DGA Emerging Cinematographer Awards - Limbo
A man stranded on the side of the road finds a dying dog. He gives it water and in return the dog offers him a single wish
Interview with Director Will Blank
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Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I started working on LIMBO because I was frustrated that I had been in LA for the better part of a decade and not made a film of my own. I earned a modest living as an editor but that was never my end game when I moved out here; I've always wanted to direct. One day, I looked at myself in the mirror and had a frank discussion with my reflection: If not now, when? That was the day I set out to produce LIMBO.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
So many reasons! If you've ever wanted to see the legendary Sam Elliott (The Big Lebowski, Tombstone) as an animatronic talking dog, then this film is for you. If you're a fan of magical realism or fantasy, then this film is for you. Beyond that, the gorgeous 35mm cinematography, the sense of humor and the fantastic performance from our lead actor, Raúl Castillo should all draw you in!
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
The film is ostensibly about a man who has broken up with his significant other, which is something most anyone can relate to. Ultimately for me, though, the film is about becoming present and owning your past actions and behaviors. The ending of the film sometimes leaves people scratching their heads but it has always felt clear to me through that lens.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?
The film started as a short comic I found in a Meathaüs comic compilation. I connected to it because it was short and deeply existential yet didn't take itself too seriously. Throughout the process of adapting it into a film, Richard Kaponas, the writer, and I made it our mission to preserve as much of the feeling and tone from that source material as we could. It surprises people who read the comic how similar they are and I take that as a real point of pride.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
We have been accepted into some amazing festivals so far, including Fantasia Fest and Hollyshorts. Some of the most exciting feedback has been from one of my personal heroes, Guillermo del Toro. I sent the short to his public email address and he was good enough to watch the film and respond, calling it "An excellent film." The entire team and I were thrilled to be able to share that news. Beyond that, during our screenings audiences never miss a beat and we've been really thankful for the feedback thus far.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
Some of initial feedback in earlier stages of the cut centered around the use of voiceover. It is generally prescribed in film school that you "show, don't tell." That often leads to people abandoning voiceover all together. For me, the voiceover was a way of intimately entering the headspace of the character and ultimately those challenges to my viewpoint made me more confident in my decision.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
We would really love for more people to see the film or to at least know of its existence!
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
We are looking to continue screening at as many film festivals as we can. We welcome reviewers/journalists and distributors of short films to reach out to us at contact@limboshort.info.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I would love for the viewer to have a moment of reflection at the end of the film, to ask themselves what they want from their lives. I recognize that's a lot to ask from a short film, but that would be ideal!
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
The biggest question the audience will wonder is: why did the man reject the dog's offer for a wish? I have my own answer to that question so I hope people are able to have a lively debate.
Would you like to add anything else?
It was always a dream to shoot a film that involved practical special effects-- we're incredibly proud of creature designer Tim Martin's work and we hope you get a chance to see it!
What are the key creatives developing or working on now?
The core team of LIMBO is in the process of developing a feature film called BEAST, based off of a graphic novel. It will tell the story of a young female artist who is commissioned to sculpt the portrait of a demon out of marble. It is a loose adaptation of "Beauty and the Beast" and we're really excited to share it with you as soon as we finish shooting!
Interview: August 2016
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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
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LIMBO
A man stranded on the side of the road finds a dying dog. He gives it water and in return the dog offers him a single wish.
Length:
8:19
Director:
Will Blank
Producer:
Casey Fenton
Writer:
Richard Kaponas
About the writer, director and producer:
Will Blank is a director/editor based out of Los Angeles, he has worked in editorial on shows for NBC, HBO and AMC.
Casey Fenton is the Senior Line Producer at Awesomeness TV/Dreamworks Digital.
Richard Kaponas is a writer and artist whose previous film "Male Receptionist" was screened at more than a dozen festivals worldwide.
Key cast: Raúl Castillo, Sam Elliott, Anahi Bustillos
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): Sales agents, distributors, film festival directors, journalists
Funders:
Kickstarter and self-financing.
Made in association with:
Crossing Bridges Productions
Release date:
Our release date is to be determined based off of the duration of our festival run.
Where can I watch it in the next month?
If you would like a link to a private online screener, please send an email to: contact@limboshort.info
We will also be screening at the Director's Guild of America in Los Angeles as a part of the Emerging Cinematographer Awards, where Director of Photography, Alejandro Wilkins, will be receiving an ECA award: Sunday, September 25th @ 5pm.