Sauvetage, 5min., Australia
Directed by Jackson Bentley, John Stokes
When a special forces operative is held captive by a sadistic crime boss is interrogated, the only way to save him is through the element of surprise.

https://instagram.com/sauvetage_short_film

Get to know the filmmakers:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

John - We were motivated to make this film as we were given the opportunity to work with the legendary Richard Norton. It was originally supposed to just be a short scene to be used as a pitch but Jackson and I wanted to go all out and produce a short film in a very short amount of time.

Jackson - Originally it was meant as a sizzler reel to show some producers, Richard Damien and I were pushing quite hard to have a feature film made starring Richard, however John is a very quick writer and everything just started aligning for us to turn this into a short.

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

John - I believe it was a Thursday where the producer Damien told us that he had somehow convinced Richard Norton to join us for a shoot the following Sunday. I quickly wrote together the script which never went past version 1. We organised the location, crew and cast - all entirely for free as everyone wanted to work with Richard Norton. We filmed in 6 hours on the Sunday and I edited the film within a day after the shoot.

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

John - Bitter Sweet. Bitter due to the lead actor Richard Norton recently passing away, but sweet since we now have an award to honor his memory. We are forever in debt to Richard for being involved in this film and he has been a great mentor and friend to us.

Jackson - I think John nailed it, it still feels very surreal that Richard has passed, I think we are still in a little bit of shock and grief but I'm so grateful for receiving his knowledge and just being able to call someone I admired so much a friend plus being able to direct him was even cooler.

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

John - The only obstacle was time, as we only had 6 hours to film. If we were being honest, there are some things we'd do differently if we had more time but we are proud of what we did with what we had! Other than that I remember Jackson became ill and went to hospital the day before! Luckily he was still able to make the shoot to co-direct with me.

Jackson - Haha yes directing a script you read only 12 hours before and on the back end of strong pain killers was definitely interesting. Having only 6 hours booked to shoot the short was definitely stressful, but I am so proud and honestly cannot believe our whole crew pulled that off.

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

John - I actually didn't realise that we would get audience reactions so it was a great surprise! It's such an honour to hear feedback like this from half way across the world!

Jackson - I thought it was really cool! I'm just a guy from a very small town in Australia who 8 years ago was a drug addict with no direction in life, so this was very special to me.

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

John - From a very early age I would think up film ideas and stories in my head. Despite never writing them down, I still remember all those stories very vividly. Maybe one day I should write them down!

Jackson - I'm only very new to the world of film, being a Director or an Actor was never really considered a realistic possibility where I'm from, I sort of fell into all this by accident from directing my old bands music videos, I found a love for it during that.

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

John - My parents would say The Lion King (because I used to watch on repeat) or the Harry Potter moves from my wife and kids watching on repeat... but for me personally it would have to be the first two Alien movies. I've always been obsessed with the Xenomorph

Jackson - I've never told anyone this but probably Burlesque with Cher and Christina Aguilera, I love that film and the only other person that likes it is my sister, so I don't bother watching it with anyone else! And then behind would be the LOTR trilogy.

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

John - I have loved everything about the festival, I honestly can't think of any way to improve upon it. Potentially a certificate sent via email?

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

John - The experience has been great. FilmFreeway makes submitting so easy but also introduces you to new festivals you haven't heard of!

10. What is your favorite meal?

John - Anything my mother makes!

Jackson - Italian food - Pizza, Pasta, Arancini, Italian wine

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

John - We are looking to try our hand at horror later this year with a short film we are currently in pre-production for!