PLACES BEEN, 3min,. USA
Directed by Cameron Bortolussi

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I really wanted to challenge myself. I wanted to see how quickly I could make a film, a half decent one at least, from start to finish. For an extra bit of challenge, I added in the task of putting VFX in it, too. I have always been a creative person, but I really wanted to push those skills to the test and make a story that people resonate to or will make them feel something.

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

Overall, from start to finish, this film took me about three days. I woke up on a Saturday morning and came up with the idea, then got to work filming it. We wrapped that afternoon and I immediately got to editing. I have experience working with VFX, so I was using any tips and tricks I have picked up along the way to finish those shots not only fast, but making sure they look good. By the time I had finished up sound mixing it was Monday night and I had a completed piece.

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

I would say wonder and beauty. I think wonder because the protagonist never truly knows what is out there but the passion he feels towards his curiosity always brings him back. Beauty is a powerful word, too. Places Been is not a piece about the sadness of death, but the beauty of life.

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

One of the biggest obstacles faced while making this film was avoiding other people at the location. I did not want any other subjects in the film other than the protagonist and the plane. When you're at a public park, it tends to get hard to avoid people walking by. Although, we were lucky that it was cloudy. We were able to wait generous amounts of time for people to pass without having inconsistencies with lighting.

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

It was so cool! To hear people talking about my film is a surreal experience and I am glad the reactions covered not only what they liked, but what they thought the film meant.

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

I have always been obsessed with entertainment. From a very young age, I was always fascinated by the idea of movies, but also understood them. I was always filming my friends and family growing up and got more and more technical about it. There has never been a time where I have fully stopped. The passion for it has only gotten brighter.

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

Either Revenge of the Sith or Empire Strikes Back. Both Star Wars movies, I know. I'm a big fan.

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

It would be cool to see a list of nominees in each category before announcing the winner. That way we get the suspense aspect.

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

This was my first time using FilmFreeway. It has been nothing but positive.

10. What is your favorite meal?

We're starting with an appetizer of chips, salsa, guacamole, and ideally, unless it costs extra, queso. Next we move onto the main course which is chicken parm, baked and breaded over a plate of penne pasta with a side of sweet potato. I'd probably have to say sweet potato fries but as long as there is sweet potato I am good to go. For a drink, nothing less than a schweppes ginger ale. For dessert, a chocolate molten lava cake. I'm not always the biggest fan of chocolate syrup, but in this case it works. After that, I sit on the couch and get comfortable.

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

Working on always expanding my creative arsenal. I never want to be limited with my skills and always want to see them shine as bright as possible.