Donald Sylvester has worked on over 100 films in the last 25 years and is considered one of the top people working in the craft of Post-Production Sound today. I asked him a few simple questions via email and he countered with some really insightful and meaningful answers. Enjoy it:
Where were you born and raised? When was working in the film industry start to become a career pursuit for you?
I grew up in the Garden State of New Jersey, where all my core principles were established. My father moved us to Atlanta when I was 11, and it was a wonderful experience during that period – both for Atlanta and for me. It was an unprecedented period of great growth for the city and the awakening of a progressive South – and growth for me personally as well. I dabbled in a lot of stuff, but always gravitated…
EASY, A 3 MINUTE LOVE STORY played to rave reviews at the February 2018 ROMANCE FEEDBACK Film Festival on Valentine’s Day.
Matthew Toffolo: What motivated you to make this film?
Robert Guthrie: So many LGBTQ films, especially coming-of-age films, focus on difficulties. Violence, unrequited love, isolation… etc. Yes, it can be difficult. But, also, yes, it can work. Some families are supportive. Some kids are strong. The folks who made the film do believe in happily-ever-after. Years ago, after a tumultuous, clandestine relationship with a fraternity brother, I started dating the guy I would marry. That was senior year of college, and we’ve been together ever since. It can be easy.
2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this short?
The first plan for EASY – a 3-minute romance was to film it north of Seattle where my partner and…
Elaine Chu’s short film was the winner of “Best Performances” at the September 2017 ROMANCE FEEDBACK Film Festival in Los Angeles.
Matthew Toffolo: What motivated you to make this film?
Elaine Chu: A recent break-up (at the time) which my cat helped me get over.
From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this short?
4 months.
How would you describe your short film in two words!?
Love again.
What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
The film had an extremely low-budget, so trying to find people who were good at their job but also willing to work at a lower professional rate was a challenge.
What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I was honored that they had taken the time to really think about the…
Jana’s short film THE MAN WHO DOESN’T SLEEP played to rave reviews at the August 2017 FEMALE Feedback Film Festival.
Matthew Toffolo: What motivated you to make this film?
The minute writer and producer Adrian Morphy pitched the idea I knew it was a story we needed to tell together. Then he wrote this beautiful script with wonderfully complex character that were both in search of something. It’s a story of fulfillment and what it means to be alive.
From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this short?
Adrian began writing the script in August 2015, we had two months to really find the character’s voices and round out the story. We shot over four days and had the first cut within another month. We had to pause on the film as both Adrian and I were working on other projects…
Margaret Costa’s short film was the winner of BEST FILM at the August 2017 DOCUMENTARY FEEDBACK Short Film Festival
Matthew Toffolo: What motivated you to make this film?
Margaret Costa: I thought the topic was compelling and the story needed to be told. The fact that the Catholic Church and the Irish Government profited and abused unwed mothers and their children is unimaginable, yet it happened.
From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this short?
From start to finish, it took 5 years.
How would you describe your short film in two words!?
What the?
What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
Money.
What were your initial reactions sitting in the cinema and watching the audience talking about your film?
Wow. I was right, this is a disturbing topic and the film is compelling.
Peter’s short film KARMA played to rave reviews at the September 2017 Animation & Family FEEDBACK Film Festival.
Matthew Toffolo: What motivated you to make this film?
Peter Zhaoyu Zhou: I always want to be a storyteller that can deliver meaningful messages to my audience through my works. Back to 2013, I read some news and articles about environmental pollution in one of my classes, “air smog pollution” came into my eyes and became my research project. The issue has become very serious which is significantly affecting people’s health especially in China (I am originally from China). Other than that, environmental pollution and climate change have been affecting this world day by day and the consequences are serious. I was thinking the reason and cause of those issues. One major cause is the abuse use of industrial production, which has brought certain cost to use nowadays. A research subject dramatically…
Anthony’s short film MY LITTLE BROTHER was the winner of BEST FILM at the September 2017 FAMILY FEEDBACK Film Festival.
Matthew Toffolo: What motivated you to make this film?
Anthony Bennett: The film was originally made for Tropfest NZ and the theme for 2017 was ‘flame’ – I interpreted this through merging two ideas; the danger of fire to children and cyberthreats spreading like fire around the world. I decided to have my eldest son narrate the film as he’s a greater reader and tell the story of his little brother, who also had the easiest role in the film with no acting required!
From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this short?
About two months
How would you describe your short film in two words!?
Today’s generation
What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
Zarna is a shadow fairy born without wings. To fit in she steals wings from living creatures. This year she’s looking for her own set of Christmas Wings.
My Screenplay, Christmas Wings, is about a shadow fairy, Zarna who was born without wings. She is the only shadow fairy without wings, and she feels left out, and to fit in she uses her magic to steal wings from other living creatures. At Christmas, she wants her own Christmas wings, and goes to steal the wings from an Angel. Instead, the Angel sends her to hell, where Zarna begins to see the damage to has done to other living creatures and is repentant.
The screenplay is about Zarna’s journey of how she learns to accept who she is, even though she is different as she has no wings, as well as accepting others for who they are.
What genres does your screenplay fall under?
Animated, short film, family, fantasy.
Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?
Because it would be a movie suitable for all ages with a story line that all could relate to.
How would you describe this script in two words?
Inspiring and Imaginative.
What movie have you seen the most times in your life?
I love the movie, The Sound of Music. I would watch it yearly when growing up. I still enjoy watching and singing along to the movie.
How long have you been working on this screenplay?
I’ve been working on this screenplay off and on now for a few years.
How many stories have you written?
I’ve written over ten stories in various genres, horror, fantasy, steampunk, contemporary, romance and I have also published two collections of poetry.
What is your favorite song? (Or, what song have you listened to the most times in your life?)
Recently, I’ve enjoyed listening (alot) to the song, This is Me, from The Showman. I find it positive and uplifting, and the tune stays in my mind!
What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?
Initially this screenplay was written in a short story format, so I had to learn how to convert it to a script format and style which is very different writing novels.
Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?
I’m passionate about sharing what I’ve learnt on my writing journey and helping others to be inspired to find their own creative expression.
You entered your screenplay via FilmFreeway. What has been your experiences working with the submission platform site?
I’ve had a very positive experience working with FilmFreeway and their submission platform. It’s always gone smoothly with good outcomes.
What influenced you to enter the festival? What were your feelings on the initial feedback you received?
I entered the festival because I wanted to see if my screenplay, Christmas Wings, would be well received, if it really did have potential to be made into a movie, and to see what feedback I could get on my story. I’ve been happy with the feedback I’ve received.
Will – Geoff Mays
NARRATION – Hugh Ritchie
Pammy – Julie C. Sheppard
Frank – Sean Ballantyne
Get to know the writer:
1. What is your screenplay about?
My screenplay, ‘The Show To Die For’ is primarily about a loving family (Mother, Father and Son) who are being torn apart by the news that the Mom has only 6 months to live. The husband lost his job 2 years ago and with no health insurance, their savings have been completely depleted by Mom’s ongoing medical treatments.
Juxtaposed to this almost perfect relationship, is that of a selfish, egoistical chauvinist TV talk show host, who drinks, frequents strip clubs and has a failing chat show.
When an aging Senator collapses and dies on the show the grab goes viral and the TV company management recognizes the birth of a new genre of shows. Death by suicide on live TV for a cash award, signed over to the choice of person or persons elected by the suicide victim.
When the Mom learns of the offer she applies, is accepted and under the protection of the Physician Assisted Suicide Bill (legal in her state), she tells her doting son and husband that she will die with dignity, without pain and provide much needed money for her family. Needless to say, the two guys are vehemently against the plan but Mom is determined to take this exit strategy, with jaw dropping consequences.
2. What genres does your screenplay fall under?
The main genre is Drama but it does include some humor and tense in many sequences.
3. Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?
I lived through a very similar situation as a teenager and still suffer from the terrible sights I saw and how my Father was destroyed by the whole process. So, educating people that it is not only the sick person that suffers but other family members need counseling is paramount. Also, the real and pertinent fact that the family has no health plan. This is a situation that many families have found themselves facing and they will totally relate to the family concerned.
Last, the scoundrel of a TV host is someone you just hate. That is until he performs one redeeming act and the whole ‘hater’ emotion dissipates and something else inexplicably takes it’s place.
4. How would you describe this script in two words?
Powerfully emotional.
5. What movie have you seen the most times in your life?
Raging Bull. That is the story of my family!
6. How long have you been working on this screenplay?
Emotionally 40 years. Writing, 3 years.
7. How many stories have you written?
That’s hard to say. I have had MOW’s and shorts produced (The Southern Belle (Short), still available on Youtube being my biggest success so far) and have many scripts available for perusal. I just love writing.
8. What is your favorite song? (Or, what song have you listened to the most times in your life?)
Dock of the Bay by Otis Redding. A story of despair but the genius of the lyrics and the talent of Redding leads us to believe that the subject has at least found peace. It is fantastic and never grows old.
9. What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?
I guess the same that many other people face. Work, family, just day to day responsibilities. But on a personal level I found it very difficult writing about myself (son) and the bravery of the Mom (my Mother).
10. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?
I am passionate about my family, my painting, my poetry, martial arts and work!
OUR WONDERFUL NATURE, 3min., Germany, Animation
EGGS AND SOLDIERS, 20min., USA, Drama/Family
EVERYTHING WILL BE OKAY, 30min., Austria, Drama/Thriller
LILAC TV Pilot, 15min., USA, Adventure/Family
TV Best Scene Screenplay – AMERICAN SCHOOL
EUROPEAN SHORT Screenplay – THE BIKERS’ WAVE
FAMILY Best Scene Screenplay – THE SHOW TO DIE FOR
MYSTERY Best Scene Screenplay – UNDER THE WELL
WAR Best Scene Screenplay – NO HONOUR AMONG FAMILY
NOVEL Transcript Reading – CURLY AND TUBS AND THE GALLOPING ROT
NOVEL Transcript Reading – AUNT SOOKIE ME
NOVEL Transcript Reading – SHARLEYS LESSONS
SHORT STORY Reading – EVERYTHING
FESTIVAL for FAMILY 