THE EDGE OF WATER, 12min., USA
Directed by Sean Velasco-Dodge
A New York City Detective with a crippling fear of deep water starts to unravel and lose touch with reality due to an unresolved and haunted past.

Get to know writer/producer/actor Nicholas Safier:

1. What motivated you to make this film? I had watched a few Alfred Hitchcock films recently such as Psycho and Vertigo, and I thought it would be really cool to make a movie like that and pay homage to that style of filmmaking in 2023/2024. I'm an actor first and foremost, and I really just got inspired by wanting to be a part of a movie, play a role like Jimmy Stewart, and I am a big believer in creating the work that I want to be a part of rather than waiting for the opportunity to come knocking, so I wrote the role, produced it; opened the door myself.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film? I had the idea for the story in March 2023 and once I had a first draft of the script, I reached out to my friend about directing who I loved working with on a previous film, Sean Velasco-Dodge. Sean really brought the whole filmmaking team together for this and was a partner in execution from the story's conception. We wanted to finish the film in time to submit it to festivals in the early fall so we moved into production in July; three days of shooting, and completed post-production a month later in mid-August.

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

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film? 1000% learning to navigate obtaining permits to film in public and government owned locations. A majority of the pre-production process involved re-working the shooting schedule around when we could shoot in specific locations, if we could even get approved to shoot in said locations.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video? I was absolutely blown away and so happy! It was just such a wonderful addition to the festival experience and to see that the audience members were getting exactly what I wanted them to understand about the film and about the story and character was incredible. Thank you for that!

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films? I saw Tim Burton's Batman when I was a little kid and was in awe of Michael Keaton flying across rooftops and that was the first moment I remember where I knew I wanted to be a part of that world; the world of movie magic.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life? It's not one film in particular but more so a trilogy to be specific - Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight Trilogy. These films defined my love for movies, and inspired the kinds of movies I wanted to make and be a part of.

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 personally loved the audience feedback video that you included! It really was such a personal and kind touch. I think I would love it if film festivals had an industry panel viewing; inviting producers/agents/managers to view the award winners and official selections and provide feedback if inclined or possibly connect and network.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site? It's been great! A really easy and user friendly way to submit my projects.

10. What is your favorite meal? Depends on the day but I love pasta and meatballs, and probably could have that everyday.

11. What is next for you? A new film? I'm currently working on pitching a feature film screenplay I wrote in 2020 that will star myself and my younger brother Gabriel, who has Down syndrome. It's a really personal project for me and I am not sure if this is next for me, but this project is the long haul for me, whatever it takes. Stay tuned!