UNDER THE BED, 1min,. UK
Directed by Jeremy Sladdin
Not your normal bedtime story.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film? Firstly it was the challenge of telling a complete story in under a minute. Then I started to think about what kind of story it would be and I was torn between two genres: horror and something for children. When I couldn't decide I thought why not blend the two? That's when "Under The Bed" was born.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film? About two months but this was working on-and-off, grabbing a few hours where I could each day.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!? Kiddie horror!

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film? Getting the look right. "Under The Bed" combines a real miniature set, hand drawn art and digital animation. It took a few days of trial and error to find the right balance. I wanted a style that felt home-made, a bit storybook but I didn't want it to come over as over styled and distracting.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video? Let me start by saying what a fantastic thing it is to get a feedback video. Watching it I was struck by the smiles and the clear sense of fun that the audience got from "Under The Bed". I knew the short would play well with kids but this feedback showed it had much wider appeal.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films? It sounds a bit cliché but when I first saw "Star Wars", closely followed by "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom".

7. What film have you seen the most in your life? Not surprisingly, "Star Wars"!

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career? Q&As, especially those that bring a group of filmmakers together, are always great. Many of us at this stage in our careers tend to be working solo so getting to talk to people with different skills, and get their inputs, can help you grow.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site? Really, really positive. Film Freeway plugs you right into the festival scene.

10. What is your favorite meal? Maybe lasagne? I wonder if I was Garfield in a past life?

11. What is next for you? A new film? Two more shorts planned for this year and then - fingers crossed - a feature in 2024.