DEEP FAKE LOVE, 15min., UK, Sci-Fi RomCom
Directed by Otto Shed
In the near future, an introverted young woman uses a deepfake app to watch romantic films featuring herself and a neighbour. But when the government places restrictions on this technology, she is forced to pursue a relationship in real life and learn that love isn't quite like the movies.

https://www.instagram.com/deepfakelove_film/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I did some research into deepfake technology a while back and it really got my brain whirring with possibilities. I think the app in the film is likely only years away from being a reality and I began questioning all the ways this could change us, how it would create an unbreakable addiction for many. Setting it around a romance became the obvious way to show the character's isolation.

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

I began forming the idea around November 2020, wrote the first draft of the script in July 2021, principle photography was in March 2022 and it spent the last year in post production, finishing it in January 2023. So the whole thing took around 2 years.

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

Technological and whimsical

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

Post production was a real challenge. We had spent our entire budget and allocating resources was hard, I had to teach myself basic VFX and we struggled to find a balance with the tone between science fiction and romcom; we cut a fair amount of scenes and moments that killed the pace.

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

I really loved how much the audience enjoyed the world we created, how they saw the parallels to our own and how this technology is very close and also very scary.

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

I realized in my teens that I had always been fascinated by storytelling; I was always making my own comic books and huge tapestries of A4 paper taped together. As I began to experiment more with cameras I found that I enjoyed the efficiency of filmmaking and so I grew more and more interested in film till I eventually decided to study it and now I can't stop watching and wanting to make films.

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

Some of my favourite and most watched films are the Coen Brother's, they're so hilarious and simultaneously cynical and nihilistic. However I couldn't stop watching Spirited Away as a kid and I still love animation.

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 would love the potential to interact with audiences more.

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

My experience with film freeway so far has been good, I have submitted a film previously which was very easy and garnered attention at a few festivals. But I'm still yet to attend any in person, here's to hoping DEEP FAKE LOVE will give me that opportunity.

10. What is your favorite meal?

I love Italian food, so probably a lovely sourdough pizza.

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

I'm working on a few projects, potentially a horror anthology film collaborating with some other directors based in London and I'm also currently writing my first feature. All the while working in the industry as a 1st AD.