Interview with Filmmaker George Velez (EAVESDROPPING)

EAVESDROPPING playing to rave reviews at the August 2020 Thriller/Suspense Festival.

Matthew Toffolo: What motivated you to make this film?

George Velez: I was motivated to make this film after a script I was trying to make became too expensive but I still had a strong desire to make something.

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

I got the idea for the short in August of 2018. We shot in January 2019 and had it finished in June 2019.

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

The two words I use to describe “Eavesdropping” are dark and intimate.

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

The biggest obstacle we faced was trying to make shooting in an apartment single as cinematic as possible. Also, we had to shoot the whole movie in a day so that was an uphill battle. We had an incredible AD and a wonderful crew so we were able to pull it off.

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

It feels great to know people are responding to your film especially now when no one knows what the future of the industry is so it adds much needed positivity.

Watch the Audience FEEDBACK Video:

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

I heard my neighbor yelling through the walls at her husband about sleeping with another woman in their bed. I also needed a film to take place in a single location so that gave me the germ for the idea.

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

Jaws. How is a shark movie that good?

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

FilmFreeway is great. They’re really in-depth and there are so many festivals to choose from and that’s very exciting as a filmmaker.

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

“Purple Rain” by Prince.

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

I’ve written a feature film with the characters from Eavesdropping. I’m in pre-pro for several shorts and I’m writing a variety of different projects.