Other Worlds Austin - Paleonaut
A scientist studying the first human time traveller falls in love with her subject. But if her research succeeds they will become separated by eons of history. She must find a way to connect with him across the ages or lose him forever.
Interview with Writer/Director Eric McEver
Watch Paleonaut here:
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
My original childhood dream was to become a paleontologist. Very few people outside of the field recognize the inherently romantic nature of studying fossils…the magic of seeing a living thing for the first time in millions of years, and the oddly spiritual nature of that connection. I’ve never seen that sentiment explored in film before. As I wrote the screenplay these themes led naturally to crafting a very human love story within a science fiction framework.
I shot the film in Beijing, China with an international cast and crew that hailed from Japan, China, India, Singapore, and the US. Paleonaut presents a very deliberately international worldview in which cultures have merged into one. The incredibly talented team that brought it to life reflects this.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
With the exception of H. G. Welles’ The Time Machine, virtually all time travel stories focus on the concept of changing the past to either save or sabotage the present. Paleonaut instead presents time travel as a tool for exploration, and as a spiritual link between two human beings. It asks questions that are both fresh and universally relevant.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Although the original inspiration for the film…a love of fossils…is deeply personal, the themes that this led me to are highly universal: the transient nature of relationships, the permanence of love, the power of human connection to transcend death.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
Of course! The finished film is the result of many months honing the script and visual aesthetic.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
I’m honestly surprised, and deeply appreciative, of how a wide variety of audiences have picked up on the film’s subtle themes and worldbuilding. I took quite a few risks in my portrayal of global culture in a possible near future, but viewers have really latched onto the ideas and visuals in Paleonaut. It’s a great feeling.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
People keep asking about a feature version. The honest answer is that although I certainly have ideas for expanding the short, my real aspiration is to tell a much larger story set in the same world. I’ve got a very detailed treatment in the works. To attempt an analogy: if Paleonaut is about Alan Turing, the next story will be about Steve Jobs.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I’m always excited and honored to share Paleonaut with interested audiences. The film will be continuing its festival run throughout 2018 and into 2019, so I’d love to promote it as its tour continues.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
My goal is to get the film in front of us a many eyes as possible. I welcome anyone who can help share it with the world.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
If my film moves audiences, then I’ve done my job. If it makes them think about time, love, and relationships in a new way, then that’s a bonus.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Oh, it’s not my place to prompt discussion with questions. If I’ve done my job right, the film itself will do that.
Would you like to add anything else?
I’m extremely proud of the truly international nature of this production. It was shot in China with Japanese, Chinese, Indian and American actors and crew…and almost exactly equal number of women and men in key creative positions. This diversity stemmed organically from the story and enriched the production immensely.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
With my producing partner Clayton Bohle I’m preparing my feature film debut 00:16 to Shinjuku: a dark comedy set on a Tokyo subway bound for Hell. I’m also in the early stages of writing a new feature with Paleonaut producer MuFei Xu. Cinematographer Emilie Silvestri just directed a new short (April In Winter) as did production designer Yun Liang (Keiko’s Hands). Composer Robert Tunstall has a weekly comedy podcast entitled Mouth Feels. This is just the tip of the iceberg…I had the privilege of working with a bunch of very talented people doing very cool things!
Interview: December 2017
_______________________________________________________________________________
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
_______________________________________________________________________________
Paleonaut
A scientist studying the first human time traveller falls in love with her subject. But if her research succeeds they will become separated by eons of history. She must find a way to connect with him across the ages or lose him forever.
Length: 16 minutes
Director: Eric McEver
Producer: MuFei Xu
Writer: Eric McEver
About the writer, director and producer:
Raised in Oklahoma, award-winning filmmaker Eric McEver relocated to Tokyo during college to pursue a passion for Noh theatre. While working variously as an actor, translator, game developer, and animation producer, he developed an offbeat cinematic vision fusing the languages and idiosyncrasies of his two homes.
Key cast:
Tomoko Hayakawa (Lin)
Yasushi Takada (Kai)
Balaji Manohar (Sponsor)
Eric Boardman (Narrator)
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): Journalists
Film Festival Directors
Distributors
Buyers
Social media handles: #paleonaut
Facebook: facebook.com/paleonaut
Other: Official Site: ericmcever.com/paleonaut
Made in association with: New York University, Beijing Film Academy, Beijing Institute for Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? Several screening announcements are forthcoming. Stay tuned at facebook.com/paleonaut!