Interview with Filmmaker John Palaganas (THREE GIFTS)

THREE GIFTS, 7min., USA
Directed by John Palaganas
Julie invited her friend Marta to her cottage, only to unravel their true intentions.

https://www.johnpalaganas.com/
https://www.instagram.com/john_palaganas/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
I’m a big fan of the horror genre. Whether by watching it or shooting it. I’ve always wanted to direct one so this is a perfect little project.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
It actually took me about 4 weeks to do it. I was a DP on a feature while I was planning this and as soon as it was done, I just poached some of the crew and some of the cast to do “Three Gifts”. It took another 2 weeks for post-production.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
Implied horror

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
Finessing the pacing of the edit of the film. I have a lot of respect for editors, it’s such a hard thing to do when you’re not an editor.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
Impressed by this medium of feedback! This should be done more!

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
When I was in high school I knew I wanted to make films. Since then I got sidetracked by shooting other people’s films as a DP. Now I want to divert into directing again.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
Surprisingly it’s not horror. “Spy Game” by the late Tony Scott and “Interstellar” by Christopher Nolan.

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 love what you guys do, maybe a bigger social media presence and engagement?

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
It’s my first time submitting through FilmFreeway and so far it’s been good.

10. What is your favorite meal?
Anything Korean.

11. What is next for you? A new film?
A few feature films and short films to shoot this year as a DP. As a director, I am planning to do a short that I’m hoping to turn into a limited series.