ROUTINE, 4min., USA
Directed by Russ Emanuel
During a mysterious pandemic, Cassie’s quarantine life has turned into a routine, day in and day out. Nothing new seems to happen, until she realizes she’s out of coffee. And she’s determined to get her cup of joe, even if she must face the horrors of the outside world. Because “she’d kill for a cup of coffee.”
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Get to know the filmmaker:
1. What motivated you to make this film?
The Covid-Pandemic mostly. We filmed in April 2020 during the beginning of the pandemic when everything was shut down. So, my filmmaking partner Emile Haris and I decided to create something with just the two of us and a non-SAG actress Paige Laree Poucel who was willing to film during the pandemic and we created “Routine” as a starting off point for its sequel and current feature film “Staycation” which is in post-production.
2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
It took us around 6 months.
3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
It’s a take on Covid, of how one has to stay indoors during a pandemic and social distance and how when one’s routine is disrupted and you have to venture outside, what do you do.
4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
Creating the animated end credits sequence. We hired DC/Marvel Comics artist Dave Beaty to create the outdoor pandemic world via animation.
5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I was very grateful.
6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
When I was a child watching Superman (1978 version) for the first time and hearing composer John Williams’ score to the movie.
7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
It would be The Empire Strikes Back.
8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
It really helps when we get accepted into film festivals and if possible, to win like we did here for Best Twist Film (thank you!). It really helps to spread the word and hopefully make it possible to make future films.
9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
I LOVE Film Freeway!
10. What is your favorite meal?
Dessert 😊
11. What is next for you? A new film?
It is the sequel to “Routine”, my sixth feature film as a director called “Staycation”, which we were able to fund due to the success of Routine. We filmed during November 2020 to September 2022, with name actors Olivia d’Abo, Sean Kenney, Kelli Maroney, Eileen Dietz, Laurene Landon, Tracee Cocco. It is currently in post-production and will be completed in a few months.
Matthew Toffolo's Summary 