SUSHI NIGHT played to rave reviews at the August 2020 Thriller/Suspense Festival.
Matthew Toffolo: What motivated you to make this film?
Jack Kierski: I always wanted to make a Horror film about sushi because I love sushi. I told some of my friends about this and they said just to go for it! So that’s what motivated me to make this film happen!
2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this short?
Well, the idea came to me like around the fall of 2018 and then, I wrote the script. I kept revising it until I felt it’s ready to shoot. I haven’t started production on till summer of 2019 because I had it put it on hold due to college commitments (I was going to college/film school at that time and graduated last December). Then, we finished post & completed in February. It’s like a year and four months.
3. How would you describe your short film in two words!?
“Sushi” and “Terror” .
4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
Scheduling to film it. Originally I wanted to film this from night till dawn on the weekend but, it didn’t fit some of my key cast and crew members’ schedules at that time. So I changed it to day till late night. The film takes place at night time but, we made it work by covering the windows with black garbage bags. This makes it feel like it’s shot at night time. Filmmaking magic! So, we did it!
5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
Before watching the video I was a bit nervous but, then when I started watching I’m surprised they were praising my film so much! I’m glad they really enjoyed it.
Watch the Audience FEEDBACK Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xw03gzd5cwQ
6. How did you come up with the idea for this short film?
The concept was inspired by the movie, “Misery” and the torture scene from “Audition”. So one day I was watching Misery and I thought to myself what if there’s a psycho woman who tortures a guy for not eating her sushi constantly.
7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
Tough question, I’d say “Taxi Driver” is one of the films.
8. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway, what are you feelings of the submission platform from a filmmaker’s perspective?
I think it’s a fantastic way to get filmmakers’ work out there!
9. What song have you listened to the most times in your life?
“Halloween” theme by John Carpenter.
10. What is next for you? A new film?
Yes! I have a few projects under my sleeve. My next short film is in development. It’s another Horror short. I’m aiming to start production before the end of this year.
Matthew Toffolo's Summary 