PISS UP, 1min., UK
Directed by Joe McGowan
Two men meet in an alley after a few too many.

http://www.thejoemcgowan.co.uk/
https://instagram.com/joe_mcgowan88

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Firstly, the true story this film is based on. It happened to my good friend Spencer, although it was a stranger in a public toilets that was being a bit of a showman shall we say. The family element in Piss Up is an ending I wrote in for a suprising twist.

Secondly, creative frustration. Around the time I decided to make Piss Up I was working on some unfulfilling video projects and felt creatively stifled. I felt like I needed to make something solely for me. Something ridiculous, weird and ultimately something that made me laugh.

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

I came up with the idea for the film in May of 2022 and didn’t start production till September. I got the final edit done and dusted in November.

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

Ridiculous and unnecessary.

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

Getting the edit right. There were a few shots that were left on the cutting room floor so it wouldn’t feel too bloated. The film needed to get to when the classical music kicked in as soon as possible and the build up between the two characters took some time to get things as smooth and as funny as possible. I remember feeling at one point that the film wasn’t good, so I stripped a lot of shots back and it benefitted from being cut down immensely.

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

Seeing a few people being left either speechless or disgusted had me laughing so hard. I’m just so happy that Piss Up is getting such strong reactions. I’m still learning as a comedy filmmaker and the feedback I’ve received so far has been nothing short of amazing.

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

When I was studying for my A Levels (between high school and University in the UK) I enrolled in a Media Production course. It was my first time ever stepping into this world and it sounded much more fun that the traditional subjects I wasn’t a fan of in high school. Through that course I fell in love with making films pretty instantly and haven’t looked back since.

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

Me and my brother would watch Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and South Park The Movie every weekend for almost two years whilst playing Monopoly and other board games. Outside of those two I’d probably say Back to the Future.

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 this festival has gone above and beyond with providing film feedback and all the avenues of getting my work out there so I don’t have any comments on improvements. Well done for putting on an amazing experience for filmmakers.

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

Was a very easy and hassle free experience.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Ramen.

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

Recently I directed a comedy show for a growing Youtube channel and worked on a comedy commercial that’s set to go live in the next week or so. I’ve been writing a few more comedy sketches and have another short I’m slowly developing. I’ve also had an outline for a sitcom that I want to flesh out so there’s lots in the pipeline.