On the final night of their DIY tour around Texas, five young comics grow closer
as friends.

Interview with Writer/Director Kent Juliff and Producer Shannon Cloud

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

Shannon: Kent, Martin, and Kelsey went on a small stand up tour organized by our friend Andrew Clarkston at the end of Summer 2015. I remember Kent telling me all about staying with Andrew’s grandmother when they stopped in Oklahoma City. I think that experience definitely got the ball rolling with writing Last Night.

Kent: It's funny to think about that as the origin of our film but it is true. We made the film about the people we know and being blessed by the time we share together.

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

Shannon: For me, Last Night puts you in the car with the comics and makes you feel like you’ve experienced a whirlwind of movement and memories on the tour.

Kent: It bursts on the screen with an exciting freshness. We are young and happy about the possibilities of cinema and the potential future of narrative filmmaking. Join us on an experiential journey in which we attempt to discover the meaning of art and friendship!

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

Shannon: I believe everyone has trouble letting go of a schedule and allowing life to take them the way it does.

Kent: I agree with Shannon, at times I desire control over the uncontrollable. I’m finding at these times it is important to be present and appreciate the miracle of life occurring around you. I think the film also deals with themes of change, particularly in regards to one's relationship with space and family.

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

Kent: In a way things are very similar. We wrote a 10 page script and have a 10 minute film. Every scene in the film was first in the script but we kept an open mind in editing. I tried my best to listen to the film, realize its strengths, and follow them. I think that was the method for directing as well, actually. Following rather than fighting. We had talented people all around so trusting them was nice.

Shannon: Early after setting out to make the film, Kent and I stumbled across an estate sale in Austin. Suddenly we were collecting production design without even having a script. I liked this because we let the items we collected help shape the story and world.

Kent: Yes! Anything could be a plot point.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

Kent: The feedback we've gotten at Slamdance has been great. We have felt such support and love from the folks here. All the programmers are filmmakers themselves and they seem to take pride in championing the “little guy.”

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

Kent: It is nice to speak about the film with folks whom we do not already know. A new friend from the festival spoke with me recently about sincerity in comedic performance and filmmaking. The narrative concerns this struggle, I had thought, but it was nice hearing that the film itself felt earnest. It is nice to think the film can be a response to its own narrative thesis.

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

Shannon: We love the opportunity to share our film with people who might find the story relevant to them. I believe our film can give viewers an interesting way to think about our world and the digital age.

Kent: Web 2.0 as they say.

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

Kent: I feel most interested in having folks who would like to see the film, see it. This is why we are chatting with people and organizations like y'all.

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

Shannon: I mainly want Last Night to make people laugh!

Kent: Yes. To laugh and more than that to smile.

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

Kent: Hmm. What is the role of voice in a culture that functions commodifying it?

Would you like to add anything else?

Kent: I encourage people to make films about their feelings and the people they know. I wish for folks to make art for people with attention spans similar to their own. Filmmakers, please try your best to appreciate your audience’s time and try your best to be fun and honest. The internet is a community space and just as it is our responsibility to be honest and kind with one another offline, it is also our responsibility to do so on it.

What are the key creatives developing or working on now?

Shannon: I am finishing my fourth year of school at The University of Texas and will graduate in May. I produce comedy and film in Austin and am working on developing a crime/mystery project with Kent that we plan to make this year.

Kent: I feel great. I am performing comedy in Austin, working creatively with Shannon, my friend Joe Tullar, and the band Indoor Creature on many things of which I am VERY excited. [🙂]

Interview: January 2017

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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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LAST NIGHT

On the final night of their DIY tour around Texas, five young comics grow closer as friends.

Length: 9:57

Director: Kent Juliff

Producer: Shannon Cloud

Writer: Kent Juliff

About the director: Kent Juliff is a true believer in cinema, kindness, and their combined potential to express the complexities of Twitterfirst century personhood.

About the producer: Shannon Cloud has produced comedy shows Chortle Portal and Lone Stars of Comedy Tour and co-produced the feature film Call Me Brother.

Key cast: Kent Juliff, Martin Urbano, Kelsey Caine, Joe Tullar

Funders: N/A

Made in association with: N/A

Where can I see it in the next month?

Slamdance Film Festival Jan 26