UTOPIA was the winner of BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY at the January 2019 LGBT Feedback Film Festival in Los Angeles. Matthew Toffolo: What motivated you to make this film? Aimiende Negbenebor Sela: I would say what motivated me to make Utopia was my own struggle with race, identity, and self-acceptance. I am Nigerian (African American) and though… Continue reading Interview with Filmmaker Aimiende Negbenebor Sela (UTOPIA)
Tag: filmmaking notes
Interview with Cinematographer Tristan Oliver (Isle of Dogs, ParaNorman, Fantastic Mr. Fox)
It was a true honor interviewing the extremely talented Director of Photographer Tristan Oliver. Every single film he’s worked on has turned out great. And there’s not many people you can say that statement about! If you don’t believe, simply go to his website and watch some of the short films he’s worked on and… Continue reading Interview with Cinematographer Tristan Oliver (Isle of Dogs, ParaNorman, Fantastic Mr. Fox)
Interview with Supervising Sound Editor Donald Sylvester (Logan, Walk the Line, 3:10 to Yuma)
Donald Sylvester has worked on over 100 films in the last 25 years and is considered one of the top people working in the craft of Post-Production Sound today. I asked him a few simple questions via email and he countered with some really insightful and meaningful answers. Enjoy it: Where were you born and… Continue reading Interview with Supervising Sound Editor Donald Sylvester (Logan, Walk the Line, 3:10 to Yuma)
Interview with Composer Alexei Aigui (The Young Karl Marx, I am Not Your Negro)
It was an honor chatting with the multi-talented musician and film composer Alexei Aigui and chat about his one and only passion in life: music! Listen to his music on Soundcloud Matthew Toffolo: Where were you born and raised? Was music something you always wanted to do as your career? Alexei Aigui: I was born… Continue reading Interview with Composer Alexei Aigui (The Young Karl Marx, I am Not Your Negro)
Interview with Editor Tod Modisett (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, The Bachelor)
It was a privilege to chat with the talented editor Tod Modisett on the art of editing. Matthew Toffolo: You have edited many television shows. Do you have a favorite experience? Tod Modisett: The best experience is when you understand the show you’re working on. You get the director or the producer, and he or… Continue reading Interview with Editor Tod Modisett (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, The Bachelor)
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 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.
Interview with director Lior Sperando (PEOPLE OF NOWHERE)
PEOPLE OF NOWHERE, directed by Lior Sperando, was the winner of Best FILM at the July 2016 Under 5min. FEEDBACK Film Festival. It was one of the most popular films that has ever played at the festival. Matthew Toffolo: What motivated you to make this film? Lior Sperando: I have heard and read different opinions about… Continue reading Interview with director Lior Sperando (PEOPLE OF NOWHERE)
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 