Interview with Filmmaker Jan Johnson (SHOOTER)

SHOOTER was the winner of BEST MUSIC at the January 2020 LA Feedback Film Festival.

Matthew Toffolo: What motivated you to make this film?

Jan Johnson: I was concerned about the rise in gang violence in Chicago (my hometown) and specifically the rise in girl gang violence. According to the DOJ “one in 4 new gang recruits are girls!” I thought by making this film it could begin dialogue with young people (especially girls) around the country.

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

It took a year from script to screen.

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

Very disturbing

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

My biggest obstacle I faced was time and money!

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

I was surprised that some of the audience thought both the young gang girl and the security guard were shot!

Watch the Audience FEEDBACK Video:

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

This had been a script of a film school classmate.

What film have you seen the most in your life?

The Godfather

You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway, what are you feelings of the submission platform from a filmmaker’s perspective?

I like the Film Freeway platform though I wish I had more direct contact with the festival planners.

What song have you listened to the most times in your life?

Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”
What is next for you? A new film?

Currently I’m raising the financing for a teen thriller that I hope to shoot in Chicago in October.