When a lazy builder takes advantage of his apprentice and pushes him to the limits, he finds out the hard way never to underestimate anybody.

Interview with Writer/Director Justin Evans

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

I was a carpenter by trade and used to work for a builder who always lectured me on the quality of my work. He would always start by referring to the fact he was once ‘Apprentice of the Year’. He got me thinking about what it would be like if that was the pinnacle of a character’s life, what might they be like twenty years later?

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

If you’re a fan of farcical comedy and love to have a laugh, then I think this film will resonate with you. Also if you‘ve ever felt exploited by your boss while you’re young, I’m sure a lot of people can relate to this.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

I think there’s a universal theme running through the film about never underestimating anyone. It also reflects on the age-old theme of if you’re doing the wrong thing you’ll eventually be dealt with.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?

Initially the film was driven by more verbal gags than visual, however I was heavily influenced by seeing Buster Keaton on the big screen at The George Cinema before it closed down in St Kilda. I remember walking out of there and finding every Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin film I could. I’d always imagined Shane Jacobson playing the character as he has great comedic timing and after that the script wrote itself.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

It’s all been really positive apart from one response on our cast and crew night in our questionnaire. Somebody was offended at how I was portraying working class people and that they knew builders and they don’t act like that. I don’t think they realised I’d worked in the construction industry for ten years and it’s just a bit of fun!

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

Not at all, the film is a straightforward farcical comedy with a couple of slightly dark moments. I think everyone knows what they’re in for when the gags start rolling in and most people enjoy themselves. I guess that’s the difference with comedy and drama, with comedy the feedback is instantaneous and if nobody is laughing, you know you haven’t done your job. Thankfully the film gets some big laughs and a lot of chuckles, it’s an amazing feeling to hear people identifying with your film in this way.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

The more exposure the better, we’ve had a very successful festival run to date and it’s great to be doing a story that can be read by anyone who wants to know more about the film and what it’s about.

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

It would be great if the film could find a niche somewhere, where it can be shown to a lot of people. A buyer or distributor would be great to get involved with, any takers?

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

The whole point of this film is for people to enjoy themselves, I created it so people could just get a bit of escapism from their day to day and have a laugh. There’s a lot going on in the world and I guess that giving people the ability to forget about everything is what I’m trying to achieve, even if it’s only for eight minutes.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

Should you allow a complete stranger access to your house? I think the film is having fun and poking at the dynamics and etiquette of what people should and shouldn’t be doing when they’re supposed to be in a trusted situation.

Would you like to add anything else?

It was an amazing experience working with such a talented cast. I was so humbled by the knowledge and experience I gained on this shoot and can’t thank Shane, Fiona, Layne, Kevin and Mathew enough for sharing the journey with me! Also my amazing crew and producer Alta Truden, who I couldn’t have made my films without.

What are the key creatives developing or working on now?

Justin Evans has been writing two features over the past year, one he’s pitching to producers and the other is getting there! He’s also got another short he’s planning to make in the first half of 2017.

Alta Truden has been editing freelance for various production companies throughout the year and is gearing up to produce another short film in 2017.

Interview: Decemberr 2016

_______________________________________________________________________________

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

_______________________________________________________________________________

Apprentice of the Year

When a lazy builder takes advantage of his apprentice and pushes him to the limits, he finds out the hard way never to underestimate anybody.

Length: 8.00 minutes

Director: Justin Evans

Producer: Alta Truden & Justin Evans

Writer: Justin Evans

About the writer, director and producer:

Justin Evans has directed four short films and written one feature film. He also has three shorts and another feature at various stages of development.

Alta Truden is a freelance screen producer and editor. Her work includes television, corporate and short film productions with almost a decade of professional experience.

Key cast: Shane Jacobson, Fiona Harris, Layne Ellis, Kevin Dee and Mathew Hayduk

Looking for (sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists):

Funders: Crowd Funding

Made in association with: Rough Diamond Pictures

Release date: May 2015

Where will it screen in the next month?

We’ve been invited to screen as part of the Best of CinefestOz Shorts in January.