LOW DOWN LARRY CONQUERS THE MOON MEN, 4min., USA
Directed by Sammy Verni
At the height of the Space Race in July 1969, Larry Johnson and his trusty sidekick Spike, endeavor to be the first man (and dog) to set foot (and paw) on the Moon.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Low Down Larry Conquers the Moon Men is the first in a series of shorts that I have made based on a comic book character I used to draw when I was about ten years old. I see it as a love letter to that time in my life, as well as an homage to sci fi b movies, classic stop motion and the Saturday morning cartoons that I grew up with.

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

About six years.

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

Poor Larry.

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

Starting a family during this time and working a full time job at an ad agency kept me very busy.

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

I was happy to see the reviewers understood the style, the inspiration and the humor of the film. They even made me aware of some plot points and themes I hadn't even considered when I was creating the story!

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

There are pictures of me from when I was young with a camera in my hand, so I have always liked the idea of a creating a world that exists only within the confines of a camera lens, within the frame. My first real narrative was a short I made at around 13 with the family Super 8 camera.

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

Star Wars (the original).

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 so far yours is the best I have encountered in terms of promotional services available to the filmmaker. I will try and avail myself of as many of them as possible.

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

It has been a pretty good experience overall. No complaints really.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Alaskan King Crab Legs (with drawn butter of course).

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

I do plan on making at least one more installment of the Larry saga! I have the general outline already laid out and have spoken to my team of very talented artists. We are all looking forward to bringing Larry's next trip to life. This next one will take place underwater. But that's about all I can say at this time!