Award of Merit – “Bags and Buses” (USA)

DIRECTOR Q&A

OR: What was the inspiration for your film?

TP: When I decided to pick up the pencil and write (so to speak) it was my first short after moving to Los Angeles. I really wanted to go back to basics with storytelling purely with images. When I studied film myself along with my peers really focused on dialogue and I wanted to restrict myself to test myself as a storyteller. I was really inspired by the pixar shorts before the feature. They are really moving and sometimes powerful, the music does play its cues but hardly a word is spoken.

OR: When did you conceive the idea for your film and how long did it take before it was realized?

TP: I knew simplicity was the key and I really tried to hone into an idea that people believe in. It was around the beginning of 2015 I thought of the landscape that is Los Angeles and the great scenery it provided. I really liked the idea of a man looking for love yet not saying a word. I wrote it out very quickly because I was restricted by putting dialogue to serve intention or plot, it would all focus on the editing and actions of the cast.

OR: What was the most challenging aspect of working in a short film format?

TP: I think the hardest part of the short film aspect is making it feel whole but bitesized. Much like a new item in a fine dining restaurant, its small enough to enjoy and get a whole idea of whats going on but not to small where it didn’t feel complete. I feel a lot of short films are better off proof of concepts and are really stepping stones to features where a short film should be self contained.

OR: What was the most challenging aspect of your production?

TP: The most challenging thing was taking what I’ve learned in school and from commercial jobs and make something that didn’t require a ton of money. Meeting friends who have acted and been paid to and having them take a chance to take time from what they did to do something like this. I really wanted to keep it that way mainly because I felt it would have a statement saying you can weave stories without ridiculous budgets. Is it easier? No, but its possible.

OR: Do you have any advice for first-time filmmakers?

TP: Just remember the production triangle: Money, Time, and Quality, you always want three but most of the time you’ll have to settle for two. Believe in your story, but open yourself to conversation with it. Just because this is your first film it doesn’t guarantee your success but it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have the upmost pride in it.