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 this interview, he gives a lot of amazing insight on the art of editing a feature film and what it takes to succeed in Hollywood.

Matthew Toffolo: You’ve worked as an Assistant Editor on many big Hollywood productions. What is the role of Assistant/Associate Editor? What is the biggest thing you’ve learned doing this task to help you grow as an editor?

Valerio Bonelli: It’s now quite a while ago but what I remember of my experience working on those big movies is that I felt that I was like a kid in a candy…

DREAMS OR DEMONS, directed by Lisa Svelmoe played to rave reviews at the Under 5 minute Film Festival in July 2016.

Matthew Toffolo: What motivated you to make this film?

Lisa Svelmoe: I was asked to make a film about a relevant media subject and I chose body image.

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

LS: 2-3 months

MT: How would you describe your short film in two words!?

LS: Eerie. Symbolic.

MT: What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

LS: Finding the main actress.

MT: What were your initial reactions when watching the Toronto audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

LS: So nice to hear all those great comments. I am convinced once again that you should never underestimate your audience, they are so smart.

MT: How did you…

WALK, directed by Nicola Balhuizen Hepp played to rave reviews at the Under 5 Minute FEEDBACK Film Festival in July 2016. It was an honor to interview her:

Matthew Toffolo: What motivated you to make this film?

Nicola Balhuizen Hepp: In dealing with my father’s ageing process, my films are exploring themes and issues that have to do with age, memory, life and death. I had worked with him on a performance with projected video images in 2006. The material for Walk is actually material that we shot for those projections.

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

NBH: The material was shot in 2006, I had the idea for Walk in november 2014 and finished it by the end of that year.

MT: How would you describe your short film in two words!?

NBH: perpetual, inevitable

WALK, directed by Nicola Balhuizen Hepp played to rave reviews at the Under 5 Minute FEEDBACK Film Festival in July 2016. It was an honor to interview her:

Matthew Toffolo: What motivated you to make this film?

Nicola Balhuizen Hepp: In dealing with my father’s ageing process, my films are exploring themes and issues that have to do with age, memory, life and death. I had worked with him on a performance with projected video images in 2006. The material for Walk is actually material that we shot for those projections.

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

NBH: The material was shot in 2006, I had the idea for Walk in november 2014 and finished it by the end of that year.

MT: How would you describe your short film in two words!?

NBH: perpetual, inevitable

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 the wave of Syrian refugees who try to make their way in to the EU.

But Seeing the people behind the headlines with my own eyes, and feeling their deep struggle, broke my heart.

I wanted to show what I saw in the Greek island.

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

LS: The shootings took about a week and the post another month.
So 5 weeks all together

MT: How would you describe your short film in two words!?

LS:…

CLEAN BREAK, directed by Tim Butcher was the winner of Best Overall Performances at the July 2016 Comedy Short Film Festival. It was an honor to sit down with him to chat about his film and filmmaking career.

Matthew Toffolo: What motivated you to make this film?

Tim Butcher: I wanted to make a film that was a step up from my others – that had slightly higher production standards and told a bit of a story, rather than just outlining a sketch. Ive always wanted to do something about a break up.

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

TB: I’d say about 4 months.

MT: How would you describe your short film in two words!?

TB: Hateful breakup (is breakup one word?)

MT: What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

TB:…

CLEAN BREAK, directed by Tim Butcher was the winner of Best Overall Performances at the July 2016 Comedy Short Film Festival. It was an honor to sit down with him to chat about his film and filmmaking career.

Matthew Toffolo: What motivated you to make this film?

Tim Butcher: I wanted to make a film that was a step up from my others – that had slightly higher production standards and told a bit of a story, rather than just outlining a sketch. Ive always wanted to do something about a break up.

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

TB: I’d say about 4 months.

MT: How would you describe your short film in two words!?

TB: Hateful breakup (is breakup one word?)

MT: What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

TB:…

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 Tofolo What motivated you to make this film?

Dan Robinette: I was a child of 80’s horror / sci-fi / fantasy movies. I’m sure I was watching them at an insanely inappropriate age but loved films like Halloween, Friday the 13th, Alien, etc. When I jumped into directing short films a couple of years ago, I knew I wanted to tell a horror story – part of me was itching to create my own vision inspired by an array of clichés and stereotypes. Our group, 4 Leagues Media, brainstormed on concepts / ideas for months…

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 Tofolo What motivated you to make this film?

Dan Robinette: I was a child of 80’s horror / sci-fi / fantasy movies. I’m sure I was watching them at an insanely inappropriate age but loved films like Halloween, Friday the 13th, Alien, etc. When I jumped into directing short films a couple of years ago, I knew I wanted to tell a horror story – part of me was itching to create my own vision inspired by an array of clichés and stereotypes. Our group, 4 Leagues Media, brainstormed on concepts / ideas for months…