Interview with Filmmaker Tara Tusher (INNER-CRITIC)

INNER-CRITIC played to rave reviews at the July 2020 Fantasy/Sci-Fi Festival.

Matthew Toffolo: What motivated you to make this film?

Tara Tusher: It was a personal challenge. I wanted to explore all the areas of filmmaking – lighting, sound design, cinematography, set design, editing and even acting. There were hundreds of times I nearly talked myself out of it but in the end, I did it!

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

It took about two months. The shooting took two days, but there was a break in between shooting and post production, so the editing didn’t begin right away. I actually think that ended up really helping the film. It forced me to step away for a few weeks which gave a me a fresh perspective that I wouldn’t have otherwise had.

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

Dark and quirky.

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

Well, I was on screen. That was definitely the hardest part because I’m terrified of being in front of the camera.

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

Watching that video was one of the most rewarding parts of making this film. Seriously. We as filmmakers make films to connect with others, to provoke thought and even emotion. Hearing the audience feedback was so incredible because I could see that the film was working, it was connecting with people and that in itself makes it all worth it!

Watch the Audience FEEDBACK Video:

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

It’s funny because the entire process was a little backwards. I knew I wanted to make a film about a potion maker. It was a visual that I was stuck with but I had no idea what the story was going to be about. I started shopping at thrift stores for props and built the set before I even started writing. I was basically ready to start shooting with no story, so I built a fort in my living room and tucked away until I had it written. Battling my inner-critic is something that I’m constantly doing so the premise came easy to me.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

Oh that’s easy, and maybe slightly embarrassing. Wait, no, it’s not embarrassing…The Goonies!!!

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

I’ve had a wonderful experience on FilmFreeway. It’s a great platform for filmmakers to learn about festivals that they may have not otherwise known about, and it’s amazing for keeping submissions organized all in one place.

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

Probably, Ordinary World by Duran Duran. I wasn’t huge into the band but that particular song helped me through a hard time in my life, I mean I literally listened to it non-stop for like a year.

10. What is next for you? A new film?

Yes! A new short film! I have several features that I’ve written but I’m really enjoying the short form right now and want to explore it. The one thing I will say is that my next short will be longer, I promise!