IFS Film Festival - The Lost Tree
After a serious traumatic accident, a man leaves his old life behind and moves to an isolated cabin to start over. He soon learns of the surroundings of the area and its dangerous past.
Interview with Writer/Director Brian A. Metcalf
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I have always had a fascination with the unknown. I thought death and the exploration of the afterlife was an interesting topic to explore. But as a filmmaker, my goal is to always be trying to create new content and honing my skills. And on top of that, this was a story I just couldn't seem to get out of my head until deciding to make it.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
I would hope that this would be a story that would interest you. It involves the story of an individual, whose guilt has consumed him for what he's done. He then isolates himself in a cabin only to have strange things happen to him. But he is drawn to it because there are traces of his wife there, forcing him to have to stay regardless of what creepy things happen to him.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
I think everyone has had losses and feelings of guilt that they can relate to along with the feeling of being trapped in situations they can't seem to break free from. The lead, Noah, is by no means a perfect character, he is flawed and that makes him more relatable and human.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
Whenever you go into a filmmaking process, there is a lot of collaboration from everyone involved. The script serves as the blueprint for the film but the actors came in and gave the film its own life by making the characters their own and bringing them to life. Also when on set, we looked at the surroundings and decided to change shots based upon what we saw. Then in the editing phase, the film when through several different iterations.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
We have received fairly positive feedback. We received a number of awards from film festivals and other events which was a nice surprise to receive. A number of people came up and stated they really enjoyed the film. There were also some comments and suggestions for the film from close filmmaker friends which I also enjoyed.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
Some people came up with their own theories and iterations of what they felt did happen so it was very interesting to hear. I also received some suggestions on changing some things and it was very helpful as well as some nice compliments of certain shots. As a filmmaker, my goal is to always keep trying to grow and hone my skills.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I was pleasantly surprised to be offered to have them do a story on my film. Exposure is always a good thing for indie filmmakers. The site is a great outlet to allow creatives to build their audience.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
I think all of the above is good. We currently have a sales agent on board and have sold a few regions but I am always looking to make connections with more and more people as well as distribute the film more widely.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I would ideally like for people to be entertained and to make them think about the film after watching it. Getting some kind of reaction whether positive or negative is better than no reaction or thought at all.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
A key question is would be to ask would be to ask if others have had supernatural experiences and to have them share them.
Would you like to add anything else?
I would like to thank you for having an interest in this film and anyone else who has taken the time to watch it.
What are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Brian A. Metcalf - writer/director/producer
I am in post-production on another film called Living Among Us. I produced this film with Thomas Ian Nicholas again. The cast stars Nicholas, William Sadler, John Heard, Andrew Keegan, Esme Bianco and James Russo. The film is a found-footage film about a news crew going to document a family of vampires. I have also created a company called Black Jellybeans Productions, which will focus on giving creatives a voice. We will be playing different shows, shorts, films from filmmakers on our channels: Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV. You can visit us at www. be-jelly.tv for more info.
Thomas Ian Nicholas - Actor/Producer
He is currently working on new acting gigs as well as working on his music with his band.
Interview: May 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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The Lost Tree
After a serious traumatic accident, a man leaves his old life behind and moves to an isolated cabin to start over. He soon learns of the surroundings of the area and its dangerous past.
Length: 1hr 28 min
Director: Brian A. Metcalf
Producer: Thomas Ian Nicholas, Brian A. Metcalf, Ben Chan
Writer: Brian A. Metcalf
About the writer, director and producer: (25 words each)
Brian A. Metcalf - writer, director, producer for the film. He started out as an art director before moving on to directing. Currently in post on a TV pilot and feature as well as building up his company, Black Jellybeans Productions.
Thomas Ian Nicholas - Lead actor and producer for the film. Most known for playing Kevin in the American Pie Films. He continues to act in films and is also a musician.
Key cast: Thomas Ian Nicholas, Lacey Chabert, Michael Madsen, Clare Kramer, Scott Grimes
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists):
buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists
Social media handles:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelosttreefilm/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thelosttreefilm
Other: https://www.redcompassmedia.com/
Funders: Red Compass Media, Inc.
Where can I see it in the next month? The film has been invited to play June 12th at the New York Film Academy in Los Angeles followed by a Q&A by myself and Nicholas. So if you have access to get in there. You can watch it.