QUESTION#1: What excited you the most when making this film?: Hmmm, well the idea of trying something "different" for me was intriguing. I've only made a few other shorts and all of those were heavy on dialogue. So the idea and execution of making an actual silent film was equally exciting and oddly freeing. In my mind, Spaghetti Western felt like I was easing a bit further into the pool, as far as stretching myself creatively.

QUESTION#2: What was the most significant film you've seen AT THE THEATER in 2024, and how did it influence your filmmaking?:Ghostlight has been my favorite film this year. It is a wee-tiny film that has an emotional knockout punch. The acting by its leads is top-drawer. Ghostlight was a beautiful reminder to me about simply telling the story you want to, and if it's done well-enough, folks will get something out of it, too. That's deeply inspiring to me as a writer.

QUESTION#3: What's an obvious and not-so-obvious question someone might ask about your film?: Well, I 'spose an obvious question concerning Spaghetti Western would be, "why a silent film?" A less obvious question might be, "how did you pair your meal and libations?" And "have you sought professional help?" I'll let the actual short answer two-of-those-three...

QUESTION#4: A magic movie genie is giving you an unlimited budget for another movie! However, you're only allowed to use it on either "above line" or "below line" resouces. Which do you choose and why?: This is a potential mine-field of a question: Good, professional actors are worth their weight in gold, but I will say Below Line is my choice. If you have a great cinematographer, composer, editor and sound-person then you're in a pretty special place; at least that's been my experience. I have been crazy-fortunate to have truly terrific casts and crews for my shorts, but knowing my crew are all top-tier pros who I trust, well, that gives me the courage to see my visions through.

QUESTION#5: What is it about your current movie that will influence your next film?: Spaghetti Western was just good, silly fun. It was very freeing to me to try out something different. I haven't made a short-film AFI will be touting 50 years from now, but my cast, crew and I have created something memorably goofy together. It has given me a bit more confidence in stepping even further out of my comfort zone. It's extremely important to me to always be pushing myself, even a wee-little amount. Otherwise, what's the freaking point!

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