Category: interview

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 Leon Williams (HOWELL)

Leon Williams’ short film “HOWELL” played at the July 2016 Under 5min. FEEDBACK FIlm Festival. It’s  mystery meets supernatural meets comedy with a great twist at the end. A must see short film. Matthew Toffolo: What motivated you to make this film? Leon Williams: Nothing in particular. I simply had the idea one day and with… Continue reading Interview with Filmmaker Leon Williams (HOWELL)

Interview with Filmmaker Veronique Vanblaere (BOTTOMLESS)

Veronique Vanblaere’s short film “Bottomless” played at the August 2016 Animation FEEDBACK FIlm Festival. It’s a documentary meets comedy meets animated work that both funny and heart warming. Terrific film. Matthew Toffolo: What motivated you to make this film? Veronique Vanblaere: My good friend and filmmaker Jen West and I have really fast conversations. We… Continue reading Interview with Filmmaker Veronique Vanblaere (BOTTOMLESS)

Interview with Filmmaker Jonathan Brooks (GHOSTBOY)

Jonathan Brooks’ short film “Ghostboy” played to rave reviews at the Family/Animation Short Film Festival in August 2016. An animation with a twist of unique comedy and a valuable life lesson. It’s safe to say that Jonathan is an filmmaker and storyteller on the rise. Matthew Toffolo: What motivated you to make this film? Jonathan… Continue reading Interview with Filmmaker Jonathan Brooks (GHOSTBOY)

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 Filmmaker Emeline Castaneda (KADDISH!)

Emeline Castaneda’s short film KADDISH! was the winner of “Best Film” at the 2016 FEEDBACK Horror/Thriller Film Festival. The film was a master in nailing the tone of comedy & horror while telling an engaging story. It was an honor chatting with her about this short and what’s next for the award winning filmmaker: Read… Continue reading Interview with Filmmaker Emeline Castaneda (KADDISH!)

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 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 Screenwriter Maria Nation (A Street Cat Named Bob, Salem Witch Trials)

It was an honor to chat with the very talented screenwriter Maria Nation. For any new or up and coming screenwriter, this interview is a must read as she gives a lot of insight on her profession and what it takes to succeed in Hollywood. Enjoy! Matthew Toffolo: Tell us about “A Street Cat Named… Continue reading Interview with Screenwriter Maria Nation (A Street Cat Named Bob, Salem Witch Trials)

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.