THE BARGAIN, 15min., USA
Directed by Alec Patchin
A young girl summons the Devil to get revenge on her former foster father who abused her. The Devil is willing to make a deal but the cost is more than she bargained for.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
I was struck by the strange nature of revenge and the lengths people will go to feel like they "got even". Often people are willing to go out of their way and further negatively impact their own lives if it means the person who wrongs them also suffers.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
I'd say it was about a six-eight month process. We added an additional day of photography during post production once we saw the rough cut.

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

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
Being an indie production the scope of the project was fairly large for the resources we had. Finishing the film took quite a lot of time and planning but we had a talented team to bring all these ideas alive.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I was super flattered and grateful for all their wonderful feedback. Sharing your movie with the world can always be nerve racking but you are never quite sure people will feel the same way about it that you do. But their feedback was so nice and I'm glad the movie we made resonated with them like we hoped it would!

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?\
I loved movies since I was a child but I didn't realize how much I enjoyed being behind the camera till my mid-20's. For years, I thought I wanted to be an actor but I find the creative journey of writing and directing behind the scenes to be a much better process for me. Now, I just hire all my talented friends to be in front of the camera!

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
As funny as it sounds, probably A Christmas Story. It was a family tradition to watch it every Christmas Eve.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
I love the audience feedback video. It was super fun and it's rare you get such direct and thoughtful feedback. I'm also super excited about the possibilities of the What's App Group.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
In general I find it very helpful but like any platform you have to do your own due diligence on the festivals. Not all of them provide an equal experience.

10. What is your favorite meal?
Sushi. Too much of it.

11. What is next for you? A new film?
We just completed my latest short and are about to start submitting it to festivals. It's a modern adaptation of the Peter Pan story set in NYC.