Telling stories through film and conversation.
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WILDsound's The Film Podcast

In each episode, the C.E.O. of WILDsound, Matthew Toffolo, chats about all things storytelling and film. Conversations with talented individual from all around the world.

Posts in Comedy
September 3, 2023 - Filmmaker Kelly Diaz (DOM BANGS A ROCKETTE)

DOM BANGS A ROCKETTE, 19min., USA
Directed by Kelly Diaz
After picking up his nephew from elementary school in the Valley, East Coast transplant and aspiring adult film actor Ray, loses track of the kid, leading to the “New York style” kidnapping of an innocent man.

Get to know the filmmaker:

Tom wrote the screenplay for ‘Dom Bangs a Rockette’ a few years before we shot it, a few years before we even moved to LA. It was a project we kept putting off – life events just seemed to pop up in the way. Then March of 2020, I was in my second year of grad school at UCLA when everything shut down. Tom and I sat at home for a few months, like everyone else, and then we thought, “Maybe this is the perfect time to make this movie. Our schedules are certainly open.” And we found that a lot of our friends, who were also grad students and filmmakers, felt the same way. We all wanted to keep working, to get back on set again. And I think making a comedy at that time was perfect. We all had enough stress; it was nice to escape into work, to throw ourselves into a project we cared about and then… laugh.

You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

August 25, 2023 - Screenwriter Sean Whitley (The Paranormal Prankster: Casefile 001 – Bigfoot)

Watch the Comedy Screenplay Reading: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35-fr2OLZxU

When a notorious Internet troll appears on a live streaming video podcast to debate the existence of Sasquatch with Bigfoot believers, the fur flies when he’s challenged by an ape-suited prankster claiming to be the legendary beast!

Get to know the writer:

It’s a comedic take on paranormal podcasts and talk shows in which a prankster dons a Bigfoot costume and debates an Internet troll.

You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

Aug. 11th - Filmmaker Ian Gregory Trutt (CAM GIRL series)

Cam Girl – Season 1 Episode 2, 14min., USA, Dramedy
Directed by Ian Gregory Trutt
Laura is a self-proclaimed “generic white girl” whose financial struggles force her to start a side hustle, leading her to discover the seductive and complex world of webcam modeling. Everyone has an OnlyFans – how hard can it be?

http://camgirlwebseries.com/

Get to know the filmmaker:

I’ve gotten sick of seeing sex workers being portrayed as rich and glamorous or all abused and desperate. The truth is, while both ends of the spectrum certainly exist, many online sex workers are middle class (predominantly young women) who have a knack for social media and want extra cash. We wanted to make a love letter to the mundane and funny parts of the job while still acknowledging the dangerous and stigmas that still plague the industry.

You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

May 6, 2023 - Screenwriter Janna Jones (SHELTER)

Watch the Screenplay Reading: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfPdZKEVV2s

A smart, but indecisive movie theater owner is about to lose her husband, movie theater and her family’s legacy, but when two forces of nature sweep into her life–a violent tropical storm and a gorgeous and compassionate man–she finally jumps into action to get what she wants.

https://www.facebook.com/janna.jones
https://instagram.com/drjannajones

Get to know the screenwriter:

Shelter is original, funny and sweet. It is truly a love letter to cinema, and it is full of funny, quirky and three dimensional characters who live on a cool, funky island off the coast of Florida. In some ways, it also flips the script of the romantic comedy–because at the end of Shelter, we see the woman chasing after the man; in this case, by way of skateboard and golf cart!


You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

Subscribe to the podcast via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

April 24, 2023 - Filmmaker George Dickinson (THE HAIRCUT)

THE HAIRCUT, 5min., USA, Dark Comedy
Directed by George Dickinson
Andrew just got the best haircut of his life, but will his roommates notice?

Get to know the filmmaker:
One time, my hair got cut, but you know what my hair didn’t get? Compliments! And the insecure side of me got a little mad. I thought to myself, “I feel powerless.” But then some self awareness kicked in and I thought that reaction was hilarious. The idea of a character who attaches power to validation was really exciting to me. I wanted to make a film that captured the powerlessness one feels in not being validated.

You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

Subscribe to the podcast via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

April 22, 2023 - Filmmaker Dustin Hendrix (ENGLISH BREAKFAST)

ENGLISH BREAKFAST, 9min., USA, Dark Comedy
Directed by Dustin Hendrix
Claire and Shaun, a newlywed couple, stay at the critically-acclaimed Miss Talbot’s Bed and Breakfast. Before long, Claire starts to realize that this bed and breakfast isn’t quite as charming as it initially appears to be.

https://www.instagram.com/english.breakfast.film/

Get to know the filmmaker:

In 2017 my wife and I stayed at an Airbnb for the first time, and I found the concept strangely fascinating: sleeping in a random stranger’s house. At the time I thought, what if the owner was not who they seemed to be, and wanted to murder us after we fell asleep? The idea stuck with me, and finally in 2019 I decided it was time to explore this idea. So essentially, this film is a product of my overactive imagination.

You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

Subscribe to the podcast via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

April 19, 2023 - Filmmaker Chris Harboldt (BOSS OF THE TOSS)

BOSS OF THE TOSS, 29min., USA
Directed by Chris Harboldt
While balancing a relationship with his girlfriend, a down and out cornhole player must compete in a high stakes, underground tournament to help his grammy pay off a bookie.

Get to know the filmmaker:

I’m a big fan of slapstick sports comedies and wanted to pay homage to the genre. The idea for the movie percolated in my head for years. I outlined for quite some time, but when I became serious about writing and making it, I would say that it took around six months.

You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

Subscribe to the podcast via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

April 16, 2023 - Filmmaker Ethan Knecht (JESUS' ABS)

WILDsound welcomes back documentarian filmmaker Ethan Knecht to the podcast. Today’s we’re chatting with him about his short film JESUS’ ABS.

Ethan Knecht is an educator and a personal essay filmmaker. He lives in Pleasantville, NY with his wife and two daughters. His previous films have screened at The Hudson Valley Film Festival, Peekskill Film Festival, YoFi Festival, Rooftop Films, Northside Film Festival, Atlanta Underground Film Festival, , etc.

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4238586/

https://www.instagram.com/knechtions/

You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

Subscribe to the podcast via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

March 5, 2023 - Filmmaker Katie Goodman (THE KARENS)

THE KARENS, 8min. USA, Comedy
Directed by Katie Goodman
Welcome to the support group for people named Karen. Believe it or not, there are some people out there who are named Karen. That’s their actual name. People who must walk through their days knowing the very name their parents gave them is now an insult. This film is for them.

http://www.katiegoodman.com/
https://facebook.com/KatieGoodmanComedy/
https://twitter.com/KatieGoodman
https://instagram.com/thekatiegoodman/

Get to know the filmmaker:
I just fell in love with my husband Soren Kisiel’s script when we did it live last year. I new it would work as a film. I also found my DP and he was massively inspiring. And my cast. I knew how fun it would be. They are just so brilliant. I giggled like a crazy person over and over during editing even after watching the same take 5 times.

You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

Subscribe to the podcast via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

February 16, 2023 - Filmmaker Sharon Mayo (THE STAMP)

THE STAMP, 10min., USA, Comedy
Directed by Sharon Mayo
A satire on how to complete a task within government bureaucracy.

https://linktr.ee/anniewaits18
https://instagram.com/the.stamp.shortfilm

Get to know the filmmaker:

used to be a government contractor and one day, the person who did a specific task was out for the day. I thought I was doing everyone a favor when I decided to do it myself so I can finish my assignment early. Apparently not. I was told that I was threatening other people’s job for going above and beyond, so I wanted to examine that under a comedic lens.

You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

Subscribe to the podcast via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

February 12, 2023 - Filmmaker Tanin Risdon (TEGG SANDWICH)

TEGG SANDWICH, 9min., Canada, Comedy
Directed by Tanin Risdon
A short comedy about an over-confident HR Rep who is tasked with putting an end to the largest problem in the office: A bizarre, outcast employee and their foul smelling lunches.

https://www.instagram.com/taninjr/

Get to know the filmmaker:
My friend Ian Boyd wrote the script (as well as produced it) and a few people had told me he was looking for a director so I had him send me the script. After reading it I knew I had to be involved because I thought it was hilarious. I immediately had so many ideas to contribute to Ian’s brilliant writing so I was just so happy he gave me the opportunity to direct it.

You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

Subscribe to the podcast via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

January 24, 2023 - Filmmaker Guy Noland (STAGE MANAGED)

STAGE MANAGED, 28min., USA, Comedy
Directed by Guy Noland
A suburban community theater must successfully produce a knock-off version of “My Fair Lady” in order to keep their doors open.

http://www.viralentertain.com/

Get to know the filmmaker:

I grew up in the theater and made the transition to filmmaking in college, but always held onto my love for the stage. When the pandemic hit, everything shut down in Hollywood and all of my friends were out of work, so I thought, “Hey, let’s put something together to keep everyone working!” Then I had to come up with something that we could do on a shoestring budget, easy, not a lot of locations, and would hit a niche audience. That’s when I came up with the idea of Stage Managed.

You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

Subscribe to the podcast via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

December 22, 2022 - Writer/Producer/Star Caryn Ruby (VADGEVERTISING)

VADGEVERTISING, 8min., USA, Comedy
Directed by Kate Peterson
Shortly after the release of his controversial “Healthy Boy Toothpaste” ad, Leo Mann gives Satirical News Magazine, Nitecap, an exclusive behind-the-scenes interview of his new intravaginal advertising agency, and shares his philosophy behind “Vadgevertising.”

Get to know Writer/Producer/Star Caryn Ruby

Kate (my co-writer) and I were so disgusted by Tom Ford’s sexualized perfume ads, that we thought, “what could possibly be next?!” and we joked that they would have to advertise inside of vaginas to make it worse. So we laughed and then wrote it.

You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

Subscribe to the podcast via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

December 14, 2022 - Writer/Producer/Star Danny Abrahms (THE THIRD)

THE THIRD, 4min., USA, Comedy
Directed by Jonathan Kehoe
Making friends is hard.

From Danny Abrahms:

I wanted to make something fun with my actor friends that we could all add to our reels. I wrote it in January, we filmed it in May, and had a final cut by September. There was plenty of downtime in between, but from start to finish was about eight months. We ran into some technical issues in post that were very annoying and slowed the process down. We probably would’ve finished it a month or two sooner otherwise.


Interview conducted by Matthew Toffolo

Playing on the Film Festival Streaming service today! You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

Subscribe to the podcast via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

November 30th - Filmmaker Daniel Young & Screenwriter Edward Dorsey (SPOONS)

SPOONS, 3min., USA, Comedy
Directed by Daniel Young
Spoons. What more is there to say?

https://instagram.com/skinnyguyproductions

From Daniel Young:

“Spoons” was an incredible script to read. Ed and I had been looking to collaborate again before we had officially teamed up, and it just all came together. I wanted to do fun, and strange in a way people hadn’t seen before


Playing on the Film Festival Streaming service later this month. You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

Subscribe to the podcast via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

October 6, 2022 - Writer/Actor Sophia Cleary (ONE & ONLY)

ONE & ONLY is an experimental comedy special written and performed by Sophia Cleary for an audience of one person. Using this 1:1 ratio of performer to audience, ONE & ONLY explores connection, intimacy and the shifting power dynamics in live comedy.  


https://www.sophiacleary.com/

https://www.instagram.com/_sophia_cleary/

https://twitter.com/_sophia_cleary

Sophia Cleary is a queer, genreless, childless & anti-disciplinary comedian, writer, and artist working with jokes, video, dance, music, and more. She has presented her work in NYC at the Center for Performance Research, Danspace Project, the Chocolate Factory, Dixon Place, The Kitchen, and e-flux and in Los Angeles at the Hammer Museum and Human Resources Gallery. Sophia co-created "Miracle," an anti-fan fiction play about Anne Geddes and GG Allin with performance artist Neal Medlyn. She is the founder and coordinator of the works-in-progress series REHEARSAL and former co-editor for Ugly Duckling Presse's performance annual Emergency INDEX. She is one-half of feminist punk band Penis, a collaboration with Samara Davis.

Film playing on the Film Festival Streaming service later this month. You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

Subscribe to the podcast via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

October 5, 2022 - Filmmaker Team of PULLOUT (directors Alison Barton, Bonnie Dennison. writer/star Noah Zachary)

Conversation with creative team of the award winning short film PULLOUT. Writer/star Noah Zachary, and directors Alison Barton, Bonnie Dennison join in on the conversation about the making of the film.

“One day after purchasing their first real adult pull-out couch, homebody couple Levi and Dillon's relationship is tested when an unexpected (and pungent) visitor arrives to stay the night.”

http://www.bonabart.com/pull-out

https://www.instagram.com/2bonabart4u/

Director Statement

Levi and Dillon live in their bougie bubble in Brooklyn. Every day on their way to the subway they pass the unhoused and they feel bad. They even talk about how bad they feel. But once safe inside their two-bedroom, all this couple has to worry about is what wine pairs best with Thai food, and if they should “adopt” or “shop” for a dog. That is, until an old friend of Levi’s shows up. A friend who is clearly experiencing homelessness.

Our goal in directing PULL OUT was to use humor to pose a question: What would you do in Levi’s situation? Because while we all hold the “right” opinions, and we’d like to think we’d open our door to a struggling friend, is that true? Or is the truth that we’re more worried about our new couch, than our friend in need.

—-

Film playing on the Film Festival Streaming service later this month. You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

Subscribe to the podcast via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

October 3, 2022 - Director/Actor Jason Ishmael Echols & Actor Catherine Lidstone (ALONG CAME A CALLBACK)

Conversation with director/writer/star Jason Ishmael Echols and producer/actor Catherine Lidstone on the making of the award winning film “Along Came a Callback”.

“Audrey, a struggling Hollywood actress is having a tough go at things, but perhaps her luck is about to change when she receives a mysterious last minute audition that forces her to face her past.”

Director Statement

When I tell a story I don't want to tell our audience how to feel or what to think about our subjects or the subject matter. I wish to merely present the points of view to our audience an give them the opportunity to think it out for themselves and hopefully open a discussion about forgiveness and healing and what that might look like.

—-

Film playing on the Film Festival Streaming service later this month. You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

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October 1, 2022 - Filmmaker/Performer Natalie Giannosa (FUNNY.)

This musical theatre thematic cabaret, is a love letter to the tormented artist. Who deals with internal battles behind closed doors, but at the end of the day still CHOOSES to CREATE beauty and art, out of the tragedy. Comedy/tragedy are the same face. Tragedy informs the comedy. Tragedy informs the beauty.

Project Links

  • Website

  • Instagram

    Director Statement

    In May of 2020 I was set to write/perform a musical theatre Cabaret as a final project of my BFA program. It was shelved due to the pandemic. This project meant a lot to me and I wanted it to mean something. I never truly finished writing it at the time, so I figured it just wasn’t the right timing. Fast forward two years, some rewrites, and many new life experiences later, I have finally tied a nice little bow on this thing. I had the vision to rework it into a short film, as I felt it's message would be more effective and reach more people this way. This project is a love letter to the tormented artist. Who deals with internal battles behind closed doors, but at the end of the day still CHOOSES to CREATE beauty and art, out of the tragedy. Tragedy informs the comedy. Tragedy informs the beauty.

  • Film playing on the Film Festival Streaming service later this month. You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

    Subscribe to the podcast via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

September 29, 2022 - Filmmaker Lori Chandler (The Society for Paranormal Healing)

THE SOCIETY FOR PARANORMAL HEALING, 26min., USA, Comedy
Winning Film from the LA Comedy Festival.
Two best friends run a small business healing the spirits of haunted houses. But when funding falls through, every attempt to save the business results in the unexpected– and their status as Best Friends Forever is put to the test.

http://dinosaursvrobots.com/
https://instagram.com/dinosaursvrobots

Director Statement

I wanted to write a film about outcasts and outliers, friendship and hardship, and do so with humor and heart. I wanted to make a film that passes the Bechdel test, that is female- and queer-driven above and below the line. I wanted to put my vision into the universe and say, “See, this is how I look at the world. This is how my brain inputs information. This is how I’ve experienced life, and this is what happens when it all swirls together like damp autumn leaves in the wind.” But, like, it’s *funny* though.
My goal was to celebrate goofs, guffaws, ghouls, gals, and gays; and like Megan Rapinoe herself, I kicked that goal hard.

Film playing on the Film Festival Streaming service later this month. You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

Subscribe to the podcast via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook