HERO’S JOURNEY, 15min., USA
Directed by Stan Alger
When the fourth wall breaks, a young filmmaker must find his inner creative confidence and take control of his story before it takes control of the world around him.

https://www.instagram.com/stanthedirector/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I’ve always loved that idea of “What if the story was real?”, on that same token I love the concept of the multiverse, which is also a hot button seller these days, so I wanted to take those fun ideas and run with them to create this short film. Stories can inspire us and yes even motivate us in the real world. So in the film, the story literally inspires it’s creator, which while perhaps can also be a commentary on the state of film and TV development today….it also serves as exciting chaos!

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

The script was written over the course of the summer, production took place in the fall, and the film itself was finished the following spring once my friend helped finalize all the remaining VFX.

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

Childlike Wonder

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

There were a few! No production is without it’s obstacles. But I’d have to say, as much as I love them, the stunt sequences and swordplay were particularly challenging as I kind of dived head first into an area that I had previously done very casually on smaller shorts growing up as a kid. This was my senior thesis in college and so we had to do things “by the book” which meant following appropriate stunt protocol and not committing any “indie style cutting of corners”. I had to manage prep and warm up in addition to my actors, my shot list and the ticking clock. But ultimately having those rules in place led to a better and far more professional performance, and dare I say has wet my appetite for more action sequences in the times to come!

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

I appreciated the feedback tremendously. I was so happy people enjoyed it! I was happy they loved our Actors’ performances, our DP’s camera work (Cinematographer), and that the beats and overall message carried across the way we had hoped. Most of all, our entire team was thrilled people had a good time!

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

Ever since I was a little kid. As cliche as it may be, I grew up loving Spielberg movies. Seeing those films on the screen at home would do more than excite me, they would inspire me, they would scare me, they would make me sad, they would make me sit in wonder. It was through those movies that I came to love storytelling and other storytellers. After a very memorable evening discussion with my family when I was a kid, I decided I wanted to be a filmmaker – and I’ve been truly in love ever since.

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

It’s a tie! I’d probably say “Raiders of the Lost Ark!” Again, the Spielberg boy in me 🙂

But, there is a largely forgotten comfort film of mine from the late 80s starring Michael J Fox called “The Secret of My Success”. The story itself is basically the American Dream. It encourages you to keep pushing, to keep going, to never give up. The main character, played by Michael J Fox, does just that, and not only does he believe the dream exists, he pursues it morally….with perhaps cutting a few corners. Ultimately the good guys win in the end over the corrupt businessmen and there is a killer soundtrack to accompany.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

I think you guys have done a terrific job!

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

Wonderful. It was very intuitive and very straightforward. I really like the model.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Clam Chowdah – I’m from Boston.

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

Yes – there is always something in the works!