Interview with Patrick McNerney

First of all we would like you to introduce yourself so that we can introduce you to our audience. Who are you? How long have you been making films?

My name is Patrick McNerney, and I’m a Houston-based filmmaker working as a director, producer, and editor. My creative background spans music, radio, and film, and I’ve been involved in storytelling in one form or another for most of my life.

I began my professional career in music as a lead guitarist in multiple signed bands, earning Top-40 and rock-format radio singles, as well as physical CD distribution. That path naturally led me into commercial radio, where I produced music and voiceover work for advertising. During those years, I toured, performed live, and became involved in producing, filming, and editing television commercials, video podcasts, music videos, and short films.

My interest in filmmaking started much earlier, though—at a young age—making claymation shorts with a handycam and filming small skits with family members. Through those early experiments, I realized how powerful film could be as a storytelling medium. It uniquely combines imagery and music, which are my two greatest creative passions. Around 2012, I transitioned my focus primarily to film, and I’ve been pursuing it seriously ever since.

And now we talk about your project. What the audience will find?

After years of working on commercials, music videos, and client-driven projects, I wanted to create something entirely my own—both creatively and technically. I was especially interested in exploring new visual effects techniques and seeing what could be accomplished with little to no budget if everything were handled completely in-house.

Throughout my career, I’d often been told that certain visuals or ideas simply weren’t possible without substantial budgets, representation, or outside backing. Rather than viewing those limitations as obstacles, I decided to remove external control factors entirely by producing, directing, filming, and editing the project independently.

I reached out to Daniel Jones, an exceptionally talented writer, musician, and actor, and asked him to collaborate. I shared a few visual effects concepts I wanted an excuse to explore and asked him to write a short screenplay. What began as a five-minute script quickly evolved into a much larger undertaking: a period fantasy-horror short filmed across multiple locations throughout Texas, featuring original music, period costuming, and a fully realized world.

The production was ambitious and challenging, but incredibly rewarding. Daniel’s original screenplay extends far beyond what we filmed, leaving room for future expansion into a longer film or series. I’m proud that we were able to bring The Sanguine to completion and grateful for the opportunity to share it with audiences. Viewers can expect a dark fantasy-horror experience with layered storytelling and plenty of hidden Easter eggs for those who pay close attention.

Were you inspired by any other movie to make the film?

I’m most inspired by independent filmmakers—especially friends and peers—who take an idea and successfully bring it to life. Watching people around you create meaningful work is incredibly motivating and reinforces the belief that dedication and persistence can turn vision into reality.

While working on a video podcast with a prominent actor and producer, I was encouraged to finally make my own film. Seeing what was achievable on lower-budget productions made me realize that by handling everything in-house, I could keep costs manageable and maintain full creative control. That realization became a major catalyst for The Sanguine.

And now we would like to know about your cinematographic preferences:

What does cinema mean to you?

Cinema is the art of conveying a story. For me, the most impactful films are thought-provoking, regardless of genre or format. If a film lingers in your mind and invites reflection, it has done its job.

What was the first movie you remember seeing?

The first film that had a profound impact on me was The Exorcist. Its mythology, atmosphere, and cultural impact fascinated me and sparked my early interest in horror. Later, films like The Matrix and Indiana Jones captured my imagination through their sense of adventure, philosophical depth, music, and groundbreaking visual effects. Those films were instrumental in shaping my desire to work in visual effects and filmmaking.

Which movie is the best for you?

The Indiana Jones franchise.

What do you think a movie must have as an essential ingredient?

A great film is the result of multiple elements working in harmony. It begins with a compelling, multi-dimensional story, supported by strong performances, and enhanced through a thoughtful blend of practical and visual effects, paired with an effective score. No single ingredient makes a film great—it’s the balance and cohesion of all of them.

Your favorite actor or actress?

I don’t have a single favorite, but actors like Anthony Hopkins and Michael Caine are certainly high on the list.

What qualities do you see in that actor/actress to have such consideration. What do you like most about them?

I’m drawn to performers who excel in subtlety. It’s not about spectacle or exaggerated emotion—it’s about micro-expressions, restraint, and the ability to convey layered emotion in a believable way. Human beings are complex and rarely experience emotions in isolation. When an actor can communicate that internal conflict authentically, the performance becomes timeless.

What genre of cinema do you prefer?

Action-adventure, fantasy, and science fiction.

How do you define yourself professionally?

I define myself as a creative who uses whatever palette is available to express ideas when inspiration strikes. Sometimes that means music, sometimes film, and other times visual effects. The medium changes, but the creative drive remains the same.

What movie have you seen most often

The Matrix. I wore out my VHS copy when it was first released (especially the behind the scenes features at the end of the tape).

What topics are the most inspiring for you?

I’m most inspired by films that explore thought-provoking themes—stories that engage with reality, theology, humanity, and the nature of the universe itself.

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