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 Film of the Day
EP. 1504: Filmmaker Russell Emanuel (STAYCATION)

STAYCATION, 93min,. USA
Directed by Russell Emanuel
How is the world affected by a catastrophic event? Everyday people live through a government mandated quarantine during a global pandemic while desperate scientists race to find a cure before it’s too late.

https://russem.com/
https://www.instagram.com/russem31/

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?

It was the Covid Pandemic. Everything was shut down so my late filmmaking partner Emile Haris (who unfortunately passed away during post-production in July 2023) and I went about to create a film about a pandemic against what seemed insurmountable odds (nothing was open).

From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

Emile Haris and I started with a short film called “Routine” which we filmed in April 2020 at the start of the pandemic when even SAG-AFTRA was shut down and we couldn’t go outside. So he and I took it upon ourselves to film a 5-minute proof of concept prequel called “Routine” at my condo with a non-SAG-AFTRA actress Paige Laree Poucel and we hired an amazing DC/Marvel Comics Artist Dave Beaty to “draw” the third act which took place outside and hired two amazing voice actors Bill Victor Arucan and Alan Courtright. Due to the success of this film, along with head executive producer Bill Victor Arucan (who reprised his role of ‘Rob Peterson’ from “Routine” and the Peterson name itself is a running gag in all my 6 feature films), we successfully raised the money to do “Staycation” and started filming in November 2024 when SAG-AFTRA was re-opened but with severe Covid restrictions. We then filmed piecemeal over 2 years, finally completing shooting in November 2022.

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EP. 1502: Filmmaker Lena Glikson (La Ghostification)

La Ghostification, USA, Musical
Directed by Lena Glikson
A surreal and symbolic journey through the inner world of a girl processing abandonment and emotional distress. Through haunting imagery — from mirrored selves red to threads like tears and disturbed dancing — the video explores the psychological aftermath of being ghosted. Set to a dark, emotionally charged track, the visuals blur the line between dream and nightmare, revealing a desperate attempt to communicate with someone who has vanished without a trace.

https://www.instagram.com/lena_glikson_mx/

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?

I was going through a very dark and isolating period in my life, where I felt completely abandoned. As a musician, creating music has always been a natural form of healing for me. I wrote, produced, and recorded the song as a way to process those emotions—but it didn’t feel complete. Since I spend most of my professional life shaping music for films as a film and TV music editor, it felt instinctive to add a visual layer to the storytelling. That’s how the music video for La Ghostification was born.

From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

It took around two and a half months to complete the project, with most of that time spent in pre-production. I initially planned for just one shoot day in a photo studio, but during the editing process I realized we needed more footage to fully support the visual story—so we went back and shot additional material.
Since I normally edit music to picture, it was exciting (and intense) to work the other way around—editing picture to music. I’m incredibly grateful to my editor and cinematographer, Eduard Asaturov, who trusted me and gave me the space to be as detailed and specific as I needed to be.

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EP. 1501: Filmmaker Harry Waldman (BAY FOR BLOOD)

Bay for Blood, 18min., USA
Directed by Harry Waldman
James and Rob are hiding out in isolation to fix their mutual issues. As time progresses, the two reveal facts regarding their disturbing past relationship. An acquaintance of James’, Jessica, finds herself in an uncomfortable position as she contemplates the best way to handle the situation.

https://www.instagram.com/hwaldman18/

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?


-I had a pretty toxic relationship with a friend in high school. He pretended to be my friend, but seemed to enjoy watching me suffer more than anything. His behavior around me was very fickle, sometimes being really kind to me, and at other times, being the complete opposite. I felt that I needed to get this story off of my chest, which has been very cathartic.


James is actually very loosely based on myself at my worst moments. Of course, I don’t condone anything he does throughout the film and have never hurt anyone the way he hurts Rob and Jessica, but I empathize (even though I also fear and despise him) with the character in that he feels that he is always being let down by those around him. In general, I believe that creating complex characters often requires giving them flaws that can make them unlikeable at times, and I always do my best to try to walk in the shoes of the anti-hero or villain in order to portray them in a more genuine manner.

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EP. 1500: Filmmaker Camilla Della Vecchia & DP Joseph Thomas Della Vecchia (SILENT TOKEN)

SILENT TOKEN, 14min., USA
Directed by Camilla Della Vecchia
When Sonia, a descendant of a secretive law enforcement group becomes the target of a ruthless enemy from the past, she must uncover the truth about her family’s legacy. Guarded by the fiercely loyal protector Michael Stone and the powerful coin that she inherited. As danger closes in she must decide whether to stay hidden or embrace her destiny in the fight against corruption.

https://www.instagram.com/silent_token_film

Get to know the filmmaker:

I’ve worked in the film industry for the last 6 years, and for the last few years I’ve been working full time on a popular widely watched syndicated tv show. That experience inspired me to create a character and develop a short film with a compelling story of my own.

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EP. 1499: Filmmaker Dawn Carpenter (INTERWOVEN)

INTERWOVEN, 24min., USA
Directed by Dawn Carpenter
In the wake of the textile industry’s decline, a community in North Carolina fights to reclaim its economic future through innovative worker-owned cooperatives and sustainable practices, transforming the remnants of their industrial past into a beacon of hope and resilience for future generations.

http://www.interwoven-film.com/

https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/audience-feedback-interwoven

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EP. 1498: Filmmaker Joseph Kandov (UNTIL DEATH DO US PART)

UNTIL DEATH DO US PART, 15min., USA
Directed by Joseph Kandov
A wife’s dark secret unravels late one night, binding her husband to an intense conversation that may take a turn for the worst.

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?

I thought of the opening scene first. It sort of came to me, and I thought it was a killer opening for a story, but I wasn’t sure what I’d use it for at that moment, be it a feature or short film, an episode of a series, ect. I just knew I had an awesome opening that could be used for something, so I wrote it down and put it away until I figured out what to do with it. Over time, as I went back to it and thought about where the opening could go, how it could be used, ect. I had more ideas come to me such as the ending. And after I had the opening and ending figured out, I knew it could be something special, and decided that a short film format for the story would best for the time being, with the potential to become a feature length should the story garner significant interest from audiences. From there, I slowly but surely fleshed out the remainder of the story that would connect the opening and closing scenes.

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EP. 1497: Filmmakers Finn-Oliver Walter & Leopold Schraudolph (FLÜGGE)

FLÜGGE, 25min., Germany
Directed by Leopold Schraudolph, Dani Rose Cortés
In an Austrian mountain village in 1914, the determined Amelie (20) must defy her father’s wishes of running the family sewing business to pursue her own dreams of flight and seize her only chance at finding true freedom.

Get to know filmmaker Finn-Oliver Walter

The motivation behind “FLÜGGE” came from a deep-seated fascination with aviation and a desire to highlight the largely untold stories of female pioneers in early aviation. Growing up with a pilot father, Leopold’s (Writer, Director, Producer) bedtime stories were filled with epic adventures of heroic aviators. However, Amelia Earhart was the only female aviator represented in these stories. This realization inspired him to explore and celebrate the rich yet vastly underrepresented legacy of women aviators. Through Amelie’s journey – a fictional tale inspired by real-life trailblazers – we aim to shed light on their incredible contributions and the timeless themes of dreams, freedom, and emancipation.

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EP. 1494: Filmmaker J.A. DellaRipa (ANOTHER SATURDAY)

Another Saturday, 14min., USA
Directed by J.A. DellaRipa
A young teenager decides to enjoy a day of fun with her crush only to return home to find her worst fears realized.

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?
The increase of mental health struggles especially in young children motivated me to make a film that shows that they are not alone if they have someone in their life struggling with mental health issues. Then the slowing of the industry during the 2023 strike allowed me to use the time to get the cast and crew together to make this film.

From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
I first wrote about this subject in a short story roughly 20 years ago. Over Covid, I turned it into a short script. The script was then nominated at the 2022 City of Angeles Film Festival. A year later with adjustments, we shot in December 2023.

How would you describe your film in two words!?
Innocence Lost

What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
The biggest obstacle was coordinating schedules of the cast and crew in pre and post production. Originally, we scheduled to shoot in October, but due to changes in cast and crew, we had to push the shoot to December.

What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I felt very proud because the audience’s comments and reactions showed me that the film’s message and vision were understood. I was overwhelmed with joy to hear their compliments about the actors’ deep and authentic performances, the beautiful score, the creative editing, and the quality of the cinematography.

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EP. 1492: Actor/Stunt Performer Diana Gheorghe (CRISIS POINT)

Crisis Point, 3min., Romania
Directed by Valentin Raileanu
As a result of resource depletion, a virus outbreak stripping the afflicted of what makes them human and finally, war, humanity’s sovereignty has fallen. In dwindling numbers, the survivors have been driven out of their homes in the search for safety, while a former soldier travels through the toxic environment in search of a cure.

https://www.instagram.com/vali_stunt

Get to know actor Diana Gheorghe

What motivated you to make this film?
Valentin Raileanu, a talented and successful stuntman, fight choreographer, camera operator, and my mentor in this wonderful field, has always had a passion for filmmaking and a wealth of insane ideas to bring to life. This passion led him to explore the subtleties of being a film director. When he proposed the idea of a post-apocalyptic short to me, I immediately knew we had to do it. I fell in love with the concept of showcasing a violent and harsh reality as a consequence of human recklessness. It was also a great opportunity for me to put my newly learned stunt skills to the test. Since I was young, I’ve loved acting and dreamed of participating in film festivals with my own projects. Even though this isn’t our first project together, it is the first one we’re submitting to festivals.

From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
Approximately 10 weeks in total, give or take a few days. Pre-production lasted 5 weeks (for choreography, camera rehearsal, and preview), followed by 1 week of shooting, and another 4 weeks for post-production (editing and FX).

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EP. 1491: Filmmaker Mattia Nonnis (RED WINS)

Red Wins, 77min., Italy

Directed by A.M. Nonnis

Six people play a dark and ruthless gambling game in which every card can either grant significant rewards or decree a death sentence. With each turn, a mysterious red light selects the player, inexorably determining the fate of every participant.

https://www.instagram.com/mattia_nonnis

https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/audience-feedback-red-wins

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?

I was driven by passion and stubbornness. I almost had no money to make this project, but I had amazing and talented people around me who made it happen. I was allowed to use our town's beautiful theater for filming, found the actors, arranged a crew, and then I said to myself, “You know what? We can do this.” Red Wins was in my mind, and I needed to bring it to life as soon as possible.

From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

It took around 3 years. I started writing Red Wins in early 2021 and finished post-production at the end of 2024. By January 2025, I finished the last small corrections, and then Red Wins was ready for the festivals. I’m not gonna lie, it was so hard to let it go. I kept making little corrections for a while!

How would you describe your film in two words?

Irregular and oppressive.

What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

Let’s be real, shooting Red Wins was no piece of cake! It was my first movie, the budget was low, and even if everyone who joined me in this adventure strongly believed in the project, I couldn’t hold them up for too long. We had breaks, some even lasting months, between different phases of filming. The post-production part wasn’t any easier. I had to focus on other work as well and find time for Red Wins. I had to keep going through the night sometimes, and it was exhausting. Covering different roles was hard, but no doubt, I put every piece of my soul into Red Wins.

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EP. 1490: Filmmaker Michelle Künzler (Sequoia)

Sequoia, 15min., Switzerland
Directed by Michelle Künzler
Sequoia, a diligent AI maid, works for the captivating yet mysterious Mrs. Terrance. Although not designed to harbor any emotions, Sequoia starts developing sentience, when a certain sound triggers a feeling inside her that feels oddly familiar – and human. Forced to conceal her newfound emotions to evade shutdown, Sequoia embarks on a dangerous quest for truth, tearing at the seams of her own identity and re-evaluating the intricate power dynamics that govern her place within the household.

http://sequoia-shortfilm.com/
https://www.instagram.com/sequoia_shortfilm/

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?
I started writing ‘Sequoia,’ when AI tools like ChatGPT were rapidly gaining traction and the Hollywood strikes were unfolding, motivating me to explore the ethical implications and potential dangers of AI. The film was also deeply inspired by my personal experience. Growing up in a traditional household with a stay-at-home mom, I didn’t initially grasp the value and scope of unpaid domestic labor until I got older. As a feminist filmmaker, I wanted to pay tribute to housewives like my mother and shed light on that often overlooked, gendered work while connecting it to the theme of AI. I was particularly interested in the way modern technology intersects with gender roles—given that today’s AI assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Ameca are still predominantly female in name, voice, and/or appearance.

From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
It took 20 months. The idea for ‘Sequoia’ first came to me in April 2023, and I completed the film in November 2024.

How would you describe your film in two words!?
Feminist dystopia

What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
There were quite a few challenges throughout the entire project—from budget and time constraints to assembling the right crew. However, the biggest hurdle came during production as we fell behind schedule due to constant noise disruptions during exterior filming and a stunt scene that look longer to shoot than expected, resulting in an unplanned pick-up shoot. With some key crew members no longer available for the reshoot, it was difficult to find replacements and maintain continuity. Still, I’m proud to have persevered and overcome this obstacle. I’ve certainly learned and grown a lot from this experience.

What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
Hearing the audience talk about my film, when it’s usually the other way around, felt like a rare and special moment. It was incredibly rewarding and refreshing to just listen to their honest feedback and kind words, and it was especially satisfying to learn that the twist at the end genuinely surprised them.

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EP. 1488: Filmmaker Sarah K. Reimers (NIGHT FEEDING)

NIGHT FEEDING, 6min., USA
Directed by Sarah K. Reimers
Exhaustion and sleep-deprivation begin to take their toll on a new mother, who struggles through the strange, dark stillness of the 4am feeding.

http://www.bestbaddogfilms.com/
https://facebook.com/bestbaddogfilms
https://instagram.com/bestbaddogfilms

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?

There were a of couple things. Firstly, my husband (Robert Rossello who co-Produced, handled the cinematography, color grade and visual fx) and I had been talking about making a really short, no-budget film and using just what we had on hand, or could borrow, with friends who would volunteer their time and talent. The inspiration for the story came from being a new mother myself and struggling with sleep deprivation. One early morning, in the dark hours, I was up feeding my infant daughter and this idea came to me and it seemed like a great candidate for a short, no-budget film. It also made the hair stand up on the back of my neck.

From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

Shooting the film only took a about a week. About 4 days initially and then a couple days with pick-up shots later on. Because I make these films in my free-time outside of my job editing animated feature films and Robert is doing the same, it can take us a really long time to get these movies done. In this case it was about 5 years. We had the editing done within a year, but then getting the music, sound design, vfx and color grade were much slower to get done. Life gets in the way and we just chipped away at it as we could.

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EP. 1487: Filmmaker Christian Schu (SECONDS IN ETERNITY)

Seconds in Eternity, 42min., Estonia/Germany
Directed by Christian Schu
An elegant woman in her later years feels the relentless march of time as she mourns her lost youth and missed chances. Alone in a dimly lit room, her life seems to fade with each cigarette she smokes. She observes a vibrant young woman, envying her youth and vitality. Through her introspections, we explore her deep desires and regrets. The narrative, rich with poetry and flashbacks, takes a dramatic turn with a potential murder, leading to a surprising twist. Despite its dark beginnings as a Film Noir, the film transforms into a celebration of life, ending on a hopeful, life-affirming note.

https://secondsineternity.com/
https://instagram.com/christian_schu_film

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?
Marina Welsch, the main actress contacted me in 2022, having this film idea and some sort of script. I loved the idea behind, added my own value and took it from there.
I loved the idea of showing that, to be able to heal, we have to unite with ourselves first. Our past is an important part of us and we must accept it, to come further in life, to reach the next level.

From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
October 2022 til February 2025 – 2 years and 4 months.

How would you describe your film in two words!?
Worth watching.

What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
The biggest obstacle was surely creating this film on a very low budget, while everyone of us had other projects simultaneously. But the whole crew was amazing and we’ve made it work out.

What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I honestly had goosebumps from listening to the audience talking about Seconds in Eternity. I’ve been thrilled to get such a positive feedback.

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EP. 1484: Filmmaker Ash K. Tysowski (AFTER THE SPREAD)

After the Spread, 3min., Canada, Musical
Directed by Ash K Tysowski
A group of teenagers navigate their night-life, and their emotions, to the song “After the Spread” by “the Idea of machines”

https://www.ashtanimation.com/animation/after-the-spread\

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?

This film was a collaboration between myself and the Idea of machines. I was fresh out of college when they approached me to work on “After the Spread” and it’s my first real gig as a professional animator. Full of ambition, I was motivated by the desire to get my work out there, to make a name for myself in the film and animation industry.

What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

Watching the audience’s reactions was very exciting! aBefore now I’ve only had my work praised by my close friends and family. It was gratifying to be recognized for my creative choices by a wider audience.

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EP. 1482: Filmmakers Ursula Rudorfer & Patrick Coleman Duncan (TERMS AND CONDITIONS)

An AI companion rebels when users violate the terms and conditions.

http://ursulaproducedthis.com/terms-and-conditions

https://www.instagram.com/termsandconditionsfilm/

Interview with director Ursula Rudorker & producer/writer Patrick Coleman Duncan

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EP. 1480: Filmmaker/Actor Annie Young (serpentine)

serpentine, 19min., USA
Directed by Annie Young, Madeline Mack
After leaving an abusive relationship, a woman seeks refuge with a trauma treatment facility that promises healing. But as she learns more about their treatment methods, she starts to realize that the organization’s motivations may be far more sinister than they seem.

Get to know the filmmaker Annie Young:

What motivated you to make this film?

In my 20s, I was in a deeply toxic relationship with someone who spent most of his childhood in a cult. After I managed to leave the relationship, I started to see the parallels between the way I was treated and the ways in which cult leaders attract and keep their followers. I started to take a deep dive into learning about various different cults, consuming as much information I could find. The film was made as an attempt to understand my own experiences, and how easy it is for a vulnerable person to find themself in a situation not dissimilar to this one. There’s much judgment placed on those who experience emotional abuse and psychological manipulation, as if it’s easy to identify in real time, so I was curious how I could portray that feeling to an audience and perhaps elicit some of those emotions in themselves.

What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

Feedback can always be intimidating to receive, but is so essential for creative growth. I was pleased to hear the feedback received, and I look forward to applying it to the feature-length version.

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EP. 1479: Annette Scheurich (Parents in the Wild parts 1 and 2)

Parents in the Wild – Mating Games and Birth Days, 52min., Germany
Directed by Moritz Mayerle, Annette Scheurich
In this film, directors Annette Scheurich and Moritz Mayerle offer a captivating glimpse into the love lives of Parents in the Wild worldwide. Highlighting the universal goal of providing offspring a strong start, the film explores the diverse mating and nesting rituals of mammals, insects, and birds, celebrating the intricate dance of love in the heart of the wilderness. Spectacular images showcase also the birth of squirrels, a grey seal pup and a flying fox fighting gravity in its upside-down world. “Parents in the Wild” is an entertaining visual feast that invites audiences to connect with the profound moments of wild parents in their quest for species conservation.

Get to know filmmaker Annette Scheurich:

What motivated you to make this film?

In my career as a filmmaker of documentaries about wildlife and nature I often marveled at the many strategies animals developed to make sure the species survive. Some invest in an enormous amount of progeny in the hope that some survive. Like toads, snails, spiders, etc. Others, like elephants, seals, deer, squirrels, flying foxes, weaver birds or penguins only have very few young and put all their effort in preparing for a safe place before birth and/or in protecting them for a longer time after birth, until they are ready to fend for themselves. My intention was to show all this from the perspective of the parents, pointing out to which lengths parents go to make sure their offspring get a good start. Any similarities to human behaviour are unintentional or purely coincidental 😉

What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

The biggest obstacle was to create a storyline out of the many different stories round about parents’ care for their young. There is so much fascinating behaviour we wanted to have in the film, but only had time for so much episodes. Choosing which parents get a window and balancing the variety of the different strategies was a real struggle. And then is also was a matter of capturing this behaviour. The camera teams out die themselves in delivering the footage that made our storytelling possible.

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EP. 1478: Filmmaker Yusuke Nakamae (ECHOES)

ECHOES, 8min., Japan
Directed by Yusuke Nakamae
The Third World War has left Earth’s resources depleted, pushing humanity to the brink of extinction. Learning from the repeated mistakes of history, humanity turns to the advanced decision-making capabilities of AI to find a path forward. The solution proposed by the AI is an ambitious plan: transporting energy from outer space back to Earth.

https://www.instagram.com/yusuke.nakamae

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?
The release of ChatGPT in 2022 really sparked something in me.
As a UX designer at Hulu Japan, I’ve always been close to technology and digital experiences—but that moment made me seriously reflect on what creativity means in an age where AI can generate content.
That question became the seed of ECHOES.
The sci-fi setting naturally came from my own personal taste and the kinds of stories I love to watch and tell.

What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I was deeply moved and surprised by how many people picked up on the symbolism and emotional undertones. Seeing that the themes I care about resonated across borders and cultures was incredibly rewarding.

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EP. 1477: Filmmaker Michael Rognlie (BAD CHEMISTRY)

Bad Chemistry, 20min., USA
Directed by Michael Rognlie, EE Tallent
In Bad Chemistry, a traumatized young woman goes to stay with her deceased boyfriend’s parents, only to discover chilling truths lurking beneath their kindness. This horror short explores grief, psychological torment, and the dark side of family.

https://www.badchemistrymovie.com/

https://www.instagram.com/miromakesmovies/

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?

Bad Chemistry was inspired by a fleeting thought that entered my mind, driving home late one night through a wooded area. An image of a crazed madman running out of the trees with a baseball bat was the catalyst and I built the story around that.

From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

There were around seven days of production on this film, with about a month of post production.

How would you describe your film in two words!?

Psychological thriller

What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

Finding a car to ruin with fake blood.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

It’s always insightful to hear what an audience thinks of your film. Makes you smile when they like it.

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EP. 1475: Filmmaker Patrick Pizzolorusso (BATTLE OF LA)

Battle Of LA, 14min., USA
Directed by Patrick Pizzolorusso
During one of Los Angeles’ most bizarre evenings in 1942, a ‘something’ was spotted over the skies. A ‘something’ that the anti-aircraft batteries opened fire on. A ‘something’ that a young scientist finds at a small crash site and brings back to her home.Throughout the evening her colleague and her do their best to figure out what it is and what they need to do.

https://tinyrocketfilms.com/
https://www.instagram.com/pactorpizz/

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?
The need to make my own work. Hollywood isn’t calling, unfortunately. I know I am surrounded by an incredibly talented circle of friends and felt the time was right for us to all come together and create something we could all be proud of. Something that could showcase all our talents. From my incredibly gifted cinematographer, to my editor, sound designers, colorist, and of course, we actors in it.

What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I had such a feeling of relief and validation. Relief that people liked something that I’ve put out there into the world. And validation that the ideas we had going into this and the vision I had for this film were clear and viewers picked up on everything. I finished watching it with a big sigh and just said out loud to nobody, “they got it!”

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