TURNCOAT, 28min., South Korea
Directed by Jason Montgomery
A shrewd merciless crime boss must investigate the scene of his brother's assassination for answers, revenge, and to avoid the same fate.

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Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I had spent the last several years living in South Korea; teaching English and writing screenplays. I got the itch to actually shoot something and direct it, as it had been way too long. Even though I didn't have much of a network, few resources, and little money, I decided to use what I had and make something. My ex-teaching colleague and neighbor Maurice (Rob in the film) had left our teaching academy to pursue acting, and over some drinks in the local bar the film was shot in, we got the idea for me to write and direct something with him as the lead.

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

About two and a half years. I started two other scripts that didn't work out; one became too big to be a short and the other became so twisty and complex that even I didn't know where it was going. On the third attempt, I came to the concept of Turncoat, then Maurice and I had to assemble the people and resources to do it, raise some money, and plan it out. Once we got it shot (at the tail end of COVID), one of our key postproduction people (Will, also the cinematographer) got stuck outside the country for about two years, so we had to handle a lot of post at a distance.

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

Darkly introspective

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

Coordinating such a big cast and crew for production. Most of them had other professional commitments that were higher-paying, and just life issues, that we had to work around. Luckily they all liked the material and were extremely dedicated getting it made.

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

It was kind of surreal. I've seen, heard, and given reactions like that many times, but to see people I've never met giving such deep and intelligent consideration to my film was amazing.

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

Around age 6 I started idolizing movie characters, which made me want to be an actor, then a few years later, maybe around 11 or 12, I developed a desire to take the helm and tell teh stories myself. That's when I started writing scripts that I had no means to make, then finally pulled all my friends, family, money, and resources together and make a feature-length action thriller in my 20s.

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

It's between The Godfather and Back to the Future.

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

It's aleady a fantastic festival experience, but maybe I would add

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

It's been great. The platform makes it easy to view, compare, categorize, and apply to the most suitable festivals.

10. What is your favorite meal?

A medium-rare ribeye, mashed potatoes, broccoli with cheese, and an IPA.

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

I'm writing a feature screenplay, also featuring Turncoat's main character Rob. It was actually the first concept I tried for this project, but was too big for a short.