Q: Why did you become a filmmaker?
JT: Movies have always been my passion for as long as I can remember. I’ve always wanted to be a filmmaker ever since I was a little kid and it’s an aspiration that’s stuck with me to this day. I make films because I enjoy making them. You could say to my face that I make the worst movies ever made and it wouldn’t discourage me.
Q: What are we going to see at the EFP? Has it screened elsewhere and what are your plans for it?
JT: You’re going to be seeing Not for Me, an experimental project that my good friend, Christian Hutchins, and I worked on for six months back in 2017. You can currently view it on Youtube, Vimeo, and my personal website.
Q: What else are you working on?
JT: I have a script written for an untitled horror/comedy short film. When or if it’ll ever get off the ground remains to be certain. Aside from that, I have plenty of ideas for other films, but nothing concrete. I work part-time and go to community college and don’t have as much downtime as I used to so that makes potential projects rather difficult. I edit a lot in my spare time, but it’s mostly video game fan trailers or really crappy memes that make my inner child snicker. Those are always fun though and a really great way to refine your editing skills.
Q: Tell us one weird thing about you and/or your movies?
JT: Honestly when it comes to storytelling in my films, I just kinda do whatever the hell I feel like doing. I’m a pretty weird person so naturally my films typically have a weird idiosyncratic sort of style to them. I feel it helps them stand out a bit more. My previous films were primarily comedies or quirky dramas and Not for Me is the first dead serious film I’ve done in this style. It was an interesting process to say the least.
Q: Where can people go to find out more about you and your work?
JT: You can view it on my Vimeo page named after myself or go to my personal website: http://jakebt1998.
Q: Is there anything you’d like to say about The Emerging Filmmakers Project?
JT: I’m super ecstatic that you’ve chosen my film in your lineup. I think what you’re doing is a great way to get your work out there and connect with other members of the Colorado filmmaking community.
Not For Me will screen at The Emerging Filmmakers Project on Thursday, October 18th at The Bug Theatre.
