NINE TO FIVE, 7min., UK
Directed by Gareth Matthews
Mark Greyson is working the endless cycle of a 9/5 job and the weight that follows takes a toll on his mental health, gradually building up over time leading to an unbearable breakdown costing him his job.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I have had a similar experience of mistreatment in the workplace, working in sales and trying to manage deadlines, as well as, getting that next sale. All that anxiety led to me writing it down and doing research into neoliberalism - this is where my experience was turning into a script and I felt passionately focused on telling this story, where people do experience mistreatment in the workplace.

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

I started writing my thoughts and experiences down back in March of 2022 when I was working in sales; however, I only started writing the script in September of 2022 and finished it around December of 2022. Then swiftly moved on to the pre-production phase, in the same month and quickly began filming on the 13th of February 2023, which was a four day shoot. As for pre-production it took a few months to complete the final version. In total I'd say nine months all together.

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

Tranquil and obsessed.

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

There were a few as you'd expect on a budget of £500. I believe the one obstacle that was challenging, well, I was on crutches while filming so it made it difficult to transport equipment to the filming location and one location in particular which was the laundromat location. We arrived late due to traffic and it was going to close in 30 minutes... it was our longest day of filming and we had to rush around getting the coverage we needed at that location, so, that sequence in the short was meant to be longer however, due to those obstacles it was cut a bit short in the final version.

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

I was just surprised people liked it. It was such a personal short film and it is the first short film I have made and yeah, it just hit me, like oh yeah people have seen something I made. I had a smile all the way through just listening to them actually understand everything I was trying to tell and show in the short film.

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

I think from a very young age. I was making stop motion lego short films when I was seven years old. Then I used to make stupid skits on my family's home camera and yeah it just kept progressing from there as I got older. Wong Kar-wai is a huge inspiration in my life and I love his movies and every time I watch his movies it just reminds me of why I wanted to make movies in the first place.

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

Besides all the Spider-man movies... I would say Chungking Express, La Haine and this one isn't a film but the True Detective show (season 1/ 8 hour masterpiece).

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 everything you guys are doing is enough! I appreciate everything you guys have done and it's amazing!

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

It has been great finding new festivals like this one.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Hmmm... I hate to say it but pizza?

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

Hopefully, I'm working on a few new projects.