Interview with director Tim Butcher (CLEAN BREAK)

CLEAN BREAK, directed by Tim Butcher was the winner of Best Overall Performances at the July 2016 Comedy Short Film Festival. It was an honor to sit down with him to chat about his film and filmmaking career.

Matthew Toffolo: What motivated you to make this film?

Tim Butcher: I wanted to make a film that was a step up from my others – that had slightly higher production standards and told a bit of a story, rather than just outlining a sketch. Ive always wanted to do something about a break up.

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

TB: I’d say about 4 months.

MT: How would you describe your short film in two words!?

TB: Hateful breakup (is breakup one word?)

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

TB: I’d say producing, directing and acting simultaneously. Its a bit too much to do – I’ve dialled back the number of roles I’m involved with for subsequent projects.

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

TB: It’s always challenging hearing audience feedback, but I’m probably less neurotic about this these days than I have been in the past. I appreciated the kind words and found the process useful.

MT: How did you come up with the idea for this short film?

TB: I think it started with a broad brief – ‘something about a breakup’ and went from there.

MT: What film have you seen the most in your life?

TB: Either In Bruges or Back to the Future.

MT: What is next for you? A new film?

TB: I’ve just finished filming my next short – a 20 minute comedy about two friends who go to live in a forest despite having no survival skills.

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Interviewer Matthew Toffolo is currently the CEO of the WILDsound FEEDBACK Film & Writing Festival. The festival that showcases 10-20 screenplay and story readings performed by professional actors every month. And the FEEDBACK Monthly Festival held in downtown Toronto on the last Thursday of every single month. Go to www.wildsound.ca for more information and to submit your work to the festival.