MORNING AFTER, 21min., USA
Directed by Elijah Chandler
"When a wild night ends rubbing shoulders with the LA mob, a directionless college grad has to get his friend out of danger, or it’ll be her blood on the streets next."

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Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Morning After is my second short film I've written and directed after graduating from film school. Graduating from film school initially left me with a sense of defeat, as I felt I hadn't created enough of my own stories due to imposter syndrome. While in film school, I mainly worked as a cinematographer for my peers' projects, but I later realized that many of them wouldn't pursue directing, let alone filmmaking entirely. Only a handful continued to pursue filmmaking and had a unique voice. Imposter syndrome can make us doubt ourselves, but it affects us all differently. Some overcompensate by appearing knowledgeable in film history and having complex visions for their films. Others, like me in film school, may run in the opposite direction due to self-doubt. The film industry's competitiveness and comparison game, exacerbated by social media, are inherent challenges. However, most artists share the same insecurities, and we're all trying to overcome them in our own ways.

I gained valuable experience as a cinematographer, enhancing my visual storytelling skills. I enjoyed helping directors with camera movement and actor blocking, as it allowed me to create on-screen dynamics during dialogues. This experience strengthened my passion for filmmaking and my desire to tell my own stories. Despite having fewer resources and fewer connections than in film school, my motivation to pursue filmmaking has never been stronger. My current motivation is to build my storytelling skills through continuous practice, like a workout, so that I'm prepared when opportunities with greater responsibilities arise.

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

The initial inspiration for the story came from my experiences working an unpaid internship before graduating college and my early years in LA, with many elements exaggerated and fictionalized. I began writing the script around 2019, initially as a short film concept, but it evolved into a proof of concept for the feature film script I'm currently rewriting. Filming was initially scheduled for Spring 2020 but was delayed due to COVID-19. We eventually shot the film in the Fall of that year. Coordinating schedules with friends and coworkers, who were part of the project, while juggling full-time jobs, was a challenge. Principal photography and reshoots were completed by Summer 2021. Post-production continued until Summer 2023, longer than I had hoped for, but the film benefitted from the extended refinement process. Throughout this time, various life events occurred, and I was the sole editor. Collaborating with a talented sound mixer and composer enhanced the film's auditory experience.

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

Thriller. Noir.

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

Aside from the financial constraints most filmmakers face of course, my biggest obstacle was overcoming my own self-doubt. There were numerous moments when I questioned whether the film would work or achieve the desired reactions. However, the festival circuit has proven me wrong with the numerous awards the film has already received. The extended editing period was both a blessing and a challenge. While it allowed me to refine the story, I became overly critical in unnecessary areas. Having my producer along for the ride as a soundboard during post-production was invaluable, as was seeking feedback from my wife, family, and friends who came in from the outside with no context to the filming process.

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

It was incredibly gratifying to hear viewers highlight the specific moments and lines they loved. Each mention of a detail I had painstakingly worked on made me beam with pride. The long incubation period and the uncertainty of how the film would be received in front of strangers had been draining, but the immediate positive feedback was immensely rewarding.

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

I had a passion for filmmaking from a young age, constantly seeking opportunities to use my dad's home video camera. I started creating short films with friends for fun and occasionally convinced teachers to allow me to produce video projects for school assignments. It was during high school, as I began contemplating college and career options, that I realized a future in the film industry could be a realistic pursuit.

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

As a lifelong nerd at heart, the films I've watched the most are undoubtedly "Star Wars" and "Lord of the Rings." These epic adventure films captivated my imagination as a child. While I've grown to appreciate various film genres and crafts, my heart will always wander in different worlds and universes, seeking deeper meanings and hidden secrets.

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

While the virtual, online format due to COVID-19 made festivals more accessible, I genuinely miss attending festivals in person. In-person events, such as screenings, award ceremonies, and mixers, added a unique and enriching dimension to the festival experience that I hope to see return.

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

Compared to using Withoutabox, FilmFreeway has provided a much smoother experience in terms of finding festivals and sharing my film.

10. What is your favorite meal?

I can never resist Mexican food and sushi.

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

Currently, I'm settling into a new day job. However, I'm actively rewriting the feature script for "Morning After," and I'm also revisiting another feature film treatment I started in college. My changed perspective on life and beliefs have given me a fresh outlook on my old work, and I may spend a significant amount of time writing before returning to the set for filming.