A guy makes a bad first impression when he meets his girlfriend’s family as they gather at her grandfather’s death bed.

Interview with Writer/Director/Editor Tim Wilkime

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

Milton was based on a personal experience where I had witnessed my then girlfriend's, now wife's, grandmother take her final breath. I had to break the news to the family as they were unaware of the grandmother's passing. That experience really left an impact on me as I ran through a gamut of emotions. Years later, when I was developing short films, I knew I wanted to tell a dramatic story with a comedic turn and that experience naturally fit that tone.

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

I'd like to think Milton is a pretty funny short with some situations the audience can relate to but ultimately shake their heads at my lead for making every possible wrong decision.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

Death has always been on my mind as this inevitable thing that terrifies me. I knew I wanted to tackle that theme in one of my first shorts. I felt like if by talking about it I'd be conquering it. Universally, I wanted to share a story about the pressures of making a good first impression and putting your foot in your mouth which I think a lot of people can relate to.

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

The first draft didn't have as many cringe-worthy moments than what ended in the final product. Some of that changed early in the writing process when I got notes from friends encouraging me to push the uncomfortableness further. Then once I was on set, we found a few more moments that pushed it even further.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

The feedback has been really positive so far. The nice thing about making a comedy is the audience lets you know if it's working or not. So far people seem to be laughing at the right parts. There's even been one person that yelled out "oh no!" during a screening.

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

I made this short with the intention of just being a self-contained story. I have no intention of turning it into a feature or TV show so getting as many people to watch it is all I'm hoping for.

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

I'd love to get more visibility at film festivals and journalists to cover it.

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

This short was written with the hopes for big laughs in the midst of something very sad and emotional. If audiences can feel all those things while watching, I'll consider it a success.

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

I'm developing a feature that I hope to be shooting by the fall this year. Fingers crossed!

Interview: April 2019

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Milton

A guy makes a bad first impression when he meets his girlfriend’s family as they gather at her grandfather’s death bed.

Length: 11:01

Director: Tim Wilkime

Producer: Pam Robison

Writer: Tim Wilkime

About the writer, director and producer:

TIM WILKIME is a Los Angeles based director that has recently directed on Adam Ruins Everything (TruTV) and The Late Late Show With James Corden (CBS). His second short film Milton recently premiered at SXSW and won the Vimeo Staff Pick Award.

Key cast: Allan McLeod, Elaine Carroll, John Ennis, Anna Seregina, Kiel Kennedy, Angela Leib, Pat McNeely & Bob Evans

Other: Vimeo, IMDb