Jake & Pete's Christmas Special, 20min., UK
Directed by Luke Marley
When the spirit of Christmas seems to have left a small town in Gloucestershire, Jake and Pete must find a way to restore it in time for Christmas.

https://www.instagram.com/jakeandpeteshortfilm/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

So, I did my first short using this art style Henry VIII and it was brutal and I swore to never do stop motion again, then eventually I thought about doing something that really felt character driven, and it had been a few years since Taylor and I have worked together on a project. So I asked if he wanted to work on something and we came up with a Christmas film.

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

I had expected for it to take about 6 months, but it took about a year to complete the whole film.

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

Honestly, I think very honest.

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

I would probably say, when animating not bumping the table or anything.

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

So, we were thrilled. I think before hand we hadn't really seen any thoughts on the film or anything. So we're not sure if people liked the plot or the joke landed. So I think it was great to know that it all worked out in the end.

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

I think it was very gradual, when I was in college I was studying computing in my first year then I transferred to media for my 2nd/3rd. So on my media course is how I got into a lot of those aspects but it's also how I got into voice acting.

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

I would say Plains, Trains and Automobiles.

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

At the moment judging by the experiences I've had so far, I can't think of anything. The festivals all seem to have been great so far. I really do wish I had something to say though.

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

It's been great! Before I started using it I thought that I would have to reach out using all different ways. But having one site makes everything easy and streamlined.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Honestly, probably not the best to have. So I live in the UK. My favourite meal is when I go over to the U.S and have the famous bowl at KFC. We don't have that over here.

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

Well, there's stuff in the works. So we will have to see.