THE NEED, 15min., USA
Directed by Michael Rognlie, EE Tallent
David Alan Shepherd is constantly tormented by the ghosts of his own making, and the need to keep making them.

https://www.the-need-movie.com/
https://www.facebook.com/onthefenceproductions/

Get to know filmmaker Michael Rognlie:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
In the late spring of 2022 I entered a NYC Midnight writing competition with a friend. We traded stories to read, and as he moved on to the second round, he shared with me a little short story he called "The Need." I immediately knew that I wanted to adapt this story "The Need" to the screen. My friend Kenny was thrilled to have a screenplay he wrote made into a film, even though I let him know that I'd add some new elements that truly bring "The Need" into the horror realm, shown in the form of flashbacks .

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you
to make this film? We had our first pre-production meeting in January 2023, cast the film and started principal photography in April 2023, and wrapped in June of 2023, for a total of 6 days spread out between the two months. The score was completed by august and post production was finished before September of 2023. However, an additional scene was shot a year later in August 2024 and placed in the ending sequence.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!? Um...The Need. Does that count?

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film? The morning of our first shoot, the actress we cast to play Caroline had to suddenly leave town in an emergency and could no longer commit to the project. We lucked out that one of our extras was willing to step into the role, learned her lines and a song on the guitar that morning. We're forever grateful to Brady Harvey for saving the production!

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking
about your film in the feedback video? It was really interesting to hear the audience's perspective on the film. It is not every day that you get feedback from strangers on a piece of art that you've created, and I find it extremely valuable.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films? I can't remember a time when I wasn't drawn to films and filmmaking.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life? Probably either The Shining, Star Wars, or The Last Waltz.

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 really enjoy festivals that have an awards gala, or opportunities to gather with other filmmakers and actors.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your
experiences been working on the festival platform site? It's a great platform for submitting films all over the world.

10. What is your favorite meal? I'll have to go with a steak and a wedge salad, with a vodka martini. For dessert it's going to have to be a fresh baked chocolate chip cookie, still hot with ice cream melted over the top. Or tacos.

11. What is next for you? A new film? I'm very excited about my new film. The working title is "Movie A" and we'll be releasing the name of the film late this summer of 2024. We've already begun principal photography. The log line is "After a horrific attack that leaves her boyfriend dead, an injured young woman goes to stay with his parents, only to find out they are not what they seem."