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
May 10, 2023 - Interview with DAY FLIPPERS film team

DAY FLIPPERS, 16min., USA, Dark Comedy
Directed by Isaac Cushman
The production of a home renovation TV series is disrupted by the presence of a malevolent spirit.

Interview with:

Director Isaac Cushman

Producer Dylan Samson

Cinematographer Brendan Parker

Production Designer Alex Royston

Makeup/Sound Sarah Sweet

From filmmaker Isaac Cushman:

Honestly, it was my buddy Alex Royston, who was the Production Designer on the film. I first shared the idea with him and Dylan Samson (Producer) when we were out shooting a fake Mountain Dew ad for a class. It was an idea that was inspired by films like Grave Encounters (2011) and Ghostwatch (1992), both of which feature the crew of a television program encountering actual paranormal activity. Having most of my experience in comedy writing, I thought taking an HGTV-style show and putting those characters into a similar situation would be ripe for a hybrid of comedy and horror. It was an idea I proposed as a non-school project because it seemed too “big” to do as an assignment but since we had no other ideas we liked for our upcoming final project, we moved forward with it. I was skeptical at first but Alex championed the idea and rallied the troops. I couldn’t be more grateful for that, I was right that it was going to be difficult but because of Alex’s enthusiasm for the idea, I was given an opportunity to prove to myself that I was capable of more than I thought and we made something that I am really proud of. I now see just how possible even the most insane ideas can be with the right people and a little ingenuity.

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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May 4, 2023 - Filmmaker Zach Brewster-Geisz (T’AI CHI MAN!)

T’AI CHI MAN!, 3min,. USA
Directed by Zach Brewster-Geisz
A robbery is foiled by a uniquely incompetent superhero.

http://zachbg.com/filmmaker
http://instagram.com/zachbg7

Get to know the filmmaker:

My wife used to take T’ai Chi, and she told me about a crack someone had made about how they were “learning to beat people up really slowly.” That stuck with me, and the idea came pretty quickly after that. As for motivation, I’m always up to make people 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.

Subscribe to the podcast via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

March 22, 2023 - Filmmaker Eric Maierson & Animator Tala Schlossberg (POLISH/ENGLISH PHRASEBOOK)

POLISH/ENGLISH PHRASEBOOK, 1min., USA, Comedy
Directd by Eric Maierson
My father finds the only page he needs in the phrasebook.

https://www.ericmaierson.com/
https://www.instagram.com/captaingboy/
https://twitter.com/gboy

From filmmaker Eric Maierson:
This short was made in part as a response to feeling isolated because of COVID. I wanted to collaborate but wanted to do so in a safe manner. I “found” the poem on a trip to Poland in 1995. So between the time I copied it into my notebook and made the film, I literally doubled my age.

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 3, 2023 - Filmmaker Nell Dashiell (GPS)

GPS, 10min., USA, Comedy/Drama
Directed by Nell Dashiell
Kim and Jamie – an upscale, young urban couple – have just arrived home after an evening out with friends when Kim hears a noise. Fearing that a burglar may be prowling around downstairs, Kim dispatches Jamie to investigate. As it happens, Kim is on the right track: Rob, an amateur cat burglar, is hiding in a coat closet – and, as Kim gives Jamie instructions as to where she has carefully hidden their valuables, Rob is given just the detailed info he needs to accomplish his mission.

http://gpsshortmovie.com/
https://www.facebook.com/GPSshortmovie

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?
• I had what I thought was a cute idea and I was dying to actually make a film.

From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
• The short answer is bound to be deceptive. Here’s the long answer: technically it took three years – but I had a slew of major interruptions including a day job, a family and a pandemic. If you subtract the interruptions, the actual script took about four hours over two separate days, and the actual filming took 48 hours. Editing took forever.

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

October 2, 2022 - Writer/Editor Sreyash Myneni (IDEAS ARE WELCOME)

“A filmmaker, during a pitch session, witnesses his story face drastic changes according to the producer's liking while the character in his story reacts to those changes.”

https://twitter.com/ideasarewelcom1

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 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 1, 2022 - Filmmaker Christian Gossett Vila (I LOVE U, KAIJU)

In this fun monster romcom, a first date is interrupted by the oddest thing - a roaming Kaiju.

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1501183/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1


Director Biography - Christian Gossett Vila

From the age of nineteen I have been a professional storyteller. My drawing ability has led me from theater design to graphic novels to film, television and video games. My favorite directors are all illustrators (Kurosawa, Hitchcock, Cameron, Ridley Scott, Joe Johnston) and it wasn't long after learning this that I moved into directing television. I am currently working on the story art team for Zac Snyder's animated series, Army of the Dead - soon to be streaming on Netflix.

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

August 15, 2022 - Filmmaker Matthew Gratzner (MUTINY!)

MUTINY! is the winner of BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY at the July 2022 LA COMEDY Film Festival. Conversation with director Matthew Gratzner who is a fountain of insight with his multiple years working in the industry on many top film productions.

Project Links

Director Biography - Matthew Gratzner

MATTHEW GRATZNER | Writer/Director
IMDB: https://imdb.to/3gTjaVc

Matthew’s foray into entertainment started in theater growing up in Miami, Florida, where he dove headfirst into writing, directing and acting— ever the resourceful artist, he also designed and built costumes, sets and props to further his vision.

Leaving Miami to pursue filmmaking in Los Angeles, Matthew started briefly as an actor, acquiring his SAG card in Mel Brooks’ Robin Hood: Men In Tights.

Realizing quickly his passion was directing, he shifted to working behind the camera. Opportunities led to work in visual effects where he flourished as an art director, visual effects supervisor and co-founder of the Academy Award winning, New Deal Studios, Inc. (www.newdealstudios.com).

Between VFX projects Matthew directed several commercials and short films. After a number of successful years, Matthew decided to leave VFX to focus solely on writing and directing. Then the opportunity with the film, The Aviator, started a 10 year relationship with Martin Scorsese as a key member of Rob Legato's VFX team as Visual Effects/Miniature Effects Supervisor as well as Visual Effects Art Director.

Matthew was integral to creating scenes such as the horrific plane crash in The Aviator, the many subtle effects shots in The Departed, realizing the eerie environments for Shutter Island, and creating the epic train crash in Hugo.

He received a BAFTA nomination for The Aviator for best VFX, and Emmy nomination for best VFX on the Tom Hanks/HBO miniseries From the Earth to the Moon. Matthew also received a Clio and a Cannes Golden Lion for commercials as well as multiple VES Awards. Matthew is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

While Matthew never attended film school, he felt being on set with Martin Scorsese was a master class in filmmaking— which encouraged his passion to create content— pioneering cinematic virtual reality and co-writing and directing two independent feature films currently in post.

Matthew loves and feels most comfortable working with actors-- and thinks that while visual effects, art direction and stunt work are all extremely important visually—without the emotion of compelling characters and a strong story, a project’s success is diminished greatly.

Matthew also has several projects in development with his latest company, Proof of Concept Entertainment, Inc. (www.proofofconceptent.com)

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

June 29, 2022 - Filmmaker Quentin Ferrant (ANIMAL APPETITES)

ANIMAL APPETITES was the winner of BEST SOUND & MUSIC at the May 2022 WILDsound Film Festival.

http://eccemedia.ca/

“A struggling massage therapist is solicited by one of her clients for a sexual favor in exchange for money and a misbehaving pet.”

Conversation with filmmaker Quentin Ferrant on the making of the film.

WATCH this film on July 8th. Go to the WILDsound TV app. 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

June 12, 2022 - Filmmaker Vincent Truman (ENTER THE MOLLUSK)

ENTER THE MOLLUSK was the winner of BEST FILM at the May 2022 Toronto COMEDY Film Festival.

https://www.facebook.com/enterthemollusk

https://www.instagram.com/enter_the_mollusk/

“A mockumentary of the storytelling community, following six erstwhile storytellers in their quest to win a storytelling competition called The Mollusk.”

Conversation with Vincent Truman on his inspiration making the film and the art of making a mockumentary.

Film also showing on the WILDsound TV app next 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

May 31, 2022 - Filmmaker Charlie Steers (I’M NOT CHRIS HEMSWORTH)

I’M NOT CHRIS HEMSWORTH played to rave reviews at the May 2022 LGBTQ+ Film Festival.

Project Links

I'M NOT CHRIS HEMSWORTH is a ridiculous adventure comedy that parodies the "mistaken identity trope" and has a surprise musical ending!


Conversation with writer/director/actor Charlie Steers on the making of this very funny comedy.

Film also showing on the WILDsound TV app next 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

May 27, 2022 - Filmmakers Dana Serao & Mark Serao (One Night Stand)

ONE NIGHT STAND was voted BEST SHORT FILM at the April 2022 COMEDY Feedback Film Festival.

Project Links

A romantically confused woman wakes up with a hangover, a dead guy in her bed and no recollection of how she got there. When her clingy ex-boyfriend shows up and desperately wants to get back together, she recruits him and his doofus friend to help her uncover the events of the night before while discovering what she wants, and doesn’t want, in her love life.”

Conversation with writer/producer Dana Serao & director Mark Serao on the making of the film.

Film also showing on the WILDsound TV app next 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

May 23, 2022 - Filmmaker Alex Bram (GEISTING)

GEISTING was the winner of BEST DIRECTION at the April 2022 COMEDY Festival.

Project Links

“Paranormal is the new normal in "Geisting," a supernatural-horror-comedy about Poltergeisting from the Poltergeist's point of view. Journey to another realm where Poltergeists are learning how to live their best deaths.”

Conversation with director Alex Bram on the making of the film.

Film also showing on the WILDsound TV app next 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

May 17, 2022 - Filmmaker Paul Snider (SOLO DUET)

SOLO DUET was the winner of BEST SOUND & MUSIC at the Toronto COMEDY Film Festival.

Project Links

“One man plays two brothers playing a piano duet, with hilarious results!”

Conversation with actor/writer/musician/filmmaker Paul Snider on the making of the film.

Film also showing on the WILDsound TV app. 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

May 15, 2022 - Filmmaker Ron Basci (FREDDY, THE HANDYMAN)

FREDDY, THE HANDYMAN played to rave reviews at the April 2022 COMEDY Festival.

Project Links

“Feeling confident after fixing his sink, Freddy places an ad as a Handyman.”

Conversation with filmmaker Ron Basci on the making of the film and the setup for a TV series.

Film also showing on the WILDsound TV app. 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 17, 2022 - Director/Actor Sarah Mack (THE ART OF HOSTING)

THE ART OF HOSTING was the winner of BEST DIRECTION at the April 2022 Toronto Comedy Film Festival.

“Seemingly perfect Claire is in the middle of killing herself when her dementia-riddled neighbor and his son show up with a crisis of their own. Unable to be impolite, Claire invites them in, but when they won't leave, she's faced with the impossible task of hosting guests...while committing suicide.”

Conversation with Sarah on the making of this film during the Covid-era and acting/director simultaneously.

Film also showing on the WILDsound TV app this weekend. 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 15, 2022 - Filmmaker Gabriel Després (VERDURE PRO)

VERDURE PRO was the winner of BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY at the March 2022 COMEDY Film Festival.


”A small team of professional filmmakers is shooting a commercial in Montreal. Unfortunately, they don't seem to know the product they have to sell.”

Conversation with Quebec filmmaker Gabriel Després on the making of the film.

Film also showing on the WILDsound TV app this weekend. 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 10, 2022 - Filmmaker CJ Colando (MAYBE NEXT YEAR)

MAYBE NEXT YEAR was the winner of BEST PERFORMANCES at the March 2022 Toronto Comedy Film Festival.


”With a timeshare on the line, three couples compete to set up their single friend by midnight on New Year's Eve.”

https://www.thestarseedgroup.com/maybe-next-year-short-film

Conversation with Filmmaker CJ Colando on the making of the film.

CJ also has another film, JAKE & JULIA, playing on the WILDsound TV APP. You can watch it here: https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/jake-julia

Film also showing on the WILDsound TV app next 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

March 9, 2022 - Filmmaker/Actor Andrew Hawtrey (GARY)

GARY played to rave reviews at the February 2022 COMEDY Film Festival. Conversation with veteran comedian actor Andrew Hawtrey on the making of his first directed film.

“A breif example of the lack of control over ones inner voice.”

Watch more of Andrew on his website: http://andrewhawtrey.com/

Twitter page: https://twitter.com/andrewhawtrey

Film also playing at the WILDsound TV app next 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