ATLFF Filmmaker Dean Francis Surfs Through the Mix-and-Match Questionnaire
Ahead of tonight's DROWN screening, director Dean Francis answers our ruthless questionnaire regarding film and potatoes.
Complete this sentence: "If you liked _________ or _________, you'll love my film."
Tough question! If you liked KABOOM and DRIVE, you might like my film.
Is your film for cat people or dog people? Why?
Dog people because this film could turn on you with its gnarly teeth but it has an adorable grin.
What's the most challenging part of making a film for you? Do you enjoy the challenge or is it something to be avoided?
The challenge is the need for sleep, cause there really isn't time for that sort of thing during production. I do enjoy sleep but it is definitely something to be avoided when you're helming a big production.
Of the filmmakers working today, whose talent do you want to steal?
Xavier Dolan - he's young, hot AND talented. His observations on family relationships are razor sharp and his visual style is oh so seductive.
Name three films you consider under-appreciated and explain their hidden genius.
UPSTREAM COLOR - by Shane Carruth
A seriously hallucinogenic film that so so beautiful and ugly and mysterious it can be watched 6 times and create a different experience depending on your mood.
PRAYER OF THE ROLLERBOYS - starring Corey Haim
For the stunning image of 8 boys in matching beige coats rollerblading in perfect synchronicity, heading into the night to mess up some punk...
HEAT - by Paul Morrissey
What ever happened to movies where the entire cast is on acid in every shot? Really, its magic.
What are your three favorite ways to eat potatoes?
1. With a glass of shiraz
2. With a beer
3. With a small cup of polish vodka
Dean's film, "Drown," screens TONIGHT, March 25th at 9:30pm at The Plaza! Don't forget your tickets to this can't-miss screening:
Mix-n-Match Interview: Blake Robbins, Director and Star of "The Sublime & Beautiful"
Blake Robbins, writer, director and star of The Sublime and Beautiful, answers some of our interview questions!
BLAKE ROBBINS
Complete this sentence: "If you liked IN THE BEDROOM or A WOMAN UNDER THE INFLUENCE, you'll like my film."
I say this because these are two films that FlimMaker Magazine used in a very favorable review of our movie after is screened at Slamdance.
Is your film for dog people or cat people? Why?
Well this is obscure but there are a couple of moments with the family dog in our film, but I wouldn't come to see the dog- most of his performance ended up on the cutting room floor.
What's the most challenging part of making a film for you? Do you enjoy that challenge, or is its something to be avoided?
The most challenging part of making a film for me? Well its cliche but everything is a challenge and I absolutely embraced that. Otherwise the film wouldn't exist. I made the movie with very little money that I raised from friends and family and shot it in 12 days. The whole thing was highly improbable and about as Indie film as you can get.
Of the filmmakers working today, whose talent do you most want to steal?
Just about everyone's—there are so many great filmmakers making movies today. Not a week goes by that I don't see a film where I get jealous and wish that I had directed it or acted in it. That being said I'll just keep plugging away with my own stuff and use it for inspiration. Some favorites include Paul Thomas Anderson, John Cassavetes, Todd Field, Steven Soderbergh and truly I could go on and on.
What are your three favorite ways to eat potatoes?
1. Baked with lots of butter, salt and pepper next to twelve ounces of red meat. 2. Prepared in any fashion on a tropical island, with a fruity drink and a sunset. 3. Garlic fries anywhere.
Name three films you consider to be under-appreciated and explain their hidden genius.
I don't know that these are 3 films that are under-appreciated but whenever I catch them on television I sit through them no matter where I catch them in the story. Splendor in the Grass, Weird Science, and almost anything by Mel Brooks.
The Sublime and Beautiful screens Saturday, April 5 at 2:45 PM at The Plaza Theatre.
Mix-n-Match Intervew: Juli Jackson, Director of "45RPM"
Juli Jackson, director of 45RPM, answers some of our interview questions and asks for help record-shopping in Atlanta!
JULI JACKSON
Is this your first trip to Atlanta? Tell us what your preconceived notions of the city are, and where they came from. What non-festival aspect of the city are you most looking forward to? What places/food/experiences have you heard about that you know you have to try?
The non-festival activity I will not miss on my trip to Atlanta is the Georgia Aquarium. I love all things aquatic. I think in another life I was probably a cephlapod of some sort or maybe my true calling was a marine biologist and somehow I ended up as a filmmaker instead. I will definitely not pass on the chance to stare at rays, sharks, and anemones during my trip and will gather up any other willing filmmakers to go too. So definitely the aquarium and I have a wishlist of record stores I will be making the rounds to. That is the best part of traveling for me - new record stores!
Here's my current list. Am I missing anything?
- Criminal Records
- Fantasyland
- Wax N Facts
- Full Moon Records
- Feed Your Head
- Reactionary Records
- Wuxtry Records
What's the most challenging part of making a film for you? Do you enjoy that challenge, or is its something to be avoided?
The most challenging part of making a film for me is producing. All aspects. Getting money, making the money do special tricks like make you more money or not go flying out the window. Also dealing with people about non-creative matters, negotiating, etc. I find it very difficult and exhausting. I only produced my film myself out of necessity. If I ever manage to find a producer I like working with I will attach myself like a barnacle and never leave.
Of the filmmakers working today, whose talent do you most want to steal?
If only this were really possible... Werner Herzog's obvious nerves ofsteel and dry humor, Wes Anderson's attention to detail, and AlbertMaysles's ability to connect with people in a face to face conversation.
Describe the moment when you knew you making movies was what you wanted to do.
I was in high school and my best friends and I would have "indie movie nights" and watch any semi-underground, unknown, non-Hollywood film we could manage to get from the local Hollywood Video store in rural Arkansas. Pickings were slim, I can tell you. But watching movies outside the mainstream in which real people - not stars, not studios - made the film come together really inspired me to pick up a camera.
What are your three favorite ways to eat potatoes
Do you ask this question because potatoes are going to feature prominently at the festival parties? I hope so. #1 - fat steak fries with an obscene amount of glass-bottled Heinz ketchup. #2 - Baked sweet potato topped with greek yogurt. #3 - Red potatoes oven roasted with root vegetables and fresh herbs.
What's your favorite dinosaur?
I'm a fan of all the marine reptiles of that time even though they are not exactly considered true "dinosaurs." The Psephoderma was like agiant cross between a turtle and a horseshoe crab! He wins for weirdness.
45RPM screens Tuesday, April 1 at 7:15 PM at The Plaza Theatre.
Mix-n-Match Interview: New Mavericks Shorts
Filmmakers behind New Mavericks Shorts selections So You've Grown Attached, Thirteen Blue and Crystal answer our interview questions!
Director Kate Tsang on... "So You've Grown Attached"
"So You've Grown Attached" is a short comedic film about Ex, an imaginary friend, who's forced to consider retirement when his creator starts to grow up. It's also one of the chapters in an on going series onimaginary friends.
What inspired SYGA?
The style and pacing of SYGA are heavily influenced from thousands of hours spent watching cartoons and old TV shows as a kid. I also watched Evil Dead, Edward Scissorhands, and The X-Files for writing inspiration so if you're remotely into any of those things then you might get a kick out of this film.
What was the most challenging part of making the film?
The post-production was pretty intense. During the writing process, I thoughtit might be interesting to shoot a mute live action character who doesn'thave a face except for glowing animated eyes. It was definitely a challengeto shoot and edit, but the overall effect came out pretty neat. SimonPearl, the awesome actor who plays the imaginary friend, had to wear ablack stretch mask the whole shoot while only being able to see out of twotiny holes. We shot the film for 8 days, then spent 10 months in post. Nick Barber, the VFX supervisor, had to track all of Simon's eyemovements, then we had to rotoscope Ex's face out of every frame.
Why did you decide to make films?
One of my first memories is of watching Miyazaki's Totoro. The joy and energy I felt from watching that giant screaming chinchilla was a profound experience. Later on, my cousins and I used to terrorize each other a lot, but whenever a film or a great cartoon was on, we'd all get along for that brief moment of happiness and peace.These experiences ultimately led to my desire of wanting to give others thesame feeling of joy and connectedness through film.
What are you looking forward to doing in Atlanta?
I've never been to Atlanta before, but SYGA editor, Hye Mee Na, is from there and has promised to show me a good Hotlanta time. I hope it involves copious amounts of Korean food which I hear is amazing in the area. I'm also excited to meet other film enthused people and watch the puppetry shorts.
Is this film for dog or cat people?
Neither specifically, but people who like CatDog -- the animated conjoined half-cat half-dog-- would probably like this. Since SYGA is about a weird kid with an imaginary friend, thisfilm might also appeal to people who like to talk to their pets... like me.Shout out to my pet rabbit: Hey BunBun!
If you're curious about the other films of the imaginary friend series, my short Sherman can be viewed online at https://vimeo.com/22148031Sherman. Sherman is about an imaginary friend who's trying to cope with life after his child creator has grown up and moved away.
Director Jacqueline Lentzou on... "Thirteen Blue"
If you liked... Coppola’s “Somewhere" you'll probably like my film.
Is your film for dog people or cat people? Why?
I guess it’s for all animal lovers, as there is a scene in the zoo. However, dog people may identify more with the Ellie character since she seems to roam around like a stray dog most of the time.
What’s the most challenging part of making a film for you? Do you enjoy that challenge, or is its something to be avoided?
The greatest challenge of making a film in Greece is fundraising, and I hate it. However, moving on to make low budget films, the challenge is to prove that a good film can be accomplished if there is talent, even with a minimum budget to spend.
Of the filmmakers working today, whose talent do you most want to steal?
Harmony Korine is for me the ultimate talent boy. I wish I could have just a slice of his imagination.
Describe the moment when you knew you making movies was what you wanted to do.
After watching Gus Van Sant’s Elephant, on a DVD, during an ordinary melancholic Sunday when I was 15, I decided that I have to make films. It felt more like an obligation, rather than a choice.
Name three films you consider to be under-appreciated and explain their hidden genius.
Many films, especially lots of independent productions are under-appreciated and this is a fact known to all filmmakers, upcoming and established. A most recent example would be “Tomboy” by Cèline Skiamma, a great study of a homosexual girl and a very touching story. I feel that if this film, with that lyrical approach was produced from a huge studio, it would be known to the whole world. The genius of the film is how she slowly reveals pieces of the puzzle and that ends up in great surprise.
What are your three favorite ways to eat potatoes, and what’s your favorite dinosaur?
Fried potatoes with mayo, always! All dinosaurs are welcome, I don’t have a preference as I haven’t met any of them.
CHELL STEPHEN
Director Chell Stephen on... "Crystal"
Hi!! I'm Chell Stephen- originally from Toronto but currently based out of Brooklyn where I work alongside my amazing team Think/Feel. On the side I make pinatas so far in the shapes of: strawberry, cactus, rat, piece of bacon, jelly fish, pickle, dahlia... all filled with goodies. For Fun!
Crystal is a dark comedy about a 17-year-old asshole/dancer/superstar. It stars my little sister Kate Stephen in the titular role.
If you like Napoleon Dynamite, Welcome to the Dollhouse, Britney Spears music videos, brightcolors, kicking tunes, weirdo fantasies... IT IS FOR YOU!
While at the fest I'm really looking forward to seeing...
Joe - Nic Cage!! Tye Sheridan!! David Gordon Green! what's not to love?
Obviously beenhearing really great things about Obvious Child. Gillian Robespierre's script and direction are supposed to be top notch and I always love to see Jenny Slate at work, she's got a great natural hilarious delivery that's so rad.
Been hearing high praise for Afronauts as well - and though I'm not yet intimately familiar with everything featured in the Animated Shorts block, I'm looking forward to checking that out—always fun different stuff in a program like that one.
For sure excited to check out the work of my fellow lady directors in the New Mavericks block where Crystal will play- March 31st, 7pm - 7 Stages!
I've been to ATL once before, in 2010 when a band I was tour managing *EarlGreyhound* opened for *OK Go* at The Loft / Center Stage - it was a funtime though we were only in the city for maybe 7 hours or so! Awesomely -as EG are great friends of mine - Crystal features an amazing prog rock song of theirs called Lady Laser (aka Crystal's Theme.) The same year I tour managed the band, my Think/Feel team and I did a video for their song Shotgun, which was later lambasted on Beavis and Butthead - CAREER HIGHLIGHT!
Here's an instagram video I made to celebrate Crystal's Atlanta debut (Crystal and I both love Ciara).
CAN'T WAIT TO COME HANG OUT WITH YOU ALL IT'S GONNA BE TOOOO MUCH FUN!
New Mavericks reception begins at 6:00 PM at 7 Stages, with the film screening beginning at 7:00 PM.
Mix-n-Match Interview: Marcus Rosentrater, Director of "Limo Ride"
Marcus Rosentrater, co-director of Limo Ride (a World Premiere), answers some of our interview questions!
MARCUS ROSENTRATER
Complete this sentence: "If you liked _________, you'll like my film." Explain why.
If you like Drunk History, you'll like our movie. Because trying to remember, convey and reenact the truth while intoxicated is funny.
Is your film for dog people or cat people? Why?
Not sure. There are definitely dogs in the movie. Especially at the end. Gideon always said, "this ending is way too adorable to be in our movie." He's probably right.
What’s the most challenging part of making a film for you? Do you enjoy that challenge, or is its something to be avoided?
Movies are not compatible with life. Many times it seems the universe does not want you to make a movie. It wants you to work a job, go home, consume, sleep, and repeat. The process of creating can force you to make choices that let down people, or be unavailable to some when you should have. It sucks. But at the same time, creating a film can bring lots of people together who normally would not connect. Our screening will be a mix of family, friends, and locals not often together. A reunion of sorts.
Of the filmmakers working today, whose talent do you most want to steal?
I want to be just like Alex Orr and Bret Wood.
Name three films you consider to be under-appreciated and explain their hidden genius.
Diseases like this move slowly. It's hard to know when I picked up the bug exactly. For Gideon it was probably from conception. His parents are art geniuses.
Name three films you consider to be under-appreciated and explain their hidden genius.
Lessons of Darkness, Jazz on a Summer's Day, The Red Shoes. You asked which movies I've watched too many times, right?
What are your three favorite ways to eat potatoes, and what’s your favorite dinosaur?
About the potatoes: we'll let you know during the production of our next movie (lots of food stuff). The best dinosaur is Deinonychus. Look it up. Don't believe Steve Spielberg dinosaur propaganda machine.
All of our work features heavy narration and a combination of archival footage, animation, and graphics. No talking heads. All but 1 of our films tell Southern stories. We trend towards the line between documentary and narrative. CLANDESTINE is half fact/half fiction with clean breaks between sections. Limo Ride is a little more blurry. Dick-George, Tenn-Tom and Grand Fugue on the art of Gumbo are both straight documentary, and rooted in the South. We are non-fiction filmmakers who grew up saturated by narrative films. We see documentary as needing to be as visually interesting and meaningful as narrative films. In fact, we feel that documentary often has a higher potential to be more radical with the visuals than narrative films. Whether we're successful at it with our own work or not is up to the audience, but that's what we strive for. We're just starting out, have a lot to learn and are planning our next 2 films at this very moment. We are going to Minnesota in August to scout locations and do some exploratory filming.
Here our our previous films: *denotes previously played at Atlanta Film Festival.
- DICK-GEORGE, TENN-TOM - 2007
- ** CLANDESTINE - 2009 (played 2010 film festival)*
Released on the Internet Archive where all the material for it came from. - ** GRAND FUGUE ON THE ART OF GUMBO (played 2013 film festival)*
The first screening (World Premiere) of "Limo Ride" sold out! Stay tuned for Encore Screening details.
Mix-n-Match Interview: Kristjan Knigge, director of "The Right Juice"
Kristjan Knigge, director of The Right Juice (a World Premiere), answers some of our interview questions!
KRISTJAN KNIGGE
Complete this sentence: "If you liked _, you'll like my film." Explain why.
If you liked "Bananarama", you'll like "The Right Juice". Why? Easily digestible but fresh, slightly unreal but earthy, attractive but not sexy, mainstream but indie, funny but not in a way you expect, and quite cool although you wouldn't admit it in public.
Is your film for dog people or cat people? Why?
Definitely cat people. Sit back, enjoy, then say "Mweh".
What’s the most challenging part of making a film for you? Do you enjoy that challenge, or is its something to be avoided?
The most challenging thing in filmmaking, which is also the most fun part,is people. It is an inherently collaborative medium and as a director the process is an unending stream of close working relationships. Starting with the writer, through the Producers, Production Designer, Wardrobe,Cinematographer, Actors, Ads, extras, editor, compositor, composer, Sound Designer, colourist, marketeers, publicists, distributors and the list goes on. Each relationship is an essential and profound part of the final result, and if any of those relationships are flawed, broken or dysfunctional, that will reflect in the end result. Not that you have to become friends with all these people but a healthy working relationship based on respect and collaboration is key. The hardest part for an opinionated director like me is to listen, and listen and listen. But when you do, the rewards are manifold.
Of the filmmakers working today, whose talent do you most want to steal?
Baz Luhrman. His sense of flair, style, grandiosity and his powerful storytelling are a constant inspiration.
Describe the moment when you knew you making movies was what you wanted to do.
The moment took about 20 years to mature, so hard to describe!
Name three films you consider to be under-appreciated and explain their hidden genius.
Australia. 2 movies, back to back stuck together and just a ridiculous roller coaster of a blockbuster visual feast.
Paris je j'aime. 20 amazing directors, 20 amazing stories, scores of amazing actors, Paris as the stage all wrapped up in one film. What's not to love. Film school in 12o minutes.
The Passion of Joan of Arc (Carl Dreyer). One of the greatest films ever made.
What are your three favorite ways to eat potatoes, and what’s your favorite dinosaur?
Potatoes are arguably the most undervalued of foods. There are so many delicious ways to prepare them that picking even three favourites is impossibly. I can, however, pick my least favourite way: the 'french fry'. British chips have their place in the culinary world, as do the Belgian frites, Spanish papas fritas and many other variations of (deep) fried potatoes, but the fast food french fry popularized by American fast food chains is to my mind a waste of potato.
Diplodocus, because, you know, 'diplo' and 'docus'.
The World Premiere of "The Right Juice" takes place Saturday, March 30 at 1:45 PM at The Plaza Theatre.
Mix-n-Match Interview: Other Worlds Shorts
Filmmakers behind Other Worlds Shorts selections Atlanta Zombie Apocalypse and Welcome to Dignity Pastures answer our interview questions!
Filmmakers participating in ATLFF 2014 were asked to select from a number of possible interview questions and answer them as truthfully-yet-entertainingly as possible.
EDDIE RAY and JONATHAN REJ
Writer and Director Jonathan Rej on... "Atlanta Zombie Apocalypse"
I have a production company and we make a lot of commercials and the occasional music video. Mastodon "Deathbound" that I directed played in ATLFF last year. Visit my website at www.authorityfilms.com.
Complete this sentence: If you Liked... Return Of the Living Dead and Breakfast Club... you'll like Atlanta Zombie Apocalypse. 80's horror movies and John Hughes pretty much made me who I am today so this film although not set in the 80's, has that sort of fun style.
What’s the most challenging part of making a film for you?
Most challenging part of making a film is keeping your budget from going through the roof. Little things add up quick but making sure your crew is well fed is some of the best money you'll spend.
Describe the moment when you knew you making movies was what you wanted to do.
I've always wanted to make movies since I saw Evil Dead 2. You could really see the fun of film making and creativity coming through in that film.
Director Brian Lonano on... "Welcome to Dignity Pastures"
What’s the most challenging part of making a film for you? Do you enjoy that challenge, or is its something to be avoided?
I have such grand ideas in the beginning and have a lot of ambitious ideas but once time, money and reality start sinking in, I've learn where it's best to make cuts in order to keep that runaway train from going off the tracks. My favorite stage is pre-pro, production is always a blur but I do remember enjoying some moments during. Working with actors and coming up with new ways to make the scene more dramatic, more funny, etc is something you can't think of weeks before while staring at your computer or storyboard book. I always enjoy the challenge because in a way making a movie is solving a big problem. How will you get the idea across on screen by using visual language? How will you direct the actors to get the idea you want to convey across and the biggest problem solver of them all; post production? How can you edit your way out of a corner you may have shot yourself into. If you have the gumption and a story to tell, do not avoid it!
Of the filmmakers working today, whose talent do you most want to steal?
It wouldn't be nice to steal but I do look up to a lot of filmmakers both established and rising powers. I was always a fan of Spielberg for his way of capturing magic in films like E.T., Raiders and Jurassic Park. I love David Lynch's unsettling dialogue and sound and love the quirky characters of The Coen Brothers. And recently I've gotten into the sweeping camera moves in films by Alfonso Cuaron and Terrence Malick. My favorite newcomes I can proudly say I know and am friends with and they are Phil Mucci, Ricky Bates and Steve Kostanski who all have unique voices and inspiring ways to tell stories and take me to new and strange places. They inspire me to be a better filmmaker.
Describe the moment when you knew you making movies was what you wanted to do.
I was 10 and was sitting in a packed theater watching Jurassic Park. That movie changed my life (and scared the crap out of my dad) and from that point on I wanted to take people to new and interesting places through filmmaking. Name three films you consider to be under-appreciated and explain their hidden genius. Logan's Run - That movie is so damn campy but has such great science fiction themes in it. But the effects drive me bananas! You see the camera crew's reflection in BOX the shiny freezer robot. Babe - It's a kids movie but packs a real wallop. It's dark and cinematic as well as extremely hopeful. But when the film hits the emotional lows, they are LOW. The main theme "If I had words" is also an adaptation of what of my favorite pieces of music: Camille Saint Saens's Organ Symphony 4th Movement. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen - I'm going to get a lot of eye rolls for this one BUT it has to be commended. This movie was a complete train wreck. It had no script when they started production, just a treatment and this was due to the writer's strike. But they soldiered on with a treatment so Michael Bay could start storyboarding action scenes. The shot on the great Pyramids in Egypt which is something no one else has done before and the movie made a huge chunk of money at the box office. The movie is Michael Bay's Koyannisqatsi. All visuals, no understandable plot. I am holding out for a Criterion edition of this film because I want to know the ins and outs of how a movie like this was even made.
What films am I looking forward to most at the ATLFF?
The Congress: Though I make live action films, I love animation and this seems to have both! The promotional stills I've seen for this film look so bizarre and I'm really excited to check this film out. Am also a big fan of the film's composer Max Richter.
Limo Ride: My friend Marcus co-created this documentary which I hear takes an experimental turn. Very excited and proud of my friend for making a feature film.
Handy: The idea that someone made a feature starring only hands sounds too bizarre to pass up on. I'd like to see how they pull it off. I gotta HAND it to them, It's an idea I would have never thought of (pun definitely intended).
I Believe in Unicorns: I am familiar with the director's work. The film's title and description is definitely intriguing. When characters are slipping into fantasy worlds, my imagination runs wild at the possibilities of what the director will do with that notion.
Animation, Experimental and Puppetry Shorts Blocks: I am big into animation but that helps when my wife is an animator and animation junkie as well. Along with animation, I am a huge fan of experimental films and puppetry and I incorporate these methods into my own work. I love going to shorts blocks because it re-motivates me to continue working on my present project or start work on something new. I can only imagine the ideas I will have after I watch these shorts blocks.
Other Worlds Shorts plays Saturday, March 30 at 12:30 PM at the The Plaza Theatre.
Mix-n-Match Interview: Comedy Shorts Filmmakers
Filmmakers behind Comedy Shorts selections Housesitter and Human Resources: Sick Days Aren't A Game answer our interview questions!
Filmmakers participating in ATLFF 2014 were asked to select from a number of possible interview questions and answer them as truthfully-yet-entertainingly as possible.
TIJUANA RICKS
Producer and Actress Tijuana Ricks on... "Human Resources: Sicks Days Aren't A Game"
Complete this sentence: "If you liked _, you'll like my film." Explain why.
Office Space. Like Office Space, we take a peek at the darker side of office politics. We've all worked in those offices where the hierarchy is clear. Bosses can be terrifying but you also totally want to be that.
Is your film for dog people or cat people? Why?
Dog people, for sure. The main characters, Kendra and Perry, are like a bulldog and shih-tzu. Both cuddly and dangerous in their own way. Watch and you will see what I mean.
What's the most challenging part of making a film for you? Do you enjoy that challenge, or is its something to be avoided?
This is my first short I've produced! I now know that we produced this film in a stupid quick turnaround. From idea to editing it was about a month. Calling in every favor I could think of to get awesome locations that fit the script was definitely the most challenging. Luckily, I have great friends who work in fly places! :) Working with Jeff and Ken was a ball though. I'm ready to dive in and do it again.
Of the filmmakers working today, whose talent do you most want to steal?
Cary Joji Fukunaga. His work on True Detective was SICK! I want to crawl into his brain. I want to steal his talent and I want to hang out with him. I'm really looking forward to seeing what he does next.
Describe the moment when you knew you making movies was what you wanted to do.
Sitting in my second meeting with Ken and Jeff, knocking out ideas for the short. It was exciting and I couldn't wait to see our baby grow. Not long after we finished production, I was hatching followups. Totally hooked.
What are your three favorite ways to eat potatoes, and what's your favorite dinosaur?
French fries, scalloped with bacon, cheesy, creamy goodness and garlic mashed. T-Rex. Freakin' fierce and one of my favorite nicknames. ;)
Writer-Directors Rex New & Thia Schuessler (also Actress) on... "Housesitter"
Complete this sentence: "*If you liked INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS, you'll like my film."
Because it's a character study that walks the line between comedy and drama--and it features several cats.
Is your film for dog people or cat people? Why?
CAT PEOPLE! It features 6 cats who actually live in the house where we shot the film.
Of the filmmakers working today, whose talent do you most want to steal?
Rex: David O. Russell, Alexander Payne, Paolo Sorrentino, and Errol Morris.
Thia: Duplass Brothers, Coen Brothers, Jeff Nichols
Comedy Shorts plays Saturday, March 29 at 12:15 PM at the 7 Stages Theatre.
Mix-n-Match Interview: Ty Coyle, director of "Baxter"
Ty Coyle, writer and director for Baxter (part of the Saturday Morning Cartoons block), answers some of our interview questions in a video!
Filmmakers participating in ATLFF 2014 were asked to select from a number of possible interview questions and answer them as truthfully-yet-entertainingly as possible.
Ty Coyle is the writer and director for Baxter, part of the Saturday Morning Cartoons block.
Saturday Morning Cartoons plays Saturday, March 29th at 11:00 AM at The Plaza. Kids get in free (up to four kids per paid adult)!
Mix-n-Match Interview: Vincenzo Cosentino, director of "Handy"
If you like movies like "Big Fish", "Into The Wild," and "Despicable Me" and if you get drunk before the screening you will love my film "Handy." - director Vincenzo Cosentino.
Vincenzo Cosentino
Filmmakers participating in ATLFF 2014 were asked to select from a number of possible interview questions and answer them as truthfully-yet-entertainingly as possible. This is the first in the series; we'll post the rest throughout the next two weeks.
Vincenzo Cosentino, director of Handy, has instructions on how best to enjoy his work.
Complete this sentence: "If you liked _________, you'll like my film."
If you like movies like "Big Fish", "Into The Wild," and "Despicable Me" and if you get drunk before the screening you will love my film "Handy."
Is your film for dog people or cat people?
My film is for everyone who has a pair of hands, who has just one hand, who has no hands but still remember how they look like.....but please, don't make the mistake of thinking that the ENTIRE movie is about hands, there are a lot of real human/actors too (and Franco Nero)!!!
What’s the most challenging part of making a film for you? Do you enjoy that challenge, or is its something to be avoided?
I made my feature film "Handy" with no funds at all. This was the most challenging part because I had to do quite everything by myself over the course of 4 years struggle. I did the writing, directing, editing, visual effects, photography, costumes, set design . . . you name it. I had to do it this way because I could no afford to pay professionals in order to help me out. Is it something to be avoided? For sure (if you want to have a normal life and dating girls).
Of the filmmakers working today, whose talent do you most want to steal?
Everyone has his own style, I respect everyone but I don't like "stealing". :-)
Describe the moment when you knew you making movies was what you wanted to do.
When I understood that people wanted to see something new. I wanted to create new kind of stories, giving something unique to the audience. "Handy" sums my desire.
What are your three favorite ways to eat potatoes, and what’s your favorite dinosaur?
See? the guy who made this last question is already drunk and ready to watch my film! lol Ciao!!!
Handy plays Saturday, March 29 at 2:15 PM at the 7 Stages Theatre.