Maxwell is trying to study for his history test, but a buzzing fly keeps distracting him.

Interview with Co-Director and Co-writer Max Iacovelli

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

Thank you! This film was actually a class project for one of my film classes at Stevenson University this past fall. The goal of the project was to make a short film that used sound as a storytelling device, whether that be through narration, using a specific sound as an important part of the story, etc.

So, my partner for this project, Destani, and I wrote this film, which has a narrator telling the story to the audience as it unfolds, but he is telling it in a poetic rhyming style. We also used the sound of a buzzing fly to push the story forward, since it serves as the central conflict for the protagonist, Maxwell.

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

This film is a lighthearted and fun comedy, and that's the type of film that I think people need to watch every once in a while. A lot of films strive to be really deep and thoughtful pieces, which isn't a bad thing. But, having a film where you can just sit down and laugh and enjoy watching it without having to think about a deeper meaning is an important part of the moviegoing experience. It puts you at ease, and, assuming the film does it job, puts you in a good mood, almost like a pallet cleanser.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

To be honest, there aren't really any themes at work in this short. Having an annoying fly in your room that keeps buzzing around your head is a relatable situation, but otherwise Destani and I chose to make a comedy that was silly and fun and that's it, and that's what I hope people expect and appreciate about it when viewing.

Maxwell and the Irritating Buzz of Irritability - Maxwell attacking the fly.

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

As part of the guidelines of the project, we received two weeks to create the film in its entirety, start to finish. We initially had an idea to make a horror film where a young woman hears a man screaming and banging on a door, seemingly trapped in a room and in danger. The woman would then run down a long hall of doors trying to find him. His scream would be the storytelling device, and the only non-music sound in the film.

We shot this idea and I began the post-production, but the film just wasn't working. So we scrapped it and instead I came up with the concept that became Maxwell and the Irritating Buzz of Irritability. We wrote the script one night in under 90 minutes, and shot and edited the whole thing in just a few days.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

Well, we got an A on it, if that says anything. But from my friends and family who have watched it, they have all said that they enjoy it. Also, my school this past April had a mini film fest called the Stevenson Film Festival, and this film placed third overall out of about 15 films from other film students. I haven't heard any feedback yet from those attending Hollyshorts, but I hope their response is just as positive!

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

One of the judges of the Stevenson Film Festival talked to me after the festival ended and she complimented the writing and how clever and well written the film was. I expected that people would say that the writing was one of the stronger points of the film, but I did not expect such an extremely positive reaction towards the writing, especially from a judge. Since then I have been considering taking more of the writing courses offered within the film program.

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

I hope that by getting my name out there to a larger audience I can make more connections with other filmmakers, and hopefully be able to work with as many of them as possible on projects in the near future.

Maxwell and the Irritating Buzz of Irritability - Maxwell on the ground, defeated.

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

All of the above. I'm still a student, attempting to squeeze my way into the film business. The film doesn't have an important message that the world needs to hear, but sharing my work with as many people as possible is the main objective.

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

I hope that those who watch this film laugh and enjoy it. I'm proud of how this film turned out and I hope others like it as much as I do.

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

I think a question that would help begin a conversation about this film would be something like "Aren't flies and mosquitoes the worst?". This being the central conflict of the movie, I think it's a very relatable issue that almost everyone deals with: pests.

Would you like to add anything else?

I'd like to give shoutouts to Destani Gross for working with me on this project, to Maxwell Collins for lending us your exquisite acting abilities, and to Dina Fiasconaro for giving me an A on this.

What are the key creatives developing or working on now?

Both Destani and I are still in school for film, so most of the projects we create will be for class as an assignment. I personally have a couple of side projects I plan to make, including an adaptation of the comic book Skate Man, and an original feature length dark comedy.

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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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Maxwell and the Irritating Buzz of Irritability

Maxwell is trying to study for his history test, but a buzzing fly keeps distracting him.

Length: 2:51

Director: Max Iacovelli & Destani Gross

Producer: Max Iacovelli & Destani Gross

Writer: Max Iacovelli & Destani Gross

About the writer, director and producer:

Max Iacovelli is a young filmmaker from Manahawkin, NJ. He is a sophomore attending Stevenson University for film.

Key cast: Maxwell Collins, Max Iacovelli

Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): Yes to all of these

Funders:

Made in association with:

Release date: November 2nd, 2015

Where can I watch it in the next month?

The film can be found on youtube on my channel, Popper Films, as well as on Bitpix as part of Hollyshorts through August 20th, 2016.