MEET THE FILMMAKER: Jay Shaffer
Jay Shaffer is one of those guys that has been working in the film and video industry for a long time, but only recently decided to start making his own work. He’s screening An Evenly Matched Game at The Emerging Filmmakers Project (EFP) on Nov. 15th down at Denver’s historic Bug Theatre. EFP host Patrick Sheridan recently had a chance to catch up with Jay.
P.S.: Why did you become a filmmaker?
J.S.: I’ve been involved in the video industry for over 25 years and although I had done some creative projects early in my career, three years ago I set myself the goal of making at least one narrative short film every year. Last year’s film was called Love and Robots which screened at the EFP in October of 2012. This year’s film, An Evenly Matched Game, is a little more ambitious. We are thrilled to premier it at the EFP.
P.S.: What are we going to see at the EFP? Has it screened elsewhere and what are your plans for it?
J.S.: I am hoping that you see an emotionally engaging, action sci-fi film. I love the nurturing and engaged audience that the EFP draws, so that gives me realistic feedback on the film. This will be the first time this film has been seen outside of a cast and crew screening. We would love for it to show at the Boulder IFF and Festivus. And after the festival circuit is over, we hope to gather an online audience.
P.S.: What else are you working on?
J.S.: I’m looking for scripts for next summer’s short film. I’d love to find a nice easy-to-shoot western script. I’m also working on a kind of abstract timelapse movie, sort of like “Koyaanisqatsi” called “Kalideoscapes.”
P.S.: Tell us one weird thing about you and/or your movies?
J.S.: I’m more of a cinematographer than a director, so I’m always looking for that killer shot in a film that makes people go, “How did you get that?” I guess it’s not all that weird, but just making your own films is a kind of weirdness IMHO.
P.S.: Where can people go to find out more about you and your work?
J.S.: My Vimeo Page http://vimeo.com/jayshaffer is where I post the good, the bad, and the ugly videos I create. And my Website /blog is at http://jayshaffervideo.com
P.S.: Is there anything you’d like to say about The Emerging Filmmakers Project?
J.S.: I teach some filmmaking courses at Front Range Community College, and it was one of my students that suggested meeting Patrick and possibly showing my film at the EFP. My history with the Bug theater goes back to when it was first renovated by Reed Weimer and George Monchuck in 1994. I helped with setting up the lighting and sound system, in fact, I operated the sound board for the Bug’s grand opening. I love that the Bug and EFP is a place where filmmakers and fans of indie film can gather and network. And the free beer isn’t bad either.
P.S. Thanks, Jay. See you Thursday night!
