POLISH/ENGLISH PHRASEBOOK, 1min., USA, Comedy
Directd by Eric Maierson
My father finds the only page he needs in the phrasebook.

https://www.ericmaierson.com/
https://www.instagram.com/captaingboy/
https://twitter.com/gboy

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
This short was made in part as a response to feeling isolated because of COVID. I wanted to collaborate but wanted to do so in a safe manner.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
I "found" the poem on a trip to Poland in 1995. So between the time I copied it into my notebook and made the film, I literally doubled my age.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
Super-short.

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
The biggest challenge was how to make the drum accompaniment feel improvisational while also making sure certain parts of the film were musically emphasized. Sound engineer Zack Wright ultimately created a click track with all of the appropriate accents for drummer Josh Bailey.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I'm grateful for the feedback, but honestly, I had my wife watch and give me the highlights.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
Probably in college. It's always been a love/hate relationship as I'm really introverted so I tend to write more than I make movies. I'm also a documentary editor professionally, so I thrive on alone time.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
Goodfellas or Sound of Musi. I'm a man of extremes.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
It's been great. All of the attention has been wonderful.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
I've been using FilmFreeway since the days when they were battling it out with Withoutabox. FilmFreeway remains the best at what they do.

10. What is your favorite meal?
Black raspberry sorbet with fresh raspberries on top. Because I'm 6.

11. What is next for you? A new film?
I'm trying to produce a live-action narrative I wrote, but it's way more expensive than a one-minute animation.