FReIGHT was the winner of BEST SHORT FILM at the February 2021 HORROR Film Festival.
1. What motivated you to make this film?
I saw a post on Facebook about a local horror film competition. I looked further into it and watched films from the prior year and figured my team and I could win first prize if we really worked at it. I am also a big fan of David Sandberg (aka Ponysmasher on Youtube.) His short horror films are truly terrifying and also very inspiring. He’s able to make Hollywood style films at home with no budget.
2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this short?
It took just over two months. I came up with the idea in late July 2020 and finished editing in early October 2020.
3. How would you describe your short film in two words!?
Fresh leather.
4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
I’d say the biggest obstacle for me was the coordination between multiple parties. Acting as the executive producer, it was up to me to get the cast, crew, equipment, and location owners all on the same page. Finding dates that worked for everyone’s schedule was nearly impossible, I’m still not sure how we pulled it off.
5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
The feedback video was awesome! I felt a strong sense of connection because most of the reviews were touching on the things I hoped would be most noticeable when creating the film. It was an honor to have such a wide range of critics review my film.
Watch the Audience FEEDBACK Video:
6. When did you realize that you wanted to make movies?
I started making home movies when I was about 10 or 11 years old. I won “Director of the Year” in my high school film class my senior year. In college, I tried to take the business major route because I thought it would allow me to make the most money, totally neglecting my true passion. However, this route was short-lived. I eventually settled down as a Photojournalism major, and interned with the athletic department for 2 years. I was immediately hired out of college as a Video specialist for the same company I work for today.
7. What film have you seen the most times in your life?
It’s a tie between “The Departed” and “The Big Lebowski.”
8. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway, what are you feelings of the submission platform from a filmmaker’s perspective?
I owe a lot of my film’s success to FilmFreeway. It’s an incredible networking platform that is absolutely essential for every filmmaker who exists outside of Hollywood.
9. What is your favorite food?
SKYLINE CHILI (it’s a Cincinnati thing)
10. What is next for you? A new film?
I currently work full time as a videographer and editor so the work never really stops! I have a few wedding videos to shoot on the side as well as a promotional video lined up for a company that creates liveable treehouses. I am also planning to shoot my second music video in early April. As far as a new film goes, I am always open to the idea. However, I believe it is something that can’t be rushed. Developing a good story is key to a film’s success and if the story isn’t strong and something worth being told, no amount of flashy cinematography or special effects can hide it.
Matthew Toffolo's Summary 