TOUGH SPOT, 4min., USA, Drama
Directed by Jayden Williams, Eldrick Greenaway
A young man coping with three pieces of horrible news.

Get to know filmmaker Eldrick Greenaway:

1. What motivated you to make this film? The motivation for this film was to practice my craft as a filmmaker. I wanted to see if I can create a film that's drama-heavy but also a film that's simple as it offers a lesson that's general to everyone who watches it.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film? It took us about 1-3 months to make this film. And that was our ideal timeframe for a project like this. This is because there was a lack of pressure during the process and it allows us to learn from our mistakes in a timely manner.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!? Simplistic and deep at the same time. The fact that this film is simple enough for a general audience to understand opens the gate for deep conversations and dialogue. This film teaches us that despite what you're going through, a helping hand always reaches out.

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film? The challenge of writing drama and sitting with conflict. It was very hard to come up with the challenges that Joel had to face. I know I wanted the idea to focus on not being alone in the darkest of times but coming up with those dark times was the challenge. I didn't want to mentally defeat my character (Joel) too much but I also need something that can portray the reason for him to call for help.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video? Happiness but more importantly, I felt like I understood the audience. I loved how they expressed how they truly felt about the film and that means the world to me because they came up with ideas that I haven't even thought of while writing this film and I'm honestly grateful!

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films? I realized I wanted to make films when I was a sophomore in college. However, I never really had a favorite genre to work with some I was always bouncing from one genre to the next...from romance to documentaries to action to horror, etc. but that's okay because the joy of making films didn't even make me think twice about the specific genre I want to focus on at the time. Now that I graduated college though, I definitely have decided that I want to focus on one or two genres (mainly comedy and drama).

7. What film have you seen the most in your life? "Creed." I'm a huge Ryan Coogler 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? I feel like this is a film festival where I feel comfortable. I mean this with all honesty. This is my first film festival where I won best director (along with my cast and crew, of course, love you guys!) and I felt filled with joy. I can go on and on about this topic but to answer your question, nothing as of right now. Keep doing what you're doing!

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site? FilmFreeway is such an easy site to find film festivals online or in person; very grateful to have found this one!

10. What is your favorite meal? Pork chops and white rice!!!

11. What is next for you? A new film? A complete 180! I plan on working on comedy films alongside my best friends! That's all I'll give you for now haha!

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