BEST DAY, 2min., USA
Directed by Woody Yocum
An early morning bicycle ride becomes a magical celebration of Today.

https://www.instagram.com/woodyyocum/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I have been enjoying mixing traditional stop frame animation with other forms lately and the music video form is long enough to do some interesting experiments while being short enough that it is still practical to do these as solo animation projects.

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

Each of these music videos is a collaboration with Music Director Klaus Ebert and we usually take several months to make one of these shorts as a side project. In this video we were lucky enough to spotlight the wonderful singing of Han Mi Kim in Seoul.

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

The two words I would use to describe our film would simply be, ‘Enjoy Today!’. I really think Han Mi caught the enthusiasm that is the spirit of this little film.

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

The biggest obstacle in this film was lighting and filming all the action in the 4 x4 foot area of my garage that is our stage.

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

I loved getting video feedback on our project. The film making process is so very subjective that having the in depth response of your reviewers is very very helpful and refreshing!

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

I have been involved in animation in one form or another for my whole adult life, nearly fifty years and having the chance to do personal films that investigate new approaches and techniques now is a real joy.

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

It is odd to say but the two short films that most affected my entry into animation were two films from the National Filmboard of Canada in the early seventies, both by Ryan Larkin, ‘Walking’ and ‘Street Musique”. Also the films of Frederick Bach, ‘Crac’ and ‘The Man who planted trees’.

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 think festivals like yours are a wonderful service. It is wonderful to be able to get a personal film in front of an audience and to try new things without commercial pressure. I have already submitted my latest project, ‘The Yellow Kite’ and am looking forward to submitting new projects to you soon!