HAVE A BANANA with The Jive Aces, 4min., UK
Directed by Kevin Short
Have a Banana is a song that features in the award-winning film Bonnie & Clive, this is a swing version cover from the UK’s top swing band The Jive Aces.
https://www.instagram.com/k4kfilms
Get to know the filmmaker:
1. What motivated you to make this film?
‘Have a Banana’ is a song that features in our feature film ‘Bonnie & Clive’, and we wanted to make a single of the song to promote the film. So, the perfect band to cover the song was the UK’s top swing band ‘The Jive Aces’ who just happen to wear trademark yellow suits – perfect attire for our fun banana song. It then seemed right to film the recording, and add some direct quotes from the film, about the benefits of the banana. We also extended the filming to outside shots, and a scenario which, again, reflected some of the spirit of the ‘Bonnie & Clive’ feature.
2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
With a comprehensive prep and a strict schedule, both the recording of the song and the filming of the video was accomplished in one day, with a small crew of three. Postproduction (Edit/colorizing/sound design/graphics) was completed over one week. From idea to execution and final product, was a period of approximately one month.
3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
Banana Karma!
4. What was the greatest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
As it was filmed in one day, with various interior and exterior shots, and the weather was ever-changing throughout the day, we had to take the opportunity to shoot outside whenever it wasn’t raining. This, of course, meant stopping anything we were trying to do inside, and quickly setting up outside. We had to do this a few times, and it was only the good spirits of all involved that allowed us to get it all done before sunset.
5. There are 5 stages of the filmmaking process: Development. Pre-Production. Production. Post-Production. Distribution.
What is your favorite stage of the filmmaking process?
Having a trio of roles as Writer/Director/Producer, I have to say all stages are exciting, bar the stress of distribution. I guess the three most enjoyable moments are: writing & finishing the screenplay/shooting & wrapping the film/finalizing the edit. Not forgetting, seeing it on the big screen for the first time.
6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
I went to see a double-bill of Hal Hartley’s ‘Trust’ and ‘Simple Men’ and came out wanting to make movies. I had been working in the industry as an actor/writer, and knew a wealth of talent within the profession, and wanted to put a repertory of both performers and crew together, a little like Hartley did. Fortunately, over the past 15years, I have managed to keep a lot of those same people on board. So, many thanks to them, for all we’ve achieved.
7. What film have you seen the most times in your life?
Arthur Penn’s ‘Bonnie & Clyde’.
8. In a perfect world: Who would you like to work with/collaborate with on a film?
Being mainly UK-based, having worked with him in the theatre, Sir Richard Eyre would be my first choice.
9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experience been working on the festival platform site?
I have had many successful experiences via FilmFreeway. There have been occasional festivals that have not conducted themselves well, and on these occasions FilmFreeway have stepped in and done the right thing.
10. What is your favorite meal?
An authentically cooked Chinese pork/chicken rice dish, with dim sum dumplings on the side.
11. What is next for you? A new film?
We are currently looking to get worldwide distribution of our feature ‘Bonnie & Clive’, following a recent short UK cinema release. Plus, we have a few other features which we are intending to redistribute. Otherwise, a film version of a hit stage show we did, a Goth Cinderella musical, and a very alternative Christmas film musical, are both on the burner.
