Filmmaker David Shen Miller (PAINT IT, BLACK)

PAINT IT, BLACK, 30min., USA
Directed by David Shen Miller
During a fishing trip, estranged brothers Vlad and Gogo are in the midst of a heated debate when a dead body suddenly falls out of the sky. The police investigate and, after a brief interrogation, the brothers resume fishing and fighting. Their ensuing squabbles cut to the core of their broken relationship, exposing deep-seated sibling resentments and revealing the absurdity of their lives with disastrous consequences.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I was definitely struggling with some existential angst when I wrote the script. But what really motivated me to make this film was having fallen in love with the characters. I loved their sibling rivalry dynamic. I loved Vlad’s vulnerability, his tortured soul, his pent up rage, and I felt I understood his gripe with God. And on the completely opposite end of the spectrum, if I’m being completely honest, even though Gogo is an asshole (and he’d be the first to admit it), I loved his trolling trickster personality, his wildly inappropriate sense of humor, and his devil may care attitude. So what motivated me to make this film was a desire to work with awesome actors who would bring these characters to life. Beyond that, I wanted explore themes about the absurdity of life, the absurdity of death, and sibling rivalry.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

There was a considerable lag between when the script was finished and we entered preproduction. But from idea to finishes product I’d say about 10 months.

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

Cruel joke.

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

Editing it from a 42 minute roughy cut (without credits) to under 30 minutes (with credits). The climactic monologue is about 8 minutes now, but was originally almost twice as long!

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

I was like, “oh good! Some people actually found it funny.” I was worried no one would jive with my twisted sense of humor.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

15 years old in high school detention. I read a play to pass the time and fell in love with storytelling.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

Probably a tie between “Amadeus” and “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?

In person screenings are the best. So if you get a venue, I’m there!

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

Super easy!

10. What is your favorite meal?

Sushi.

11. What is next for you? A new film?

I’m in post production on a new sci-fi short. Very different from “Paint It, Black.” I see shorts as a great way to experiment and explore. So all of my shorts are quite different from one another.