AND AWAY, 16min., USA, Sci-Fi
Directed by Noah Campagna
A young mother must protect her child as she finds the world around her is vanishing.
Get to know the filmmaker:
1. What motivated you to make this film?
The original short story for Manen Lyset found me in October 2020. As I was reading it I could immediately start seeing it play out visually in front of me and I knew it would make for a great short film.
2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
After reading the short story in October 2020 I quietly started plotting out how I would make something like this and began adapting the story into a screenplay. It wasn’t until April of 2021 that I felt ready to present the script to the author Manen Lyset and request the rights to make his story into a film. He was very excited and gave me his immediate blessing. After that pre-production was full speed ahead until our shoot in October of 2021. Post-Production lasted until mid-2022 with the film being locked in late July of 2022. So all in all just shy of two years from reading the short story to having a final film.
3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
Get down!
4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
The biggest challenge with most films is just getting the ball rolling on it. I remember moments when I felt this project was not going to come to fruition as I didn’t feel we were making enough progress in pre-production, but then all at once the momentum went into overdrive and it all came together almost overnight. What a rush that was.
More specifically to this film, I actually struggled quite a bit to find a picture car for Spencer to drive. I spent weeks leading up to the shoot scouring Facebook marketplace in the area to find old trucks with owners who would be willing to rent it for two days. So many people showed interest, but then at the last minute would either back out or find a buyer. Finally, the day before the shoot I was at the location and walked over to the neighbor’s house and asked if I could rent the old truck parked in his yard. We made an on-the-spot deal and he handed me the keys.
5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
My stomach is always in knots knowing that feedback is coming, but I have to say I found all the feedback very helpful. It was great to see the project through the eyes of an audience versus someone who has been in the trenches with it for over two years now.
Watch the Audience Feedback Video:
6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
My admiration for film stemmed from a young love for magic. When I found out you could use a cut to make someone disappear before your eyes I was hooked. Over time my interest in the spectacle of film turned to an appreciation of the emotional value of film.
7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
Probably Jurassic Park. I find it to be one of the best marriages of storytelling and technical prowess that continues to astonish me on each watch.
8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
I think networking is the most important part of any festival, so opportunities for people to connect are always my favorite part of any festival.
9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
I really like using FilmFreeway and find it to be a very easy platform to use.
10. What is your favorite meal?
An ideal meal for me is surrounded by friends filling up on an assortment of appetizers so we’re full before the main course even comes. You know when you’re being that careless you’re having a great time.
11. What is next for you? A new film?
I’d love for my next film to be my first feature. While I think I’m a few years out from shooting it still, I am currently in progress on a great script that I am excited to take my time on and get right.
Matthew Toffolo's Summary 