Quench, 14min., UK
Directed by Ande Case
Thirst is a cruel mistress.

Get to know the filmmaker;

1. What motivated you to make this film?

It’s one of those amazing moments as a script writer when a great idea just lands in your head. Of course it had rewrites and great suggestions from the cast and crew but fundamentally the core of the story and visuals remain. I had to get it made 🙂

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

2.2 days filming (budgetary reasons) and about 2 days post. Yes, that is not much time but does show what ‘can’ be achieved when financial reality means you ‘have’ to achieve it.

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

Non Standard

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

Location. Took ages to find the ideal location (one of my 18 roles is location scout) and then negotiate an affordable fee.

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

Absolutely humbling. It is one thing for you to know what you’ve made but to hear others experiencing the same thing (while avoiding spoilers!) was just an incredible experience.

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

About 10 years ago when I had scripts piling up, some winning competitions but absolutely nothing happening. But I only make one when I have enough to pay cast and crew their rates. I cannot abide the whole come work for me at a loss so my vision is realised – just so unbelievably selfish when people have bills to pay. If everyone did that more cast and crew would have a better life.

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

Now then, that’s a challenge but likely a close call between The Blue Brothers [1980] and 2001: A Space Odyssey [1968] with Alien / Aliens and Shawkshank Redemption not far behind.

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

You are doing an incredible job – you give feedback, screen our work, provide viewer feedback and much more – that is about 90% more than some of these festivals bother with. There are too many ‘festivals’ on FilmFreeway that are happy to take your money but offer next to nothing in return. And I don’t mean not winning but the whole you never hear anything from them again.

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

See above. I would love there to be a process where all film-makers get to vote on the Top 10 or 20 Festivals each year and they get placed into a special ‘spend your money on these’ category – so you know your money is going to someone who cares about boosting others.

10. What is your favorite meal?

I really want to say something fancy but honestly a well made Mac & Cheese would be just fine.

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

Yes. More challenging, really go to push my small team / actors but it will (I hope!) be worth it. Just working out how to fund it as apparently Angel Investors don’t really exist 🙂