SLOANE and the COSMIC SCHLEP, 26min., USA, Animation/Sci-Fi
Directed by Derek Frederickson
Intergalactic taxi driver Sloane takes a fun-loving fare to a planet supposedly having the most epic party…only to find everyone drained of life! Since it’s the big Peace Day celebration back home, she finds herself in a race against time to save her friends…and the entire planet…from the evil party energy sucking scourge of the galaxy.
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Get to know the filmmaker:
1. What motivated you to make this film?
I read a short book that this is based off of; the story ticked a lot of boxes for me: spaceships and aliens, being whisked away to another world, and comedy. The pandemic hit, and (bless its heart) gave me the time to develop this a bit. Had so much fun doing it that “Sloane and the Cosmic Schlep” is actually the 3rd episode!
2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
4 months.
3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
Silly fun!
4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
If you frame this in the context of learning how to create a show, then the biggest challenge is learning all the little nuances of each role that’s required when creating something like this. I did it *almost* by myself (I did have help here and there) so there’s a lot of roles! Script supervisor, talent direction, mocap direction, production designer, animation supervisor, animation do-er…the list goes on.
5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
Filled with joy. I feel seen.
6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
When I had legos and a camera. There’s a little stop motion thing that happened…that was probably it.
7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
The Matrix.
8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
Get this greeenlit!
9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
It’s great…super easy to submit. Maybe TOO easy lol…
10. What is your favorite meal?
Thai
11. What is next for you? A new film?
Jonathan Frakes came on board to voice Sloane’s father, and a producer friend has pitched this to the money people, so it’s getting funding and making it “for real”. Fingers crossed for season 1!
Matthew Toffolo's Summary 