BUSTER KEATON: HOME, 83min., USA
Directed by Jim Schaub
Buster Keaton: Home is a documentary that tells the story of Buster’s early life on the road as a child vaudeville star and how he found his home along the shores of Lake Michigan. Illustrated with rare images of family photos, datebooks and Buster’s personal autograph book, the film delves into the personal life of Buster and his family as they traveled the country as a successful vaudeville act.
http://www.busterkeatonhome.com/
https://www.facebook.com/busterkeatonhome/
Get to know the filmmaker:
1. What motivated you to make this film?
I was motivated to make this film after learning more about Buster Keaton’s childhood and being fascinated by the fact that he had an entire career in vaudeville – and was a STAR – before he ever entered the movie industry. My co-producer, Ron Pesch, was instrumental in motivating me to make this film as well as actually making it.
2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
It took us 6 years to make the film from idea to completed film.
3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
Born Genius
4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
The biggest obstacle in completing this film was after the funding ran out and I was tasked with doing all the post production duties myself, in the mornings and on weekends around a full time staff job and part-time professor job at a university.
5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
It was wonderful to see the reactions from festival goers in the reaction video and I appreciate that you include this as part of your festival. Kudos!
6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
Like a lot of filmmakers, I loved watching movies as a kid and after getting a degree in business, I managed video rental stores to satisfy this urge. In my spare time, I started editing music videos with three VHS decks and a rats nest of cables. My mother said at one point, you seem to really like that, why don’t you go back to school and learn to make movies.
7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
The movie I have seen the most is “Young Frankenstein”.
8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
Nothing comes to mind at this point.
9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
I have no complaints about Film Freeway.
10. What is your favorite meal?
My favorite meal is Fresh Lake Perch.
11. What is next for you? A new film?
My next film will likely be a short documentary on a very interesting collector of things.
Matthew Toffolo's Summary 