Cannes Short Film Corner - Miles
Three lifelong friends involved in a love triangle embark on a road trip that will change their lives forever.
Interview with Writer/Director Christopher Sampson
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Thank you so much. Miles was made for a multitude of reasons, not least as it serves as my thesis film of my studies. But, beyond that, I took that opportunity to explore ideas and characters that I've been with for a few years now. I wrote a feature length script, a multi-narrative drama that explores the interconnecting lives of four families, that includes these characters. For me, this film served as a opportunity to experiment and develop the characters' dynamics, and explore the style and themes in an environment where I could afford to make mistakes. On top of that, Miles was an opportunity for me to offer my views and beliefs on love and friendship, and encourage people to reflect upon their own experiences. We've all loved, and as I hope Miles shows, sometimes the greatest moments in life are when we can sit down, take a breath, and just be thankful for what life gives us.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
I've always felt that young people are afraid to explore themselves in their work, to be introspective, and acknowledge the flaws of their thinking, and I've always endeavored to show some sort of truth. I wanted to put you into the lives of the characters; to feel for them and understand their motivations and actions. Everyone is different. We all have different needs, different desires, and I wanted audiences to reflect upon their own choices and their own lives.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Miles is about love. It’s so much more than that. For me, it’s a meditation on love, power, and regret. Miles was an opportunity for me to contribute my own beliefs and values to the larger conversation, and offer (hopefully) a unique perspective. I've always felt we can connect to films, music, literature (and any other art form really), when we relate to them on a personal level. Love is such a universal idea, such a timeless theme, that my intention was for audiences to form their own meaning based on their experiences. These characters aren’t broken people: we’ve been them, or we know people like them.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
From the first moment these characters were on the page, to the final cut of the film, the script and film evolved and grew so much. I'm quite solitary in writing and editing, but I had a firm team of friends that offered their advice and guidance when I sought feedback. Film is such a collaborative art form, and I owe all of the film's success to my actors and crew. In the edit room, I realised the opening half wasn’t working emotionally. It was long, brooding and awkward. It wasn’t right. So, I rewrote the opening half, and we reshot the opening. I've always believed films are written three times - in the script, on set, and in the edit. As writer, director and editor, I was always reflecting upon what I wanted from the final product.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
I've found the feedback interesting, surprising, helpful, insightful and rewarding. The film screened at a private screening as part of my study, and the feedback then was positive and encouraging. I'm not a fan of compliments (we're always our own worst critic), but I've found the warm response heart-warming. What I've loved most from sharing the film is the response each audience member comes away with. Different people connect with different characters, but ultimately they reflect upon themselves. Miles isn't a film for everyone, it's a slow character study, but even those who may not enjoy the style, have come away with some sort of appreciation. That's humbling as a filmmaker.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
Love is such a complex and layered theme and idea, and every individual carries their own meaning and value towards it. The thing I've found most intriguing is how each age group has responded. Most young people share my view that love can be a powerful, pure and unyielding force that will overpower anything, and yet the ending of the film has made them aware that's not always the case. On the other hand, those with more life experience have commented on the film's ability to make them look back on their more juvenile years. I'm always surprised by the reactions, because often all I can see is the trickery in bringing the film to life. What I enjoy is people coming up to me, or contacting me and saying that the film challenged them, and they enjoyed the unique style and pacing.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
Exposure. Miles is in its infancy. We've just started our festival circuit with Cannes, and am looking at building on this over the next year. I feel there's such a strong and powerful message in the film, and we'd love to reach as many people as possible. Of course, it also serves as leverage in developing the feature film and furthering our own careers, building upon the success of this film.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Film Festival Directors, but ultimately anyone that believes in the product we've created. Miles offers such a great opportunity in building a foundation as we all move forward. Extending our reach and exposure is such a fantastic way to grow, and is such an encouraging environment to work in.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
My big goals from the beginning was to "vocalise" my internal thoughts about love, life, friendship, regret... Miles is universal in its reach. We've all loved someone, or be shown love, or wanted to love. For me, if people walk out of it reflecting on their own lives and choices, that's a success. Everything on top of that is a bonus.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Why do we love? It's something I often ask myself, and my friends. I'm drawn to those sort of questions, and the reaction I often get when I ask people is that they've never really thought about it. Why not? Why aren't we asking these sort of question. Cinema is such a fantastic art form for people to explore what it means to be human.
Would you like to add anything else?
I owe this film to so many people. Not least of all my friends, and those special few that helped make a difference. You know who you are. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did making it. And I hope, for now at least, this isn't the last we've seen of these characters. And my advice to young filmmakers like myself - continue pushing, continue striving, and continue to play.
What are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I now work as a full time editor, and continue to write my own projects (including the feature length "version" of Miles, among a few others), and collaborating with like-minded friends on other projects. It's such an exciting time; I love what I do, and I love being able to do what I love. Some of us are still studying, many are working, always striving to get in front or behind the camera as often as we can.
Interview: May 2017
_______________________________________________________________________________
We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series and music video. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
_______________________________________________________________________________
Miles
Three lifelong friends involved in a love triangle embark on a road trip that will change their lives forever.
Length: 14:46
Director: Christopher Sampson
Producer: Christopher Sampson, David Sampson, Jennifer Sampson, Blake Stone, Blake Skuse
Writer: Christopher Sampson
About the writer, director and producer:
Director, Screenwriter and Editor Christopher Sampson (1996) was born in Adelaide, Australia and graduated from New York Film Academy Australia (Gold Coast). Christopher has a deep passion for visual storytelling, always striving to create work that explores unique dramatic stories rooted in memories and everyday experiences. His meditative pacing and sharp eye for visuals results in a powerful visceral experience with an innate sense of tone and emotion. Christopher’s first short film, A Global Warning (2012), was a finalist at the University of South Australia’s Aspiring Filmmakers Competition. His short experimental drama Drift (2016) showed at a number of festivals internationally, placing as a finalist at a number of festivals internationally.
Key cast: Nathan Draman, Jye Whatson, Madi Jennings
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): Film Festival Directors, but ultimately anyone interested in screening and or promoting the film. Anyone that is interested in working with us, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Social media handles:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Miles-Short-Film-233242030412896/
Other: Vimeo (Christopher Sampson): https://vimeo.com/user35949160
Made in association with: New York Film Academy Australia
Where can I see it in the next month?
Currently the film has no confirmed screening within the next month. I'm always looking for exciting opportunities to screen this unique project.