interviews

Interview with Festival Director Sina Dolati (TORONTO NEW WAVE)

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The Labyrinth Pictures was founded in 2016 by Sina Dolati, Emmanuel McBride and Shaq Hosein as a multi-purpose production company, producing independent film (fiction and commercial), as well as hosting events and other services under The Labyrinth umbrella with the aim of cultivating the Toronto filmmaking scene. Our summer Events Coordinator Farah Mannan has also had a large role in helping this event come to life, as well as Rangga Luksatrio who has helped us in reaching out to Toronto musicians.

The 2017 rendition of the Toronto New Wave showcase is the first public event hosted by the company, screening a multitude of short films from independent Toronto filmmakers, as well as including performances from Toronto indie bands. The event takes place at 7 PM, Saturday August 5th, at Cinecycle.

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Matthew Toffolo:What is your Film Festival succeeding at doing for filmmakers?

Sina Dolati: We’ll have to see! This is the first public event our production company (The Labyrinth) is hosting since getting founded in 2016 and we’re very excited to see how it goes. Our goal is to provide an outlet for emerging Toronto filmmakers and allow them to comfortably network with one another in an intimate space.

What would you expect to experience if you attend the festival this year (2017)?

Definitely some great films from up and coming filmmakers of Toronto, as well some fantastic performances by Toronto indie bands. This rendition of the event is more of a ‘showcase’ than a festival, and it will be a jam-packed night for all attendees.

What are the qualifications for the selected films?

Since our screening time is rather short this time around, we’re prioritizing films from Toronto. We’d like to keep it as diverse as possible and include films from filmmakers that we see potential in.

Do you think that some films really don’t get a fair shake from film festivals? And if so, why?

I think it can go both ways. Some films do really well commercially but so not much in festivals, and vice versa. It really depends on the niche target audience. In our case, the goal is to include films from as many Toronto filmmakers as possible.

What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

We founded The Labyrinth umbrella as a way for us to continue making films under The Labyrinth Pictures, all while establishing a network for Toronto artists through a variety of events and services. With Toronto New Wave, we’re excited to illustrate that vision and see it all come together at a physical event for the first time. There is no fee to submit a film and tickets to attend the full event are sold at a very affordable price (~ $6).

How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

t has definitely sped up the process. We kept it open to international submissions in order to get an understanding of interest in this sort of event. In the short 11 day submission
period, we’ve received just about 1000 submissions, 100 of which were from Canada. We did not expect to receive this many. At all. We’ve learned a lot (in terms of statistics), which we’ll keep in mind for future renditions of the event. For the August 2017 event, we’ll only be showing films from Toronto in order to create a strong base within our audience network.

Where do you see the festival by 2020?

Believe it or not, the process that was most challenging for our team in organizing this event was coming up with a name! We finally selected Toronto New Wave, since it was close to our vision of providing an outlet for emerging Toronto filmmakers (as well as musicians for this event) that continue to enrich the Toronto art scene with innovation. We strive to continue pursuing this vision, and think that the festival will be much larger by 2020, including innovative segments targeted at niche audiences (e.g. Virtual Reality films, Animation, etc.)

What film have you seen the most times in your life?

I have no idea. Maybe Jurassic Park. Loved dinosaurs as a kid.

In one sentence, what makes a great film?

I don’t think most filmmakers intend to make a film that is ‘not great’, it just comes down to knowing your audience and being able to execute your vision masterfully enough in order to communicate it with them.

How is the film scene in your city?

Toronto is the third largest screen-based production centre in all of North America, just behind New York City and Los Angeles. However, I think the film industry here is still rather scattered compared to what we see in the US. There is a large gap to fill, which is where companies like ours come into play to provide direct production and screening based networking and resources. Some non-profit organizations such as the Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto (LIFT) and Raindance Toronto succeed greatly at doing just that.
 

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Interviewer Matthew Toffolo is currently the CEO of the WILDsound FEEDBACK Film & Writing Festival. The festival that showcases 20-50 screenplay and story readings performed by professional actors every month. And the FEEDBACK Monthly Festival held in downtown Toronto, and Los Angeles at least 2 times a month. Go to www.wildsound.ca for more information and to submit your work to the festival.

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Interview with Festival Director Conor Armstrong Sanfey (ELEVATION INDIE FILM AWARDS)

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The Elevation Indie Film Awards has been set up by Indie Film makers for Indie Film makers. We understand the difficulties of gaining recognition for your work and want to shine a light on the vast talent of Independent filmmakers from around the world.

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Matthew Toffolo:What is your Film Festival succeeding at doing for filmmakers?

Conor Armstrong Sanfey: At elevation, we endeavour to give filmmakers feedback on all submissions, weather they are accepted or not to screen. We ensure that all films are watched, and filmmakers go away with constructive feedback. We specifically support indie filmmakers, by providing them a platform for showcasing their work.

What would you expect to experience if you attend the festival this year (2017)?

To view a wide diverse programme of innovative independent films.

What are the qualifications for the selected films?

To view a wide diverse programme of innovative independent films.

Do you think that some films really don’t get a fair shake from film festivals? And if so, why?

No we feel a lot of the major festivals do not give enough attention to independent films. With some not even watching entries at times.

What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

Our motivation comes from our experience as indie filmmakers ourselves. We want to provide a support system for independent filmmakers, and provide them with constructive feedback and a platform to showcase their fantastic work.

How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

We have been getting films from all around the world. The standard has been fantastic, and we can’t wait to see for.

Where do you see the festival by 2020?

We hope to continue expanding the festival, and hopefully hold more live screenings.

What film have you seen the most times in your life?

. Shawshank Redemption.

In one sentence, what makes a great film?

A film that transports you into another world, and most importantly entertains.

How is the film scene in your city?

The film scene in Dublin it thriving, especially in the independent film scene.

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Interviewer Matthew Toffolo is currently the CEO of the WILDsound FEEDBACK Film & Writing Festival. The festival that showcases 20-50 screenplay and story readings performed by professional actors every month. And the FEEDBACK Monthly Festival held in downtown Toronto, and Los Angeles at least 2 times a month. Go to www.wildsound.ca for more information and to submit your work to the festival.

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Interview with Festival Directors Lee Marohn & Paul Salzer (NORTHEAST WISCONSIN HORROR FILM FESTIVAL)

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This film festival is part of the Northeast Wisconsin Horror Festival (NeW Horror Fest), whose goal for our second year is to continue bringing together fright enthusiasts and attract new audiences to the wonderful joys of horror fiction and cinema. The film festival owes its beginnings to the Oshkosh Horror Film Festival (OHFF).

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Matthew Toffolo:What is your Film Festival succeeding at doing for filmmakers?

[Lee] Our primary goal is to get people to watch independent horror films. Our feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.

[Paul] Our festival also helps filmmakers by offering different types of horror films (from dark comedy to gore to supernatural thrillers). I hope that exposing audiences to diverse films creates an audience base that is more receptive to different types of films. This gives filmmakers the freedom to make stories they want to tell, rather than the ones that fit the commercial trends.

What would you expect to experience if you attend the festival this year (2017)?

[Lee] More of the same from 2016! Great independent horror films in a huge variety of styles. Everything from 2-minute shorts to full-length feature films.

[Paul] We also try to bring filmmakers and the audience together. We hope to expand on our question-and-answer segments between films blocks.

What are the qualifications for the selected films?

[Paul] Submissions should recognizably be horror-based (which we define as having the capacity to scare, disgust, and frighten audiences). Film should be completed works. “Work-in-Progress” screening requests will be handled separately and on a case-by-case basis. Films that contain significant non-English spoken dialogue must provide on-screen English subtitles as the audience will primarily be English speaking. There is also the standard copyright related qualifications regarding films. Basically, submitted films need to be submitted by copyright owners or authorized representatives.

[Lee] We also PREFER films with a Wisconsin connection.

Do you think that some films really don’t get a fair shake from film festivals? And if so, why?

[Lee] At some festivals? Definitely. We give EVERYONE a chance. Films are judged on their own merit. We don’t compare films to each other.

[Paul] For me, I don’t think student films get the attention they deserve outside of the college system. It probably because of the economics of things. It’s really hard for me to say for sure why though.

What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

[Lee] We love horror films. I helped with a previous film festival at the same venue for 5 years. The organizer gave it up in favor of actually MAKING movies, so we saw the void and jumped at the opportunity.

[Paul] Like Lee said, we love horror films. And I like people that like horror films. So the festival is a great why for us to get together, watch horror films, and talk about the things that make us like them so much.

How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

[Lee] Almost effortless.

[Paul] We had a few hiccups our first year, because we didn’t quite have the notification process figured out yet. The process should be basically automatic this year though. We are also using more of FilmFreeway’s features this year to speed up our selection process.

Where do you see the festival by 2020?

Lee] Hopefully, inspiring more local filmmakers to make films. We’ll continue to showcase Wisconsin-made horror and show great films from all over.

[Paul] My plan had always been to expand festival beyond just films. I would like to see the horror festival be a citywide (and even regional state) event to promote horror.

What film have you seen the most times in your life?

[Lee] Star Wars. Well over 600 times. In terms of horror? Jaws. Probably 200-300 times.

[Paul] The Exorcist.

In one sentence, what makes a great film?

[Lee] To me, no matter how bad or cheesy it is, a film is great if it entertains me.

[Paul] Like anything involving art, a great film needs to make me feel.

How is the film scene in your city?

[Lee] Almost non-existent, sadly. There are a few filmmakers (some with multiple awards), but FUNDING is the big missing factor. I personally know of at least a half dozen films that could be made if funding was available.

[Paul] It’s growing though.

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Lee Marohn

A lifelong Wisconsin resident, his first exposure to horror was a midnight showing of The Thing from Outer Space on TV.  Growing up in the ’70s and ’80s, his love of horror films blossomed with the arrival of Michael Myers and Jason Voorhees.  His favorite horror movies of all time are Night of the Living Dead (1968) and Jaws.  His non-horror obsessions are Star Wars, Firefly/Serenity and Lego.  In addition to a full-time job, he has worked part time at a comic shop for 22 years.  As a volunteer at the Time Community Theater, he worked during the Oshkosh Horror Film Festival and was part of the movie selection process.  After 5 years of the OHFF, the organizer needed to give it up.  After a year without a horror film festival in Oshkosh, co-organizer Paul Salzer approached him about organizing a new fest. The rest is history. Lee has acted in several local film projects and produced two locally-made horror films.  He prefers to work behind the scenes and hopes to produce more.

Paul Salzer

A resident of Oshkosh since the late 80s, Paul’s love of films came from renting VHS tapes from the local video store in Palmyra, WI.  He enjoys science fiction, horror, and comic book films.  He maintains a film review blog and podcast called Forsaken Film Reviews.  He is also the co-host of a monthly film discussion podcast titled The Film Jerks.  He’s current goals include being more active in independent filmmaking.

Interviewer Matthew Toffolo is currently the CEO of the WILDsound FEEDBACK Film & Writing Festival. The festival that showcases 20-50 screenplay and story readings performed by professional actors every month. And the FEEDBACK Monthly Festival held in downtown Toronto, and Los Angeles at least 2 times a month. Go to www.wildsound.ca for more information and to submit your work to the festival.

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Interview with Gustavo Coletti (ROSARITO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL)

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The first Rosarito International Film Festival, produced by LOGCINEMA.COM, will be carry out in October this year, a website dedicated to classic and collectible films, which is expanding into independent cinema, providing filmmakers with the opportunity to exhibit their productions online.

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Matthew Toffolo:What is your Film Festival succeeding at doing for filmmakers?

Gustavo Coletti: Rosarito, Baja California, Mexico, just 150 miles from Hollywood, it is the fastest growing movie business on the planet. It is the headquarters of Fox Studios Baja California, the most important branch of Fox, where they filmed blockbusters like “Titanic”, “Master and Commander”, “Quantum of Solace” (James Bond), “Babel”, “Pearl Harbor” “007, Tomorrow never dies”, and so many others impossible to list. 20 minutes from Rosarito is Tijuana with different academic centers for film study, including the renowned Film School of the UDCI (“University of Las Californias International” by its acronyms in Spanish).

What would you expect to experience if you attend the festival this year (2017)?

As spectators watch movies from all over the world. In the Rosarito area live more than 70,000 Americans who regularly have no opportunity in his country to see foreign films, and what you could watch in Mexico do not have subtitles in English but in Spanish. As a filmmaker, to exhibit my productions in the arthouse of greater growth in the world market.

What are the qualifications for the selected films?

We are looking for in the selected films, greater respect for the artistic aspect of cinema and not of cinema as entertainment industry.

Do you think that some films really don’t get a fair shake from film festivals? And if so, why?

I think that the festivals are afraid to show films of low budget and with technical limitations. I don’t think that they too take into account the conceptual part of the film.

What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

We are interested in meeting people of cinema’s future generations for future projects and achieve an expansion of interest in the local market towards another type of productions that represent other cultures and other idiosyncrasies.

How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

The entire process with filmfreeway went flawless so far.

Where do you see the festival by 2020?

I have no doubt that by 2020 the Rosarito International Film Festival already will be entrenched and established as an invaluable event for the community of independent filmmakers. The response that we have taken a few days after initiating the call, exceeded all of our expectations.

What film have you seen the most times in your life?

I have seen countless times the cinema of Federico Fellini, especially “8 and 1-2” and “La Dolce Vita”, as well as the films of the great masters of Italian cinema. I’ve seen much Tarkovsky and the French nouvelle vogue.

In one sentence, what makes a great film?

A great film is one which brings a renewal in the cinematic language, that can dispense with in its elaboration of the commercial intention and has an aesthetic and a history that excites us.

How is the film scene in your city?

Well, I don’t live in Rosarito, live in Los Angeles, which is the most vibrant city in the world in film, but Rosarito is a place where we are always working on new projects and that is exciting.

 

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Interviewer Matthew Toffolo is currently the CEO of the WILDsound FEEDBACK Film & Writing Festival. The festival that showcases 20-50 screenplay and story readings performed by professional actors every month. And the FEEDBACK Monthly Festival held in downtown Toronto, and Los Angeles at least 2 times a month. Go to www.wildsound.ca for more information and to submit your work to the festival.

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Interview with Festival Director José Claudio Silva (PORTUGAL INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL)

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The Portugal International Film Festival will have its first edition in 2017 and aims to promote the Portuguese and World Cinema. Held in the city of Porto, the Festival will award the best films with a certificate and crystal trophy.

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Matthew Toffolo:What is your Film Festival succeeding at doing for filmmakers?

José Claudio Silva: This is the first year of PORTUGAL INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL, we would like to be a window for
filmmakers showcase their work in Europe. In the next year we´re planning a partnership with a Portuguese Tv Channel to play the winners.

What would you expect to experience if you attend the festival this year (2017)?

A great network with other filmmakers, nice awards (cristal Trophy and certificate of award), Interview with filmmakers, photos and videos for the website.

What are the qualifications for the selected films?

The most important thing I think is the story, sometimes we see a film made with a great camera, a full team and the story means nothing. In the other hand we had some great student films
that makes me imagine that could be a blockbuster if they have budget.

Do you think that some films really don’t get a fair shake from film festivals? And if so, why?

My experience as filmmaker, I realized that some film festivals prefer some genre of films, the most of them gives the awards for drama style. I think that comedy and action films have less chance in festivals.

I don´t know if they ask to the jury to give more attention to drama genre or is a coincidence.

On my festivals, all genres has the same evaluation by the jury.

What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

As a filmmaker, I think that is an important window to show your work. When I was a film student I tried to screen my film on a theater and it was so expensive that´s why I get all students together and we rent a theater and I made my first film festival.

How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

FilmFreeway is a great place to submit your work. The always create new tools to improve our Festival experience.

Where do you see the festival by 2020?

I hope that in 2020 we can have more technology to make
better Festivals. Theaters with better screen and projectors, maybe a 4D presentation with virtual reality glasses.

What film have you seen the most times in your life?

The Shawshank Redemption is one of the most beautiful films that I ever seen.

I think that I saw it 5 times.

In one sentence, what makes a great film?

The story is what catch the audience. The technical aspects is important but the story is the heart of a film.

How is the film scene in your city?

The city of Porto is a touristic city, they have few film festivals. We want to make Portugal a hot place for film festivals and increase the Portuguese film production.

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Interviewer Matthew Toffolo is currently the CEO of the WILDsound FEEDBACK Film & Writing Festival. The festival that showcases 20-50 screenplay and story readings performed by professional actors every month. And the FEEDBACK Monthly Festival held in downtown Toronto, and Los Angeles at least 2 times a month. Go to www.wildsound.ca for more information and to submit your work to the festival.

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Interview with Festival Director Kirill Proskura (MIND THE INDIE FILM FESTIVAL (MTIFF))

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Mind the Indie Film Festival is an independent international film festival. It was established with the idea to showcase the best indie films twice a year in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. Our mission is to give filmmakers a chance to present their films, shine a light on the value of non-studio productions, and educate audiences of the quality and importance of independent cinema.

https://www.mtiff.org/

 Matthew Toffolo:What is your Film Festival succeeding at doing for filmmakers?

Kirill Proskura: Mind the Indie Film Festival gives a platform for talented film artists, who create meaningful films that are worth seeing and sharing, but lack the backing of studios, expensive marketing campaigns or famous personas.

What would you expect to experience if you attend the festival this year (2017)?

You’d be able to see our selection of the best short and feature films, thought-provoking documentaries, high quality animation and student films from around the world.

What are the qualifications for the selected films?

They need to have a great story, great acting and great sound.

Do you think that some films really don’t get a fair shake from film festivals? And if so, why?

I think so, yes. At the moment, the film festival scene worldwide is like a massive lottery, and productions with known cast and big P&A get a free pass to most festivals. So it comes to the point that independent filmmakers, who make great films outside of studios and companies with deep pockets, have little to no chance of getting their films screened anywhere.

That’s why it must become the job of festivals like Mind the Indie Film Festival to show audiences that there are great films and great stories told by people who have little to no money to make them.

What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

The motivation comes from the idea that we love great films, and as indie filmmakers ourselves we want to bring more awareness of independent films to the audience in Bulgaria. We feel this is a very important task, especially since most known festivals in Bulgaria go about screening new releases from Hollywood instead of independent films.

How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

It’s been really great. The platform is very straightforward and super easy to navigate. FilmFreeway is doing a great job with constant updates that help the filmmakers and festivals to get the best experience from it.

Where do you see the festival by 2020?

We would like to make Mind the Indie Film Festival the number one film festival to go to in Bulgaria. There are plans to grow further and ideas set in motion, but I can’t tell much about it yet. Follow us on social media to keep up to date with what we’re up to.

What film have you seen the most times in your life?

The Lord of the Rings trilogy.

In one sentence, what makes a great film?

A great film is a great story.

How is the film scene in your city?

The film scene in Plovdiv is slowly growing, both in terms of film productions and the interest in indie cinema.

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Interviewer Matthew Toffolo is currently the CEO of the WILDsound FEEDBACK Film & Writing Festival. The festival that showcases 20-50 screenplay and story readings performed by professional actors every month. And the FEEDBACK Monthly Festival held in downtown Toronto, and Los Angeles at least 2 times a month. Go to www.wildsound.ca for more information and to submit your work to the festival.

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Interview with Festival Director Jonny Mancini (FROSTBITE International Film Festival)

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FROSTBITE is an international online festival devoted to recognizing those who push the boundaries of what cinema can do, regardless of their budget or production quality.

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Matthew Toffolo:What is your Film Festival succeeding at doing for filmmakers?

Jonny Mancini: Every single one of our judges and festival coordinators is a filmmaker, and know the difficulty of entering your film into bigger festivals to hopefully win awards. Submission prices are generally unaffordable, and even if they are not, indie films tend to not be selected more than bigger budget short films. Our goal as student filmmakers and future teachers of film is to create an environment where professionals, low-budget, and student filmmakers can receive recognition on an equal plane. We offer many different categories and awards, in support of uncommonly recognized genres such as dance film, action sports, and demo reels. We offer a wide range of other categories, and they grow every month as we open themed or genre categories offering unique awards. There are an endless amount of vital aspects which go into the creation of any film, and we offer as many awards as we can for each of these aspects which require a lot of effort on the filmmaker or animators part. We give out awards every month to films for everything from editing and cinematography to concept strength and dialogue design. These small essential details are what can set low-budget or student film far above films with a professional budget, and our jury aims to see they all get the recognition they deserve.

What would you expect to experience if you attend the festival this year (2017)?

Our festival is primarily online in order for us to keep up the pace with giving out awards and getting our winners screened as much and as soon as possible. We have only had local submitters in attendance to our monthly studio screenings, but we offer direct feedback to any of our selections who request it to get the most directly personal experience we can with them as a high pace online festival.

What are the qualifications for the selected films?

Our selections are determined by very specific criteria based on the effort put in by the filmmakers, and the innovative aspects of these underground films which inspire and push the boundaries of what cinema is. We look for things we have never seen before, and regardless of quality of equipment or budget, we look for films which show excellence in storytelling, dialogue, editing, and technique.

Do you think that some films really don’t get a fair shake from film festivals? And if so, why?

As student filmmakers we work hard at our passions, and we have experienced first hand what festivals are looking for, as well as what kind of a message they look for in films. What it comes down to is most elite festivals do not consider films fairly based on the merit of their unique or innovative aspects; even some festivals who claim to do this often do not! Most of them look for emotional appeal, inspiring story, or professional camera technique. These methods for storytelling are wonderful, however, they are copies, and do not push the adaptation of cinema for the future.

What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

It is simple. We want to see unique films which deserve recognition, receive the recognition they deserve. Every filmmaker from every nation has a unique means to telling their stories, and we want to make sure the world looks at their awards, and gives them the consideration they deserve despite not having the quality of equipment of high budget films.

How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

Incredible, FilmFreeway has been our primary platform for receiving submitters and we have managed to receive a very even mix of professional, low-budget, and student films. This has made it easy for us to consider them for awards based on their unique merits.

Where do you see the festival by 2020?

We aim to see our festival giving out twice the awards, and bringing in professional filmmakers as judges every month. We want to have large theatre screenings for our winners, and promote them to an even more vast online film audience than we already do.

What film have you seen the most times in your life?

The Fifth Element (1997) by Luc Besson

In one sentence, what makes a great film?

A great film is simply one which makes a contribution to the development of cinema, and manifests a visceral experience for the viewer, as opposed to just images on a screen.

How is the film scene in your city?

Colorado Springs has often in the past been dubbed “Little Hollywood,” as it is gleaming with young indie filmmakers and innovators creating incredible projects. The city in right on the foothills of the rockies, and offers an immensely diverse filming environment from alien landscapes which feel far from earth, to jungles, and to deserts high with dunes.

 

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Interviewer Matthew Toffolo is currently the CEO of the WILDsound FEEDBACK Film & Writing Festival. The festival that showcases 20-50 screenplay and story readings performed by professional actors every month. And the FEEDBACK Monthly Festival held in downtown Toronto, and Los Angeles at least 2 times a month. Go to www.wildsound.ca for more information and to submit your work to the festival.

SUBMIT your TV PILOT Screenplay or TV SPEC Script
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Interview with Mariah Mathew (Little Wing Film Festival)

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Little Wing grew out of passion, persistence, and frustration at the difficulty of finding paid work for young professionals in creative industries. We’re about providing first-time film makers with the tools and opportunities they need to foster career growth, from entertainment and education, to networking and support.

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Matthew Toffolo:What is your Film Festival succeeding at doing for filmmakers?

Mariah Mathew: I created Little Wing as a platform for first-time filmmakers to have their work seen, and to be rewarded for it in more ways than ‘exposure’. We’re doing everything within our means to reward them with prizes that facilitate their next project and foster career growth. Working unpaid is such a difficult and unsustainable expectation of young creatives trying to break into their industry, and as Little Wing continues to grow alongside its filmmakers, I hope to make it something of a pebble in the pond towards changing attitudes around unpaid work.

What would you expect to experience if you attend the festival this year (2017)?

Expect a lovably small, grungy theatre above a pub with a long history of launching careers in theatre and comedy. Over the weekend we’re hosting a filmmaking workshop amidst screenings, and want to foster an atmosphere of support, collaboration and development. For the public, it’s a space to see some incredible films from the next generation of filmmakers, and for filmmakers, it’s a space to see what is being produced by their peers and meet like-minded creatives over a pint in the bar downstairs. Oh, and free popcorn.

What are the qualifications for the selected films?

The festival is open exclusively to first-time filmmakers within two years of their first film, recent graduates within 2 years of their graduation date, and current students.

Do you think that some films really don’t get a fair shake from film festivals? And if so, why?

Having access to the best equipment doesn’t guarantee a great film – but it doesn’t hurt. First-time filmmakers aren’t necessarily the most affluent or opportunity-rich of people, and despite being talented, lack of accessibility to equipment and costly software can be a disadvantage that makes it harder for new starters to have their work considered in many festivals. We want to provide a step-up in getting these films to a professional standard that you’d see in festivals, rather than accept only those that have the means to already at that level already.

What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

When I was trying to break into the creative industry, my unpaid internships, volunteering and ‘work experience’ made living in London unsustainable, when also working for minimum wage to pay rent. When the expectation is that young creatives have to work unpaid to begin their careers, it disadvantages those who don’t have financial support, and those who aren’t living at home. I got so fed up with working hard, and knowing I have the creativity and drive that could generate great things, but people weren’t willing to pay for it when the demand was such that they could fill the position for free. I decided to create a space where I could hire myself, and try and alleviate the struggles of young creatives that were in similar positions.

How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

FilmFreeway has been the most user-friendly submissions platform I’ve used so far. I look forward to seeing their filmmaker network continue to grow, and having them branch out into different accepted currencies (come on, GBP!).

Where do you see the festival by 2020?

The path of Little Wing will be very much directed by the demand from young creatives and what changes they want to see in their industries. Starting in film and growing each year, we would soon like to integrate a design competition element into the festival, and over the next few years branch out into music. We have a Community Forum online where young creatives are encouraged to share their experiences in their industries and give suggestions for what changes they would like to see and where Little Wing might be able to assist.

What film have you seen the most times in your life?

Possibly Howl’s Moving Castle. Or Pan’s Labyrinth. I tried learning Spanish from watching it and realized I was probably developing an accent from the 1940s. Also Edward Scissorhands, American History X, and The Life of Brian.

In one sentence, what makes a great film?

Something that shakes me with empathy for the human experience.

How is the film scene in your city?

London’ is the film hub of the United Kingdom. One of my concerns when first imagining the possibility of a festival was that perhaps the festival scene was saturated with this kind of thing already, but there’s been a clear call out for support of new filmmakers and as we grow we’ll continue to set ourselves apart. It will be interesting to see how the city contributes to Little Wing’s growth and direction.

Interviewer Matthew Toffolo is currently the CEO of the WILDsound FEEDBACK Film & Writing Festival. The festival that showcases 20-50 screenplay and story readings performed by professional actors every month. And the FEEDBACK Monthly Festival held in downtown Toronto, and Los Angeles at least 2 times a month. Go to www.wildsound.ca for more information and to submit your work to the festival.

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Interview with Festival Director Alex P. Michaels (Prelude2Cinemas)

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The festival began as a monthly event created by Prelude2Cinema, a movie and marketing company. The goal was not just to screen movies from all over the world, but offer filmmakers a chance at distribution from the company. After four events, the festival decided a change of venue and a chance to regroup. In August 2017, the festival will relaunch with at least four events per year. The other thing that makes the event different is that there is live entertainment and food served at each event. We have had musicians, magicians and filmmakers interacting with the audience. By the end of the year, Prelude2Cinema presents… looks forward to offering funding for filmmakers.

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Matthew Toffolo:What is your Film Festival succeeding at doing for filmmakers?

Alex P. Michaels: Prelude2Cinema presents… has given filmmakers more exposure and with a future chance for funding and distribution, we hope to establish ourselves as a film market/ film festival. Being filmmakers ourselves, we are geared toward helping other filmmakers reach an audience.

What would you expect to experience if you attend the festival this year (2017)?

Filmmakers are treated like royalty. We make certain to invite the press and give their film attention and encourage them to talk to the audience about their work and future goals. We also have live entertainment and food at each event as part of the ticket price.

What are the qualifications for the selected films?

We like a certain level of quality, but realize your movie may not be “Hollywood” standards. We are drawn to movies that have distinct voices and are something you normally don’t see. Short films are better for programming, but we do screen features. We also keep the films from past festivals to screen at other screenings and keep in touch with the filmmakers.

Do you think that some films really don’t get a fair shake from film festivals? And if so, why?

A few festivals have turned into Hollywood promotion events and certain movies are selected before they are even finished. A festival should be a chance to discover a movie that does not have movie stars but maybe offer a glimpse at future movie stars and directors. A lot of festivals can be narrow in their film selection as well and advertise they are looking for one type of movie but have a preference for another genre all together.

What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

As filmmakers, we wanted to give help to fellow filmmakers. Prelude2Cinema is also building a movie studio here in our hometown of Cleveland, Ohio and want to produce other filmmakers. We thought a festival would be a great way to build a relationship with filmmakers from all over the world.

How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

Great. The process and payments are easy and we appreciate the template so people can discover our festival. We have had movies from Canada, Russia, France and the US. FilmFreeway is a great tool for any festival organizer.

Where do you see the festival by 2020?

Prelude2Cinema presents… wants to be able to screen trailers of movies and have screenplays submitted that we can later award production deals to. Imagine a film festival where your trailer screens, and you are awarded a budget to produce that movie? Even if we bring in movies with known stars, we always want to make certain there is equal room for new directors and actors. We want the festival to be about discovering the new filmmakers.

What film have you seen the most times in your life?

“Raiders of the Lost Ark.” I’ve seen it about 20 times.

In one sentence, what makes a great film?

Big Money. Big Stars. No. Just kidding. Actually what makes a great movie is one that lingers with you. One that changes how you look at the world. One that you find yourself thinking about years later. I truly believe movies can be art. And art should always touch your soul.

How is the film scene in your city?

The Cleveland film scene is kind of paradoxically. The movie business is Show Business. Yet, here, it is all about SHOW and very little about business. There are talented filmmakers here and the usual jealousy and egos that go along with being an artist. Sadly a lot of artist here wear “Starving Artist” as a badge of honor. They work regular jobs and do some crowdfunding and get patrons but shy away from the business aspects of our industry. I am a director myself and have acted in my movies and for other filmmakers. While I personally would like to create more movies, I do devote a large amount of time to building a pool of funding. Prelude2Cinema has just partnered with a nonprofit Give to Cleveland that is focused on the economic growth of the region. We are able to accept tax deductible donations for our movies and the studio we are working on building. While we definitely have a strong community of filmmakers with great talent, I truly believe unless we get consistent funding, we will never be able to rise above the “Starving Artist” syndrome.
 

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Emmy winning writer and award winning director, Alex has produced a number of indie movies and a TV series in his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio. He founded the Movie and Marketing Company Prelude2Cinema. Although Prelude2Cinema shoots in Northeast, Ohio, its movies have played all over the world. Alex also acts in other movies from other directors. Alex is the Cinema Czar and dedicated to creating a Cinema Industry in Northeast Ohio that is based on the old Hollywood Studio System and promotes movies and includes Hollywood and Indie filmmakers.

Interviewer Matthew Toffolo is currently the CEO of the WILDsound FEEDBACK Film & Writing Festival. The festival that showcases 20-50 screenplay and story readings performed by professional actors every month. And the FEEDBACK Monthly Festival held in downtown Toronto, and Los Angeles at least 2 times a month. Go to www.wildsound.ca for more information and to submit your work to the festival.

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Interview with Festival Director Chris Velazquez (THE VIOLETTE FILM FESTIVAL)

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The Violette Film Festival is an Independent film festival that will be going on side by side with the CALIFORNIA REPUBLIC COMIC CON in MERCED,CA.

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Matthew Toffolo:What is your Film Festival succeeding at doing for filmmakers?

Chris Velaquez: Our festival’s number one goal is to get exposure for film makers who might not have had the chance to show their work before, or first time film makers that do not have enough experience. Both professional and first timers alike have the opportunity to show their work and in the process get a festival under their belt to help them in the first step to building their craft and audience in the festival circuit.

What would you expect to experience if you attend the festival this year (2017)?

We plan on having screenings of all of the film entries selected as well as a few film premiers. The festival will be happening along side a Comic Con so not only will there be an audience attending the festival but attendees of the Comic Con have access to the festival as well. This way for the film makers their films have the potential of reaching more people. We also plan to have a guest speaker as well as guest celebrity award presenters including Julie Dolan of Star Wars Rebels and Steven Skyler of Power Rangers and more!

What are the qualifications for the selected films?

They need to be well thought out, put together as best as possible nu the film maker and most importantly they need to tell a story. For us it does not matter the type of camera or experience you have, it is how you tell your story and entertain an audience. If you are a good story teller and film maker it will show. We are looking for films as well as Fan Films for our fan film contest that have clean audio, a well put together story and something entertaining of the audience to enjoy.

Do you think that some films really don’t get a fair shake from film festivals? And if so, why?

yes and no…Yes in a way because of the reason why we started this festival. As a film maker myself it was very hard to get in to my first festival. It seemed to me a lot of film festivals where, in my opinion, only selecting films from people that either A) had a backing such as money or a company putting up the film and or B) Had work that was known or had prerequisites for the film makers or films( Previous screenings at festivals, Film Students only, Film vs Digital, Budgets, Etc.) for first timers like me at the time, it was very hard to get in to a festival. That is why we created our festival…no Experience needed, if you are a great film maker it will show and we will accept your film.

With that said the part I think they do get a fair shake in is that once you get a film in to a film festival the opportunities are amazing. The networking, exposure and talent that is in the festivals is a great atmosphere for creative minds to get together and make the connections that will lead to amazing things.

What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

To give people a chance to live their dreams and show their work. For me film making is a passion in I love and I am thankful for being able to do what I love for a living and through this festival we can give other film makers a chance to show their work, get exposure and help them in the step to making their dreams come true and further their careers.

How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

It has been so easy and great. The selection process is so simple and when the submissions close the judging process is already set up and simple to use. I love this site and will be using film freeway for future festivals

Where do you see the festival by 2020?

Currently we are contracted and sponsored by the awesome people at the California Republic Comic Con ( the event that is going on side by side with the festival) and we hope that by 2020 We will have an even bigger foot print and possibly just our own event. We are currently the largest film festival to come to our town and our goal is to some day reach the level of Sundance…of course that is a long ways away but its a dream.

What film have you seen the most times in your life?

That is a tough one, let me think…I think the answer to that would be…I don’t know for sure. I am a huge movie buff and I own a huge collection of films. I think it is safe to say for me the top four films I’ve seen the most would be Psycho, Edward Scissorhands, The Fifth Element and Star Wars a new hope.

In one sentence, what makes a great film?

A great film to me has the ability to transport an audience by visually telling a great story and giving them something they can enjoy over and over again with the feeling of you have never seen anything like it before.

How is the film scene in your city?

As of early 2017 it is starting to grow rapidly. Myself and other film makers in the city banded together to create films, we started to show them at local screenings and within some time we have been able to get new film makers to join us not only in our town but from out of the city as well.

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Chris Velazquez:

Born and raised in the central valley, Chris Velazquez has had a love for everything film from a very young age. He received his first camera when he was 5 years old and never looked back. He is an award winning film maker with close to 60 projects completed to date from music videos to short films. He is the co owner of Violette Films along side his wife Margarita. Chris is also currently working as the Violette Film Festival Director as well as Creating a Web series based on a short film that received high praise in 2016 called Chrono•Film that is set to start production in fall 2017. He lives in the central Valley with his wife Margarita and their Daughter Violette, whom their film company and festival are named after.

Interviewer Matthew Toffolo is currently the CEO of the WILDsound FEEDBACK Film & Writing Festival. The festival that showcases 20-50 screenplay and story readings performed by professional actors every month. And the FEEDBACK Monthly Festival held in downtown Toronto, and Los Angeles at least 2 times a month. Go to www.wildsound.ca for more information and to submit your work to the festival.

SUBMIT your TV PILOT Screenplay or TV SPEC Script
Voted #1 TV Contest in North America.		 Screenplay CONTESTSUBMIT your Short Screenplay or FEATURE Script
FULL FEEDBACK on all entries. Get your script performed