The story of functional potter, Eric Smith, and the 60 hour process of firing his wood-fired kiln.

Interview with Director/Producer Ben Tobin

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

I made my film because I’ve always been fascinated with pottery, and I’d been making films about various artists in different disciplines. I really wanted to do a film about pottery, and I was lucky enough to find a good story involving the craft.

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

I think audiences should watch this film because it’s about a fascinating artistic process, and it provides a very personal look at a craft, and an approach to that craft. As the main character says, “everyone likes watching a potter make a pot.”

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

The film is about the nature of hard work, and the devotion to one’s craft and the ideals behind the aesthetic. I only really make films about people I have some connection to, or who I want to get to know, so everything I do is personal in one way or another. I think everyone can benefit from examples of people pursuing their passions, and working hard every day to achieve something that has value in every day life. We all use pottery every day in many different settings.

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

There was no script, and script writing for documentary isn’t really a part of my process. My goal is to be the fly on the wall, and to have the least impact on what’s unfolding before me. I just follow the story where it needs to go. I went trough a few edits, and the biggest changes came from reducing the interview on screen and boosting the crafting b-roll. I also ended up adding one scene in the pottery gallery after it was pointed out that a potter selling their work in the place of creation is very unique.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

I haven’t received any bad feedback yet. People seem to be very engaged with the film, and it’s a very zen/meditative film and people seem to respond to that.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

Nothing has really changed my views. It’s all been very positive so far. A lot of people feel pottery students should watch the film to learn about the craft, which would make me very happy.

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

I’m hoping that by having the film on your site that more people will see it. As someone who makes short documentaries, there’s not a huge demand for those and finding an audience and getting these stories out there is a challenge. Documentary filmmakers spend a long time on their projects and then, once all the work of making the film is done, it’s like the works tarts all over again getting the film seen. I’m also hoping that new stories will come my way from people who see the film and want to work together. Even if I can’t make any new films out of them, I just have gotten into the habit of liking to listen to people’s stories.

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

The film is done, and of course I would wish for someone to come in and offer to pay me for the work and get it on Netflix or something like that. I think every filmmaker wants that for their film. I have realistic expectations for my short docs though, all I can do is hope the stories catch on and have a wider lifespan.

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

I guess I don’t really see there being an impact with this film because it’s not social commentary or a call to action, it’s just setting and meditating with the experience of watching the craft and the process unfold. I guess I hope the film serves the same purpose in someone’s life as a good well made pot, that it’s useful and functional for people who want to learn more about pottery, and that it provides people with knowledge and a connection and perhaps a zen experience. It’s a very peaceful film I think.

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

I wouldn’t say there are any questions or anything to debate. It’s a slice of life, and it’s a film about process, so it’s pretty neutral. I suppose you could have an art vs craft debate, but that’s not what the film is about.

Would you like to add anything else?

Just that I hope people enjoy the film and learn from it.

What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?

I’m in the midst of my first documentary feature. I’m following a group of six dyslexic students at a school for language-based disabilities. I’m doing this in the spirit of Michael Apted’s Up Series. The goal is to raise awareness about dyslexia and provide a glimpse into what it is like to grow and learn with dyslexia. My hope is to add to the conversation around special ed reform, and contribute to shifting how dyslexia is taught and identified in our schools. A lot need to change. I am looking for investors and producers for this project. I’m going to be releasing a film every two years until the kids graduate. I’m one visit away from having a complete first entry. This is our teaser trailer: https://vimeo.com/257312226

Interview: April 2018

_______________________________________________________________________________

We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTIAQ+, scifi, horror, world cinema. 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

_______________________________________________________________________________

The Functional Potter

The story of functional potter, Eric Smith, and the 60 hour process of firing his wood-fired kiln.

Length: 14 min

Director: Ben Tobin

Producer: Ben Tobin

About the writer, director and producer:

Ben Tobin is a filmmaker from Western Massachusetts. He’s currently attending the Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema in Brooklyn.

Key cast: Eric Smith and Jill Figlozzi

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

Social media handles:

Facebook: Newfzilla Productions

Twitter: @bentobin

Instagram: @bztobin

Funders: Gofundme

Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?

We’re still waiting on some festivals to respond, but it is freely available on Vimeo.