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.

Subscribe to the podcast:

https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod

https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/

https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

Home, 11min., Belgium
Directed by Hanne Schillemans, Ralph Timmermans
Home is a short film about the fragility of life and the virtue of solitude. A faceless figure attempting not to resist the endless waves of pointlessness.

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?

Home grew out of a shared fascination with the fragile, often uncomfortable terrain of solitude. We were both navigating a kind of existential tension: the absurdity of life, and the strange peace that can arise when one stops resisting it. The idea that everything is ultimately out of one’s control and perhaps even pointless and the realization that this, paradoxically, can be liberating. That thought, oddly enough, gave us comfort. The film became a way to give form to that feeling.

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

It’s hard to say exactly when the idea began. We think Home found us during a hike through desolate nature, when we unexpectedly came upon an empty house. It felt like stumbling into the middle of a concept. We didn’t plan it, we just recognized it. From that moment to the final cut, the process took about 18 months. Much of that time was spent letting the idea unfold, allowing it to simmer before taking shape.

Subscribe to the podcast:

https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod

https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/

https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

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.

Subscribe to the podcast:

https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod

https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/

https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

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.

Subscribe to the podcast:

https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod

https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/

https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

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.

Subscribe to the podcast:

https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod

https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/

https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

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

Subscribe to the podcast:

https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod

https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/

https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

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.

Subscribe to the podcast:

https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod

https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/

https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

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.

Subscribe to the podcast:

https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod

https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/

https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

Beat Keepers: The Next Chapter, 43min., Canada
Directed by Cindy Goldberg
A powerful and inspiring documentary that follows a group of talented female drummers as they unite for a life-changing three-day retreat in Dallas, Texas. Through the raw energy of rhythm, unwavering mutual support, and a shared passion for music, these women forge deep, lasting connections and celebrate the transformative power of music to heal, empower, and unite.

https://beat-keepers.com/

https://www.instagram.com/cindygoldbergdrummer

https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/audience-feedback-beat-keepers

Get to know the filmmaker;

What motivated you to make this film?
I wanted to spotlight female drummers—many of whom are breast cancer survivors—who lift each other up through rhythm and resilience. Their stories deserved a stage, and I wanted to give them one.

From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
Just under a year. It’s a sequel to my 2019 film, building on that foundation with a new chapter, new faces, and a deeper focus on community.

How would you describe your film in two words!?
Bold. Uplifting.

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
Staying true to a tight indie budget.

Subscribe to the podcast:

https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod

https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/

https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

Watch best scene reading: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrexqrq7AIE

Something has happenned in Mady’s life. As an immigrant woman in America, she has achieved the American dream; A successful career as a doctor of psychology, a lavish home, nice car, and, most importantly a husband and two wonderful children, yet something is missing. Not knowing what it is, she goes looking for it in strange places and in ethically-questionable ways.

Get to know the writer:

What is your screenplay about?
It’s about an immigrant woman, who has embodied the American dream by becoming a successful psychologist, a wife, and a mother, yet has started living an increasingly destructive double life to escape her existential despair.

What genres does your screenplay fall under?

Thriller. Dark Comedy, maybe. Always find this question hard to answer.

How would you describe this script in two words?

Control and abandon.

What movie have you seen the most times in your life?

It’s a tie between Eraserhead, and The Invasion of the Body Snatchers.(1978)

How long have you been working on this screenplay?

2 years, on and off.

Subscribe to the podcast:

https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod

https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/

https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

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.

Subscribe to the podcast:

https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod

https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/

https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

Watch the screenplay reading: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_akiPTQU9g

Two strangers meet and sparks fly, but when he accidentally discovers forged paintings at her house, he leaves abruptly. That would be the end of their story except for the fact that he’s reported her to the FBI, and their children are marrying one another on Christmas day.

https://instagram.com/drjannajones

Get to know the writer:

What is your screenplay about?

It’s about two successful fifty-somethings who have had good lives but have avoided relationships because of the pain they experienced when they were younger. Because they are forced to spend time together, due to their children marrying one another, they eventually have to come to terms with the fact that they are flawed humans who care for one another.

What genres does your screenplay fall under?

The Art of the Matter is a romantic comedy and a holiday adventure.

Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?

Because it is an original take on the holiday movie, blending a Christmas romance with road trip adventure with heartfelt family drama.

How would you describe this script in two words?

Unconventionally conventional

How long have you been working on this screenplay?

I’ve been working on it for almost a year. I did a zoom script reading with you some months ago, and the feedback I got from the actors inspired me. It seemed to mean a lot of them, but listening to it, it was clear I still had work to do on it, and you mentioned a few things that made me think I still had a bunch to think about and rework. I’ve revised it multiple times since the reading. It may be getting close considering that the script won at this festival.

Subscribe to the podcast:

https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod

https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/

https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

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).

Subscribe to the podcast:

https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod

https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/

https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

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.

Subscribe to the podcast:

https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod

https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/

https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

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.

Subscribe to the podcast:

https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod

https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/

https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

Grandpa's Got A Brand New Pill, 9min,. USA

Directed by Jacob McCaslin

Written by Jeffrey Molina

Grandpa's Got A Brand New Pill is a short musical film that features an original song inspired by writer, producer, performer Jeffrey George Moline's eighty year old mother. Grandpa's Got A New Pill tells the story of Tootie, a headstrong, independent woman on the eve of her ninety-sixth birthday. Tootie feels unseen and constrained by the rules and regulations of Shady Nook Retirement Home. With a little help from her friend Awesome Lee Bodacious Queer Country Superstar - Tootie decides to make sure her party has a happy ending!

Interview with: Director Jacob McCaslin, Writer/Performer Jeffrey Moline, Producer Terrence Mark Franklin.

Subscribe to the podcast:

https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod

https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/

https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

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.

Subscribe to the podcast:

https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod

https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/

https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

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.

Subscribe to the podcast:

https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod

https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/

https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

Watch the best scene reading: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31g8svgvUGc

Kathy, a failed writer, barely gets by selling “haunted” dolls online to gullible marks, writing elaborate backstories to up the selling price. Her quiet life is upended when she encounters the real deal: Clara Jane, a vintage doll possessed by a foul-mouthed spirit. Clara Jane makes Kathy question everything she thought she knew, and forces her to make a bold choice to change the course of her life.

Get to know the writer:

What is your screenplay about?

Kathy, a failed writer, barely gets by selling “haunted” dolls online to gullible marks, writing elaborate backstories to up the selling price. Her quiet life is upended when she encounters the real deal: Clara Jane, a vintage doll possessed by a foul-mouthed spirit. Clara Jane makes Kathy question everything she thought she knew, and forces her to make a bold choice to change the course of her life.

How would you describe this script in two words?

Creepy, salty.

Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?

I think the premise is unique, though there’s definitely a niche fanbase for haunted dolls—both those who truly believe and those who just enjoy that weird little world. And who couldn’t use a little encouragement to follow their creative dreams… from beyond the grave?

From a production standpoint, this could be made on a very low budget and shot over 2–3 days. There are only three human characters and two locations. The doll is the most important character and would ideally be robotic—but as a backup, I know some talented puppet makers from a previous short I produced.

What movie have you seen the most times in your life?

Ngl: The Princess Bride. I forced my friends to watch it nearly every day ine summer in middle school.

In the horror genre: Coppola’s Bram Stoker’s Dracula. A perfect film. No notes. Much better than the book.

How long have you been working on this screenplay?

I finished the first draft in early 2020, and planned to produce and direct it as my second short film with the Bay Area Indies film group. Then—well, you know—the pandemic.

Also—I had a baby.

I recently returned to it and did a few revisions over the past year.

Subscribe to the podcast:

https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod

https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/

https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

Midnight Coachmen, 18min., Canada
Directed by Enrico Ferri
A reimagining of the classic fairytale of Cinderella, told from the perspective of a dog and mouse who live as humans until the stroke of midnight disrupts their world.

http://enricoferr.ca/
https://instagram.com/stanleywoodfilms

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?
It was a concept that I had come up with when I was in university.
I’ve always wanted to do a period piece and after getting enough experience producing and directing I felt it was finally a good time to challenge myself in this genre.

From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
Two and a half years.

How would you describe your film in two words!?
Beautiful. Surreal.

What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
The global pandemic and the Canadian grant process both stalled the project multiple times.

Provincial restrictions and closures caused repeated delays, and the grant process left me in limbo—unsure whether to wait and reapply or move forward on my own. In the end, I decided to do it independently. Securing Canadian arts grants is tough—part luck, part timing—and with this project, I had neither.

Subscribe to the podcast:

https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod

https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/

https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod