleasant experience for our film production.
BK: Is the house seen in Woman in the Maze a real house? How much of Woman in the Maze was made on real locations and how much was made on sets you had to create/in a studio?
MJP: The house you see in Woman in the Maze is indeed a real mansion located in Chandler, not Jerome. Fortunately, we were able to secure this location with the help of a mutual friend, and the homeowner generously allowed us to use it.
Nearly 90% of Woman in the Maze was filmed on real locations. The only exception was a scene where the main character goes to the basement. While the house had a basement, it wasn’t large enough for us to shoot in, so we recreated the entire basement scene in a studio. Aside from that, the entire movie was shot on real locations.
BK: How did you cast Woman in the Maze? What was it like working with star Meredith Van Cuyk?
MJP: Casting for Woman in the Maze was quite a unique experience, especially considering it was in March 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. To overcome the physical limitations, I worked with a casting director in Los Angeles. We began with online auditions for the initial selection and then called in the shortlisted candidates for the final review. During the final audition process, I personally went to LA to meet the actors and make the selections.
Meredith VanCuyk, who played the lead role in the film, was exceptional. Her dedication was truly remarkable. After her audition, I provided her with the script, and she spent nearly a year preparing for her role. What impressed me most about Meredith was her attention to detail. She asked very specific questions about her character and put in the effort to bring those details to life on camera. Her commitment and professionalism greatly contributed to the success of Woman in the Maze.
BK: How did you approach the special effects that we see in Woman in the Maze?
MJP: Approaching the special effects in Woman in the Maze was a collaborative effort involving our production team and visual effects artists. We aimed for a mix of practical effects and computer-generated effects to achieve the desired visuals.
For practical effects, we used techniques like practical makeup and prosthetics to create realistic and eerie effects for certain scenes. This allowed us to capture some of the horror elements in a tangible way during filming.
On the other hand, for more complex and otherworldly effects, we relied on CGI. This involved working closely with talented VFX artists to design and create the visual effects that added an extra layer of intrigue and suspense to the film. Whether it was altering the appearance of the maze itself or creating supernatural elements, CGI played a significant role in enhancing the overall cinematic experience.
Overall, our approach was to find the right balance between practical and digital effects to bring the story of Woman in the Maze to life and create a visually compelling and immersive movie.
BK: How did you approach the score for Woman in the Maze? Describe your working relationship with George Kallis, who did the movie’s music.
MJP: George Kallis approached me about a project nearly ten years ago, but at that time, we had already hired someone else for the job. However, George reached out again, and this time it coincided perfectly with the production of Woman in the Maze. The timing was just right, and his work immediately struck a chord with me.
Working with George on the music for Woman in the Maze was an excellent experience. He displayed incredible talent and dedication, and I was thoroughly impressed with the speed and precision with which he completed the entire musical score in just a month. His contribution played a significant role in shaping the film’s atmosphere and enhancing its overall impact. George Kallis’s music added depth and emotion to Woman in the Maze, and I couldn’t be happier with the result.
BK: What was the hardest part of making Woman in the Maze for you as a director? What was the easiest?
MJP: The most challenging aspect of making Woman in the Maze as a director was the fact that I wore multiple hats throughout the production process. I took on roles as both director and producer, and I was deeply involved in various aspects, including location scouting and closely collaborating with every department to ensure the film turned out as envisioned. While the entire process was demanding due to the level of detail and commitment required, I wouldn’t say it felt truly difficult because it’s my passion. Making this movie was a labor of love, and the challenges were part of the journey.
On the flip side, the easiest part of the process was the overall experience because I genuinely enjoyed making this movie. My passion for the project made it feel less like work and more like a fulfilling creative endeavor. It was a fun and enjoyable experience from start to finish because I was dedicated to bringing Woman in the Maze to life.
BK: How long did it take to make Woman in the Maze, from finishing the script to completing post-production?
MJP: Woman in the Maze took a total of 2 years to complete, from the initial stages of finishing the screenplay to completing post-production. The process included one year for script development, 15 days of production, and nearly another year dedicated to post-production efforts to bring the film to its final form.
BK: Is it right to call Woman in the Maze a “haunted house” movie or is it more appropriate to call it an “evil spirit” movie?
MJP: Woman in the Maze can be considered a film that incorporates both elements – a haunted house atmosphere and the presence of evil spirits. However, it’s important to note that the movie likely has a unique blend of these elements, and it may also contain unexpected twists and turns that make it distinct from traditional “haunted house” or “evil spirit” films. To truly understand its genre and narrative, you need to watch the movie to experience its full scope.
BK: What sort of release is Woman in the Maze set to receive?
MJP: Woman in the Maze is set to have a theatrical release on Oct 6th, followed by a digital release. Additionally, it will be released in 85 countries overseas, starting from next month onwards.
BK: What do you hope audiences get out of Woman in the Maze?
MJP: I hope that audiences who watch Woman in the Maze will experience a thrilling and suspenseful cinematic journey. It’s a film designed to keep viewers engaged and on the edge of their seats, with unexpected twists and turns that will keep them guessing. Beyond the excitement, I also hope the film leaves viewers with a sense of intrigue and wonder, sparking discussions and conversations about its themes and mysteries. Ultimately, I want the audience to have a memorable and enjoyable movie-watching experience that lingers with them long after the credits roll.
BK: Any possibility of a Woman in the Maze 2?
MJP: Yes, there is a possibility of a Woman in the Maze 2. I have already begun the process of working on the sequel, and it is likely to go into production starting in 2024. Stay tuned for more updates and details on the continuation of the story.
BK: Would you ever willingly spend a night alone in a haunted house?
MJP: Honestly, I have never had a paranormal experience, so I don’t have a fear of ghosts. Given that, I would be willing to spend a night in a haunted house if the opportunity arose.
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A very special thanks to Mitesh Kumar Patel for agreeing to participate in this interview and to david j. moore for setting it up.
Check out my review of Woman in the Maze here!
Check out Mitesh Kumar Patel’s Facebook page here.
Check out the official Applied Art Productions website here and official Facebook page here!
First poster courtesy of Applied Art Productions. All other images courtesy of Mitesh Kumar Patel.
