#1, 8min., USA
Directed by Dante Lundin
A broke comic shop owner and an obsessive collector fight over a rare issue one comic book.

https://sites.google.com/view/number1film/home
https://www.instagram.com/no.1film/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

The inspirations for the film came together to create a story I felt passionate about. As a comic fan myself, I understand both arguments the characters in #1 make. It's something that's never been brought to screen in this way, and I felt I had to be the one to do it.

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

As a student production through ASU, the formatting of classes were a huge factor in our timeline. Each semester for three semesters we focused on a different aspect: pre-production, production, and post-production. This means that it took about a year and a half from the first day of class to the senior showcase.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

Thriller Comic

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

We were lucky to have so many great team members that made the film go smoothly, but the toughest parts was the hours. We could only get into our comic shop location after they closed which means we were filming from 7 P.M. to 4 A.M. The nights were long, but lots of energy drinks and sodas got us through it. The crew kept a great energy the entire time.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

It was fantastic to see the audience reactions recorded and edited together. Submitting to festivals often means sending your film to places you can't be, and that's unfortunate as you don't get a sense of how the audience felt. With the video you hear what real people think about your film. No guessing game. It's a reward on its own.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

I was around four or five years old when I told my parents I wanted to make movies. I definitely had no idea what that really meant at the time, but it's been a lifelong passion that I've never strayed from. Only in the last few years have a found that thrillers are my favorite genre to work in.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

One of my most watched films is Batman: Mask of the Phantasm. It's a superhero animated classic that keeps me coming back.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

This right here is perfect! Being able to answer questions, get feedback, and engage with the festival is the best part about the festival process, and in today's digital landscape it's more achievable than ever.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

It's beens one of the best tools a filmmaker could ask for. The entire process is streamlined, easy to understand, and allows the discovery of all kinds of niche festivals a film might be perfect for.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Korean BBQ, kimchi, rice, and the works.

11. What is next for you? A new film?

I've finished writing my next single location short thriller titled Inkwell. It's a more "Twilight Zone" supernatural story but still acts as a spiritual sequel to #1. This time the film will tackle A.I. art in a way that's never been done before.