MEET THE FILMMAKER: Zach Eastman.
Zach Eastman is one of Denver’s most talented young filmmakers. Making his way through the Colorado Film School, he’s already established himself as a young man with big visions and the commitment to bring them to life on the big screen.
Zach is screening his critically-acclaimed short movie Twombley at The Emerging FIlmmakers Project (EFP) January 17th at Denver’s Bug Theatre (3654 Navajo St.).
EFP Host Patrick Sheridan chatted with Zach briefly aout the movie and Zach’s other upcoming projects.
P.S.: So, why become a filmmaker?
Z.E.: I have loved movies as far back as I can remember. Growing up without many friends, film was like a companion, it always cheered me up when I was low. I used to read movie books and watch every movie I possibly could. Around the age of 10, after watching Casablanca for the first time, I was like, “I wanna make movies.”
What was relieving was this year was we went to Starz with our film and in that moment I could remember all these teachers and audults in my life tell me, “Your wasting your life sitting in front of the TV watching DVDs all day.” and I remember kids picking on me cause I was (and still am) such a film geek. All those moments finally got flushed out of my head cause I had found a way to be successful with the things I knew and was obsessed with.
P.S.: What was the inspiration for Twombley?
Z.E.: Twombley is the first big film I’ve shot this far in my career. It’s based based off an original script I wrote that was then picked up as a project for cinematographer Michael Sharon’s thesis film.
Twombley comes from a multitude of influences. Firstly it’s an homage to the period of old time radio and the entertainers that were a part of it, people like Jack Benny, George Burns, Bob Hope, George Jessel, Jim and Marian Jordan. Second it’s influenced by the films I love watching – golden age studio films. Films that established visual and storytelling techniques that have become the standard today. I wanted to make a movie that looked and felt like a late 40s to early 50s vibe. Films like The Lost Weekend, The Public Enemy, and Frank Capra’s work really helped shape the pacing and the way the film looks now. In addition to films like Radio Days, Good Night and Good Luck really influence the showbiz aspects and how to film those moments properly.
P.S.: What are you working on next?
Z.E.: I have three projects in development. I am currently in pre-production on my next short film, The Boy Who Stares, which is all about a community reflecting on a tragic event ten years later. It’s a humanistic look at recovery from a cinematic point of view. I’m also co writing a feature with Director Zach Wyman. And I’m currently at work on finishing my first feature script, which I hope to shoot some time in 2014. It’s a slacker dramedy that will be shot something like a cross between Chasing Amy and Jackie Brown. I’m very excited to see it come around.
P.S.: Tell us one weird thing about your films.
Z.E.: I think my films are surprisingly optimistic. I always sit down saying “I wanna write something that doesn’t end happily” and generally I succeed, but even if the main characters don’t not have an external satisfaction, there’s always some sort of inner satisfaction or revelation that happens. So I guess they are dark but hopeful.
Of course I may just be talking out my rear end, for all I know the weird thing is that they aren’t any good
P.S.: Where can people go to find out more about you and your work?
Z.E.: We are currently working on a website for Take 38 Productions, but all of our info can be found on Facebook:
Facebook.com/Take38Productions
I’m also on Twitter: @zachetake38
I also write for a lovely film blog called Mile High Cinema (MileHighCinema.com) on occasion.
P.S.: Is there anything you’d like to say about The Emerging Filmmakers Project?
Z.E.: I love that a platform like this is available to up and comers. As a filmmaker, I like to see my work in a theater, the way it was intended, so to have a place to display work as regularly as this is a dream. It’s also got a regular clientele that are always so warm and engaging when it comes to you and your projects. It’s nice to have that encouragement, keeps you going in tough times creatively.
P.S.: Thanks, Zach! We’re very happy to screen Twombley and we look forward to screening your new works when they’re ready for us. See you on the 17th!
