Jovanna Burke’s THE TRAP played to rave reviews at the October 2016 ACTION/CRIME Short Film Festival. It was the winner of “Best Overall Performances” at the festival. It was a pleasure sitting down and chatting with her about the film and what’s next for the very talented actor turned writer turned upcoming director! Matthew Toffolo:… Continue reading Interview with Actor/Screenwriter Jovanna Burke (THE TRAP)
Category: filmmaking notes
Interview with Sound Mixer Tony Dawe (Return of the Jedi, Alice in Wonderland, Troy)
George Lucas was very involved in the making of “Revenge of the Jedi”, and spent a lot of time on the sets. I got on very well with George, and we had many discussions about the use of computers in film making and where that was going to go. Looking back, of course he was absolutely right. He is a most incredible person and visionary and I really loved working with him.
However, working on “Revenge of the Jedi” (which was its original title), was very intense and not one of my favourite experiences.
Interview with Stunt Performer Lisa Dempsey (Titanic, Sully, Minority Report)
I did a stunt that required me to cartwheel off a balcony and land feet first into boxes – I ended up in the ER with a broken tibia, fibula and ankle. I had three surgeries and that derailed my career for a while. I rehabbed like a pro athlete and feel bionic now. I am reinforced, realigned and will live with my titanium tibial rod forever. That was nine years ago, today. October 7.
Interview with Filmmaker Chenxin Yang (SEA OF INK)
Chenxin Yang’s short film SEA OF INK was the winner of BEST FILM at the August 2016 ANIMATION FEEDBACK Film Festival. It’s a two-minute animation about an artist struggling with his creative block and his journey under the sea. Matthew Toffolo: What motivated you to make this film? Chenxin Yang: This animation is more like… Continue reading Interview with Filmmaker Chenxin Yang (SEA OF INK)
Interview with Filmmaker Pepijn Claus (INSIDE)
Pepijn Claus’s short film “Inside” played to rave reviews at the Family/Animation Short Film Festival in August 2016. His film is a classic animation/comedy – something this Generation Xer loved, as it reminded me of my childhood watching Saturday morning cartoons. It was an honor sitting down with him to talk about his short film.… Continue reading Interview with Filmmaker Pepijn Claus (INSIDE)
Interview with Editor Valerio Bonelli (The Martian, Philomena)
If you’re interested in storytelling, this is the interview for you. Editor Valerio Bonelli has edited over 30 films in the last 20 years, working with some of the top directors, including many collaborations with Ridley Scott (The Martian, Black Hawk Down, Hannibal, and the Oscar winner Gladiator), and Stephen Frears (Philomena, The Program). In… Continue reading Interview with Editor Valerio Bonelli (The Martian, Philomena)
Interview with Filmmaker Sorrel Brae (A FILM BY VERA VAUGHN)
Sorrel Brae’s short film “A Film By Vera Vaughn” played to rave reviews at the August 2016 Horror/Thriller FEEDBACK Film Festival. It was an honor to sit down and chat with him about his film and what’s next for the talented filmmaker. Matthew Toffolo What motivated you to make this film? Sorrel Brae: Mostly creative… Continue reading Interview with Filmmaker Sorrel Brae (A FILM BY VERA VAUGHN)
Interview with Filmmaker Dan Robinette (DRAWN TO FEAR)
Dan Robinette’s short film DRAWN TO FEAR was voted “Scariest Film” at the August 2016 Horror FEEDBACK Film Festival. Quite the achievement when you look at all of the other excellent and scary films that were also showcased. It was an honor to interview Mr. Robinette and chat about his film and what’s next! Matthew… Continue reading Interview with Filmmaker Dan Robinette (DRAWN TO FEAR)
Interview with Editor Allyson C. Johnson (The Get Down, The Wire, Monsoon Wedding)
Get a job in a cutting room, any job doing anything. It’s important to be exposed to the process as much as possible and to meet people in the business. If you’re an assistant already cut scenes on your own in your spare time using the footage for the show you are working on so you can get some practice and show them to the editor and ask for pointers. Learn the AVID.
Interview with director Kyran Davies (STEPHEN THE TIME TRAVELLING DOG)
STEPHEN THE TIME TRAVELLING DOG, directed by Kyran Davies is perhaps one of the most loved films that was ever played at a WILDsound Festival. The audience attending the July 2016 Under 5 minute FEEDBACK Film Festival LOVED this film. It was a pleasure interviewing the director, especially because his answers were all funny. Matthew Toffolo:… Continue reading Interview with director Kyran Davies (STEPHEN THE TIME TRAVELLING DOG)
Matthew Toffolo's Summary 