THE BIG BREAK, 86min., USA
Directed BY Avi Setton
Charlie, a struggling voice actor living with his AI husband Alan and their roommate Doug, finds his life disrupted when Doug's social media-addicted friend Travis comes to stay with them.

https://www.instagram.com/thebigbreakfilm

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

20 years of writing script after script and then finding out my wife was pregnant. Together, they gave me a sense of urgency to write a script that I could make as DIY as possible.

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

to make this film?

Exactly two years.

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

First dream.

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

A difficult colorist (who didn't end up working on the film).

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking

about your film in the feedback video?

They were some of the first reactions I've seen, so I felt a deep validation in how it resonated with them.

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

The first time I shot on 16mm. I was 14 and attended a New York Film Academy summer program.

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

Rushmore, though I haven't watched it in over a decade.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other

festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking

Career?

Help spread the word about the films that really stick with you, and encourage new outlets for distribution.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your

experiences been working on the festival platform site?

I think nearly half our film budget went to them. But the film festival submission process is already so overwhelming and convoluted, that it's nice to have most of it streamlined on one site.

10. What is your favorite meal?

A baguette, cheese, and wine sitting outside with family and friends.

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

I hope so. The script is ready to go if The Big Break helps pave a path toward a slightly more ambitious production.