Interview with Filmmaker Jeffrey John Eyamie (S0, WHAT DO YOU THINK?)

S0, WHAT DO YOU THINK? played to rave reviews at the August 2020 COMEDY Film Festival.

Matthew Toffolo: What motivated you to make this film?

Jeffrey John Eyamie: I wrote this piece as a fun, slice-of-life kind of pop song … something short and sweet and universal. When it came time to direct it, the film became a love letter to my wife, whose artwork is featured in the film. Karen Tusa also motivated me to make this film when she said, “hey Jeff, I want to make this script you wrote and I want you to direct it!”

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

We had a draft of this script sitting in a drawer for about three years. From the time Karen pulled it out of the drawer to production was about two months. We shot it in one day. Post-production took about four months. A lot of work from a lot of people for a four-minute piece of sugar pie!

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

Cleverly.

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

Thankfully, we had just completed things when COVID hit. So the biggest obstacle is really getting the film in front of people! If a film screens in front of no one, does it exist? We are very thankful for WildSOUND and everyone involved with this festival, where our film made its world premiere.

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

Honestly, it is very humbling to hear kind words about something you created. I am very proud to have been part of the team that forged this piece and helped me execute a vision. The whole point of living is to connect. When you hear someone say you have successfully made something they felt connected to, it couldn’t be more satisfying. It makes me want to make more stuff!

Watch the Audience FEEDBACK Video:

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

It came straight out of my id. Who hasn’t done that dance, where you want to be supportive but you know your mouth is going to get you in trouble? Oh, it’s just me? Shit.

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

After going through four months of post-production on this film, it would be this film. However, I have seen the Planet of the Apes sequels from the 60s an obscene number of times. Apocalypse Now. A Clockwork Orange. Clearly I didn’t get past the A section of Blockbuster.

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

What an amazing service. FilmFreeway takes care of so much legwork for filmmakers and connects the filmmaker to the world. Couldn’t be happier with FilmFreeway.

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

Well, The King of Wishful Thinking by Mr. Mister and I Think We’re Alone Now by Tiffany were played daily on the musak at the restaurant where I worked as a teen … Spotify tells me my most listened-to artists are Underworld, Kendrick Lamar, Tool and Mastodon.

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

Watch for my next novel, Still Me, coming out this fall across Canada with Turnstone Press! It takes place entirely on golf courses. Filmwise I am working on a horror comedy about killer dad jokes, in collaboration with my teenage daughter. More info about me? http://www.eyamie.com