98 Seconds
The incidents and attacks shown happen to people every day in the United States. Every 98 seconds.
Interview with Writer/Director Des Matelske
Watch 98 Seconds here:
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Unfortunately like many others, I am a victim of sexual assault. It has become such a huge issue in present day and I felt like creating this film was more important to do now than ever. The majority of our cast and crew have been victims of sexual assault or sexual abuse and they all volunteered their time to make our film happen to spread awareness.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
I believe that topics such as sexual assault shouldn’t be censored and it’s important for people to see the reality of it. People need to be aware of how often sexual assault happens and realize how big of a problem it is.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
The script was a collaboration between myself, Dani Matelske (who plays “the girlfriend”) and Brian Kovach (who plays the “young man”). We wanted to create something real and not cut away from the situations that people tend to turn away from due to itss harsh reality.
When my Production Designer, Vanessa Capella, and I decided to do the endless wall of sticky notes, we turned to social media for input. Each sticky note was to represent what each victim of sexual assault felt or why they never came forward, or why they did come forward. The ending result was over 2,000 sticky notes.
Originally, the script called for one wall of sticky notes from victims. But once we scouted our shooting location for the specific scene, I ended up wanting to do more. Vanessa and I decided to build flats to extend the wall to make it feel like it went on forever. We brought in our Director of Photography, Thomas Matheis, and shot-listed the scene to see the movements and mark exactly where I wanted the talent to place the sticky note and motion into the doorway. Our art department and I then placed the sticky notes based around the camera movements.
The script was basically revised as we shot - I wanted the cast and crew to take this film and make it personal. We wanted it to mean more than words on paper. The cast did such an amazing job translating the script to screen and it ended up exactly how I imagined it when I wrote it.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
The feedback we have received from our film has been overwhelming. I have had people come to me and thank me for creating something so powerful. Many have said they related to the film so strongly that it brought them to tears. Others have said they can’t believe how much we showed but it needed to be said and done.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
I am so grateful for all of the positive feedback and that it has really hit home for many. My goal was to make an impact and spread awareness and I believe we have done just that.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
Our goal is to put our film in front of as many people as possible, and make them more aware of sexual assault and sexual abuse and how often it happens.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
I believe the biggest power to amplify our film’s message is the people.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
As I know I’ve said a few times in this interview, we want this to hit home and show how often sexual assault and sexual abuse happens. Every film I make has a message and this one is extremely important, especially in today’s world.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
“Why is sexual assault such a big deal?” Sexual assault has no boundaries. It doesn’t discriminate against gender, sexual preference, color of your skin, rich or poor. It can happen to anyone at anytime.. and it does. Every 98 seconds.
Would you like to add anything else?
I want to thank each person that volunteered their time to make this film happen. From our talent to the crew, our producers, and each person that gave us their input on social media. We couldn’t have done this without the power of RAINN, the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I am currently developing three limited series pilots and have a script out on the market (Fingers crossed!). When I’m not writing or directing my own work, I am a Production Coordinator and Travel Coordinator in the film industry. I am keeping busy with various studios on features and have recently been working with Netflix, NBC and Rustic Films. Our department heads are working hard on features and series as well, big and small. None of us know how to take a vacation!
Interview: January 2019
We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, 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
98 Seconds
The incidents and attacks shown happen to people every day in the United States. Every 98 seconds.
Length: 0:04:50
Director: Des Matelske
Director of Photography: Thomas Matheis
Producers: Tracy Lee and Daren Matelske
Writers: Des Matelske, Brian Kovach and Dani Matelske
Key cast: Dani Matelske, Cody Kilpatrick Steele, Jermaine White-Reid, Brian Kovach, Nathanial Weiland, Alysa Higgins, Claire Arble, Chris Engel and Jessica Halas
Looking for: the power of the people
Social media: @desmatelske (director)
Made in association with: RAINN, the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization. www.rainn.org | 800.656.HOPE (4673)
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? Here is where you can watch 98 Seconds. It is also available to watch on Facebook where you can Like and Share.