BUMP IN THE NIGHT, 7min., USA
Directed by Skyler Pinkerton
Charlie and Lily are cousins, roomates, and best friends trying to embrace the spooky season with a horror movie marathon. Are they just high? Or is their paranoia legit?

https://www.instagram.com/thecharlieandlilyshow

Get to know the writer/stars Nicole Coulon and Cait Burdi:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I am a huge fan of horror, my partner Burdi who plays Charlie and I write a ton a sketches and comedy and with Halloween coming we wanted to do a bit of a mash up.

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

The script we wrote pretty quickly, we finalized it within a couple weeks and then we filmed everything with a skeleton crew in one full day. Then the sound didn't link up right with the export so that slowed everything down for a bit. We waited a few months just being frustrated and feeling like oh well we messed up we probably can't do anything with this. Then my amazing fiance Skyler spent a lot of time one motivated morning sorting every scene with audio and edited this fun short film. After a few passes with some color correction and added sounds/music we finally had a finished product, turned out better than we imagined.

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

Hilariously spooky.

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

The audio not syncing up right, stopped the project for a while feeling like it was done for. The editing was key, added effects for the scare factor was a process.
It was also difficult not having as many people on set to help and trying to get all the filming done in one day.

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

Our initial reaction was "Oh my god this is so cool" people actually enjoyed watching our idea and our performance. We felt so giddy watching strangers talk about liking things about our movie because normally it's us just bothering our friends with our projects. When my partner who plays Charlie in it finished watching the reactions she facetimed me with tears running down her face. I can show you the picture one day for a laugh.

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

We all initially met in acting school, so we all knew about our love for performing and storytelling early on. But not until around 2017 did Burdi and I start writing our own stories and started with short sketches we could act in and evolved to a genuine love for writing and producing.

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

That's a tough one, I will watch all the big horror franchises every October and Get Over It is a random one I've seen countless times, Just Friends is another one, Tommy Boy is a big one for Burdi.

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

Add an element of networking would be great for getting future projects off the ground, but you guys have done some really cool extras we have not seen at other festivals so thank you for that!

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

It's been pretty straightforward, I would say pretty clear for the most part.

10. What is your favorite meal?

We are from NY so we love Italian, also go on a lot of sushi dates to take a writing break.

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

We are working on a feature length buddy comedy, the script is almost complete and looking for investors and a few more producers. Very excited to share this one.