Half Past, 20min., USA
Directed by Jonas Fryer
A group of con artists learn the importance of trust during a heist where everything goes wrong.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

I've been fascinated by the concept of non-linear narratives ever since the first time I watched films like Memento and Pulp Fiction, but for the longest time I could not come up with a good story in which this non-chronological structure felt like the right way to tell it. Finally, after doing a lot of personal work on confronting my own fears as well as meeting an incredible group of creatives, suddenly the story and feasibility of making Half Past became clear.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

I originally came up with the loose story idea last year, but the actual process from development to finishing took about 10 months.

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

Forward, backward

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

It was a tie between time and money. We only had four shoot days and a small budget to film the entire project, but thanks to the unbelievable dedication, guidance, positivity, and patience of every member of this film's cast and crew we were able to deliver a final product that was better than I could have ever imagined. I am eternally grateful to each and every one of them.

5. There are 5 stages of the filmmaking process: Development. Pre-Production. Production. Post-Production. Distribution.

What is your favorite stage of the filmmaking process?

Production is and will always be my favorite stage. There are certainly a lot of stressful moments on set as you're battling the clock to get all the shots you want, but production is also the most collaborative stage of filmmaking with your cast and crew as well as being the time in the process where you can be way too silly and have too much fun in wild locations with some amazing people.

I also have a soft spot for post-production as putting the assembly cut together is when you can start to see what ideas your film is trying to explore with the audience.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

Films and television shows and just visual storytelling in general are always what brought my family together. Whether it was watching Avatar: The Last Airbender with my brother growing up or watching The Walking Dead with my dad every Sunday night, home always felt the most like home when I was watching an amazing story with loved ones and so I knew that if I could help to share that experience with other families then I had a duty to do so.

7. What film have you seen the most times in your life?

Growing up, I put on the DVD for the Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius movie almost every day for a couple of years (thank you for being patient with me Mom!). Besides that, I can probably quote the entirety of Back to the Future at this point.

8. In a perfect world: Who would you like to work with/collaborate with on a film?

Honestly, I just want to work with my Half Past crew again (I apologize if that response is too cliché). In all seriousness, from talent to camera to sound to lighting to all the incredible PAs, they were some of the most talented, thoughtful, and kind-hearted people I've ever worked with. Working on this project was one of the special things I've ever done on this planet and it's all because of them.

I would also love to work with David Fincher at some point and learn how he moves the camera so smoothly!

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

My experience has been quite positive so far! The ability to filter for the festivals that are best suited for your particular film ensures that your film has the best chance of getting in front of the audiences that want to see it.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Ravioli. Also can't go wrong with a bagel and lox.

11. What is next for you? A new film?

Priority one for me now is finding that bagel and lox. After that, I'll be continuing my post-production freelancing while developing a film or two...