La Plume & Le Papier played to rave reviews at the August 2020 DOCUMENTARY Film Festival.
Matthew Toffolo: What motivated you to make this film?
Jacob Patrick: It was the first conversation I had with “Bust” that really motivated me to make the film. Obviously I was completely captured by his art but the first time we spoke and I heard about his perspective and his motivations behind it I knew I wanted to capture at least a small glimpse of his essence.
2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this short?
I would say it was roughly a six month process. I say roughly because we are based almost halfway around the globe from each other. Im in LA and he is in Paris, so we really chatted back and forth for about a year just getting to know each other a bit. From curated concept to completion I would say about 6 months though.
3. How would you describe your short film in two words!?
Connecting Waves
4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
It was a fairly daunting task to take on all on my own. I directed, produced, shot & edited this one completely solo so it was a bit of a challenge. Finding a brand sponsor to at least cover the cost of the trip was definitely the biggest obstacle in the process though. Thats something that also came together at the very last minute, and Im glad it did.
5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
Honestly, it was incredibly heart warming. Whenever I make any documentary film, I try to go about it with the mindset if the subject feels like they were represented well and honestly, then Im happy with that. To hear how the film effected people was really special and to hear how complimentary they were towards Busts art meant a lot to me.
Watch the Audience FEEDBACK Video:
6. How did you come up with the idea for this short film?
His artwork and his theory behind it was the driving factor. Also, hes just an amazing dude so I really wanted to spotlight him in this way.
7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
This is an impossible question to answer haha. Im a huge cinephile to there are movies Ive watched dozens of times… so many movies.
8. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway, what are you feelings of the submission platform from a filmmaker’s perspective?
I like it. Its simple, straight forward, and easy to use. I love the feature of just highlighting the festivals with deals on submissions. Thats super helpful.
9. What song have you listened to the most times in your life?
Another challenging one haha. I will say this though, I have had the same song as my alarm clock for years now and I still love to hear it so that may take the cake on this one. Its called “Dirty Paws” by Of Monsters and Men. Its from the Secret life of Walter Mitty soundtrack and it always makes me feel like its time for adventure.
10. What is next for you? A new film?
Covid has definitely thrown in some new challenges with new projects but my company has been putting together a slate of films that Im developing a film fund for currently. So what’s next is hopefully not just one film but five haha.
Matthew Toffolo's Summary 