Emma, 11min., Canada
Directed by Robert Bockstael
Two women, associated through addiction are spiraling downwards. In a rare moment of clarity, nearing the end of their salvageable lives, Emma remembers a long-forgotten ‘secret stash’ of money she and her grandmother kept for an emergency. Embarking on a quest for this treasure – this perceived salvation – they find instead an offer of redemption.

https://carusoproductions.com/emma/

Get to know director Robert Bockstael & producer Mike Caruso:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Robert Bockstael: Michael contacted me and asked if I’d like to pitch a few script ideas to him as he was interested in producing a short film to submit to a festival in Montreal. He had an idea and would like to flesh it out. I came up with three scenarios based on his idea and pitched them to him. He liked the Emma storyline the best. I fleshed it out into a short script.

Then, he asked if I’d like to direct it! I agreed and he gathered the crew and the location etc. We shot it all in a weekend.

Mike Caruso: I was interested in producing a short film for the ACTRA Montreal Short Film Festival back in July 2023.

I contacted my friend Robert and asked him if he’d like to pitch a few script ideas to me. I had an idea in mind, wanted to see kind of stories he could come up with. Robert sent me 3 scenarios based on my idea. I liked the Emma storyline the best. As soon as I read it, I knew it had to be produced. It had to come to life on screen. This story had to be told. So, I asked him if he would direct. I believe the writer of a script is the best person to direct it, having the experience, since it came from their own vision. Robert agreed and I began to assemble the crew and source the location for the film It was difficult finding the right house to rent... luckily, I found one just in time!

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

RB: Shooting in three days. Postproduction - over a year. Michael knows the exact dates, but it was a lengthy process interrupted by lots of life events plus many issues with the initial edits. We were so glad to finally get a great editor on board, the amazing film maker Derek Price, who brought Emma across the finish line at the end of a long marathon!

MC: Jul 2023-Dec 2024 Shooting the film was the quickest part of the process. Post-production took an exceptionally long time, especially the editing. But in the end, we brought a rough cut to an amazing editor named Derek Price, who basically brought the film to it’s full potential

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

RB: Unforeseen redemption.

MC: Struggle/Hope

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

RB: The initial edits were unsatisfactory, and it wasn’t until we acquired a new editor did, we finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. Michael may want to add to this.

MC: Editing... After reviewing the raw footage, I acquired a rough cut from the initial editor, but it unable to bring across the screen all talent and hard work the actors had put into their performances and wasn’t telling the right story. That earlier version was extremely limited, to say the least. It was holding the film way back from what it really had to offer.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

RB: I was absolutely thrilled by the time and attention they took in analyzing all the various elements of the film – so very much appreciated!!

MC: I could tell they really analyzed the film. The comments about the way actors portrayed the character were spot-on. We appreciate all their time and attention to detail.

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

RB: As a kid. Now, I have been doing it from both sides of the camera for four decades and I still feel as though I’m just getting started. The remarkable thing about it is that the learning process never ends.

MC: I always had a camera in my hands... When I was a kid, I would make stop-motion videos with my action figures. I would essentially create a scene using to-scale backgrounds and place the characters in various positions to capture each of their individual movements, an inch at a time. As I grew up, I’d bring my camcorder with me most of the time and document everyday life. At 18yrs old, I made a short film to submit to The Movie Network (TMN) in LA for a chance to win $1Million to turn it into a full-length feature. I rendered it to VHS and sent it off to LA in the mail. In my 20’s I attended the Toronto Film School and gained more experience.

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

RB: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and/or The Princess Bride. Both brilliant, near perfect films.

MC: It’s hard to say which one film I’ve seen the most... there’s too many. I would say I was highly inspired by all the films from the 90’s.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other
festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking
career?

RB: What you are doing is fantastic! The assistance in publicizing and promoting the film and its creators is priceless and the feedback from the audience is worth its weight in gold! Thank you so very much!

MC: For the winning filmmakers, the festival has met my expectations in terms of its ability to reach a wide array of people through its network and locations, as well as promoting the film even more through its various resources, including the extra options it provides.

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

RB: Ask Michael this question. I think it is an amazing thing.

MC: It’s an excellent platform for filmmakers to connect with audiences and submit their films to festivals worldwide

10. What is your favorite meal?

RB: Steak frites, au point, in any small bistro in any large city in either France or Spain.

MC: Veal scaloppini and mashed potatoes with vegetables at an authentic Italian restaurant.

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

RB: Michael and I have teamed up with a cinematographer here in Ottawa by the name of Sean Weekes. Every shot is a painting. We are a few days away from wrapping a short film, which is a meditation on finding joy in unexpected places when in the deepest throes of grief.

MC: Robert and I have joined forces again on our second film. At this time, we are working as an exceptionally talented cinematographer named Sean Weekes. I love collaborating with fellow artists who aren’t afraid of going the extra mile to get the rightshot. That’s Sean. We’re wrapping a short film right now which again, is emotionally powerful. I love making films that “tackle the issues” and present them through unconventional and unexpected ways