Set in Cold War America, five individuals are hiding underground with their only connection to the outside world—a small portable radio with an Emergency Broadcast looping the same broken warning. When a stranger comes knocking, they are forced to decide whether or not to let him in despite the danger of the unknown…

Interview with Director Cody Autterson

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

Thank you! All Clear began as a challenge to see if we could shoot an entire film in one room. However, as we continued to flesh out the piece, we began to see the film evolve from a typical thriller into a film about morality. I’ve always been fascinated by people’s reactions to ethical dilemmas and watching the true strength of their spirit emerge. I hoped to capture some of that beauty with this piece.

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

Part of my love for films has always been the ability to experience another reality that I might never have the chance to otherwise. With All Clear, I hope to challenge the viewer to put themselves in these characters’ shoes and decide what they would do if they heard a knock on their shelter door. When their own life is at stake, are they still the person they hope they’d be?

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

The question I find myself asking constantly is ‘What makes a good person?’ I think we all want to be viewed as a good person by those we care about. We try hard to live up to the moral standards we set for ourselves. With my films, I like to take this theme to its breaking point by placing people in situations where there is no clear right or wrong. Without an obvious answer, we have to allow our values to show us the way. Our character becomes revealed through the making of these tough decisions.

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

When the first draft of this version was done, the character of Danny was supposed to be the clear-cut villain. However, the story felt too false this way. It was only as he became another protagonist in the room, that the film began to work. Although he is abrasive, we empathize with his point of view and this makes the group’s final decision so difficult.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

The film has only been sent to a few festivals so far but the feedback has been mostly positive. With all of our friends and families, they have been surprisingly split on what they’d do in the same situation.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

I think I’ve been surprised by how many people have empathized with Danny. I like to think that I would make the sympathetic choice if I was in the same situation but honestly, I have no idea.

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

The best part of the film so far has been the discussions that have followed the end of the film. I found out that my dad would have kept the door closed…which probably explains a lot of my childhood. With We Are Moving Stories, I would love to keep hearing what people would do if they were in the same situation.

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

At this point we are really hoping to have as much film festival traction as possible. I think the Q&A format at festivals really lends itself well to this type of film.

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

Half of the fun of watching movies with friends and family is always the conversations afterwards. I just hope this film will prompt some fun conversations between friends and allow them to learn something new about each other.

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

At what length would you go to save another person’s life at the possible expense of your own? Are you more likely to go with your gut instinct in the face of danger or do you stick with your moral compass?

Would you like to add anything else?

There’s an old saying that goes something like: To be a writer, grab a pencil. To be a painter, grab a paintbrush. To be a filmmaker, grab your checkbook. I think people often get so intimated by the cost of making a movie and I hope this film inspire others that it doesn’t cost a ton of money to make a short film. We shot this with no budget in our garage. Use your budgetary limits to challenge yourself to tell a story that still keeps people engaged without moving around a lot.

What are the key creatives developing or working on now?

We are gearing up to shoot our next short film, Long Lost Highway Night. It’s in a similar vein as All Clear, in that it takes place in one location. This time we are heading out to the desert in the middle of the night though, which should be a great adventure!

Interview: August 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

_______________________________________________________________________________

All Clear

Length: 11:31

Director: Cody Autterson

Producer: Porch House Pictures

Writer: Cody Autterson & Alyssa Overbeck

About the writer, director and producer: One of six siblings, Cody was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. In 2015, he won Grand Prize from On Location: NewFilmmakersLA.

A native Texan, Alyssa moved to Los Angeles before her freshman year at USC Film School. She currently works at Showtime Networks.

Key cast: Danny Hansen, AJ Helfet, Luke Lenza, Kelley Mack & Alyssa Overbeck

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

Funders: Self-Funded

Made in association with: Porch House Pictures

Release date: September 30, 2016

Where can I watch it in the next month? Vimeo