Filmmaker Ken Forman (NEW MOON – SEASON 1)

NEW MOON – SEASON 1, 30min,. USA
Directed by Ken Forman
Alan Twombley wins a vacation on the moon, but when the companies that send him go bankrupt, he’s stuck there.

https://www.newmoonseries.com/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552358982046

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
The ridiculousness of the stories along with the rosy predictions about returning to the moon — space.com is particularly hilarious if you are interested. Private industry getting into space travel, Nokia’s plan to put a 5G network on the moon, and many other stories that were circulating over the past couple of years provided inspiration for New Moon, as well as the isolation of the COVID era and the rise of Zoom.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
I did an earlier version of one of the episodes, which was edited down to become Ep 2, so, honestly, three years. Most of it was created in 2022, however.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
Kick ass!

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
Finding the time to create a web series while working full time, doing it for the first time, and trying to complete it. (That might be three things.)

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I felt like they really got what I was going for — very gratifying.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
I’ve been an actor for quite a while and I’ve had few thoughts about making films myself, to be honest. I guess when I started making New Moon. I certainly hope to make something else.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
Probably The Wizard of Oz. As a child, I watched it every Spring when it would air on broadcast TV.

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 know it’s hard, but I think communication with the filmmakers could be increased. A lot of times, you don’t know what’s going on. I think Television Feedback has been pretty good about this, though.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
It’s an excellent site. It’s very easy to use. I think they should look out for bogus festivals. I’ve been accepted into a few that I wondered if they weren’t a bit of a scam.

10. What is your favorite meal?
Lightly cooked salmon.

11. What is next for you? A new film?
Something that is a hybrid of narrative and documentary appeals to me, but I really don’t know.