Comedy
Camp Kona
Camp Kona, a short-form animated monster movie, takes us on a nostalgic journey through 80’s summer camp adventures, combining elements of thrill, humor, and mystery. The film revolves around Jasper, a reluctant camper at Camp Kona, who stumbles upon the dark history of the camp and unravels the mystery behind the disappearance of a girl named Kaia during the summer of 1982.
Adriel Meka, the Writer/Director of Camp Kona, drew inspiration from his favorite 80s movies and Spielberg films, aiming to capture the essence of retro horror and iconic cult classics. Reflecting on his childhood experiences at summer camp in Canada, Meka envisioned a story that blends magical realism with imagination and sci-fi, echoing the spirit of movies like The Goonies and Stranger Things.
“This began to develop into the idea of a kid going missing at the camp and then our new protagonist exploring the aftermath of a place with a dark history” said Meka. “Jasper was inspired by my younger self and the story follows his experience in overcoming a reluctance to attend camp once he found something unexpected to make it fun. A thriller theme and humorous characters enabled me to explore a full range of emotions through the film and knew I also wanted it to have a fitting retro soundtrack. Once I had the story written all the pieces were in play, and I moved into the next stages of getting to direct and work with a wonderfully talented team that helped bring Camp Kona to life!”
Movie making is hard in both live action . Camp Kona marked Meka’s directorial debut in animated short films, requiring him to lead a crew, manage artists, and navigate the complexities of animation production. The film was initially conceived as a 3D dystopian sci-fi project, but Meka pivoted to align it with his love for retro films, resulting in a condensed production schedule.
While discussing his favorite part of production, Meka expressed his deep love for directing, emphasizing the joy of creating characters and stories that resonate with both him and the audience.
“Camp Kona’s protagonist, Jasper, is like a younger version of me and a piece of how I see the world. There’s something deeply fulfilling about coming up with these characters and tales that are close to you then, being able to get other people excited about it.”
The challenges pushed Meka to learn the intricacies of building a crew, developing an animation pipeline, and becoming a director. The experience, though initially daunting, became an exciting journey of growth and self-discovery.
“I learned the importance of a team and how even though “alone you can go fast”, “together you can go far” The process of making the film gave me the chance to grow as a leader, a creative, and as an individual. and I wouldn’t change it for the world”
Looking back, Meka contemplates the possibility of a different approach, expressing interest in showcasing his 3D skills in a reimagination of Camp Kona. Imagining the characters in a detailed 3D world, he draws inspiration from stylized CG animations like Arcane and Spider-Verse, envisioning a sequel that explores new visual territories.
For aspiring filmmakers, Meka offers advice rooted in authenticity and collaboration. He encourages creators to use the medium as a voice to express their inspirations genuinely and emphasizes the importance of building a great team. Meka highlights the continuous growth in any artistic endeavor, urging individuals to accumulate “pencil mileage” and persevere through the inevitable growing pains.
To stay updated on Meka’s projects and the journey of Camp Kona, audiences can follow the film’s Instagram account @CampKonafilm. For more insights into Adriel Meka’s work, his personal Instagram account @arekusan_meka , provides a glimpse into future creative endeavors.
Comedy
Meat Cute
Errol Teichert, the director of the short film “Meat Cute,” sat down with me and shared the story behind his latest creation.
“The inception of “Meat Cute” was at the Kanab Film Festival last year,” Teichert began. “I was chatting with a horror filmmaker about the challenge of creating something truly original. That’s when the idea struck me: what if two people stumbled upon the same spot to dump a body? And from there, ‘Meat Cute’ was born.”
Assembling his filmmaking team was no small thing, but Teichert had a stroke of luck. “I met Josh Garretson and Emily Colton at the Kanab Film Festival,” he explained. “Josh was instantly on board, and having familiar faces like Emily on board made the process smoother.”
However, as with any creative endeavor, challenges loomed on the horizon. “The day before production, I was scrambling to figure out our rain rig,” Teichert recalled. “But every setback only fueled our determination.”
The first day on set brought its own set of hurdles, including navigating snowy terrain. “We had to lug heavy gear up a snowy hill, which wasn’t exactly a walk in the park,” Teichert chuckled. “But seeing the dedication of my team, I knew we could overcome anything.”
Amidst the chaos of production, moments of camaraderie shone through. “One scene, in particular, required precise timing,” Teichert reminisced. “When we nailed it in one take, there was a collective sense of triumph that reverberated through the set.”
As post-production looms, Teichert reflects on the journey. “Editing was a collaborative effort, with Emily’s finesse bringing the film to life,” he praised. “And Kassandra Gutierrez’s haunting score added another layer of depth.”
With “Meat Cute” on the verge of completion, Teichert’s sights are set on the festival circuit. “Slamdance is our target,” he revealed. “But ultimately, I just want audiences to experience the unique blend of romance and gore that ‘Meat Cute’ offers.”
Looking ahead, Teichert’s passion for storytelling burns brighter. “I have a feature script in the works,” he divulged. “But for now, I’m focused on unleashing ‘Meat Cute’ upon the world.”
Teichert’s appreciation for his team ran deep, each member playing a pivotal role in bringing his vision to life. “Aaron Jahn, my lead actor, is my muse,” Teichert declared. “His enthusiasm and dedication infuse every production with energy.”
“And Jennica Anusua, my co-lead, brings a delicate balance to her character,” Teichert continued. “Her ability to navigate between sweetness and darkness is truly remarkable.”
Emily Colton, Teichert’s trusted editor and first assistant director, earned his praise for their unwavering support. “Emily has been my rock throughout this process,” Teichert confessed. “Their calm demeanor and sharp instincts have guided us through even the toughest moments.”
Teichert’s admiration extended to the rest of his crew, each member contributing their unique talents to the project. “Josh Garretson, our producer and prop master, brought unparalleled creativity to the table,” Teichert noted. “His attention to detail elevated every scene.”
“Cassidy Henderson, our director of photography, is a true collaborator,” Teichert exclaimed. “Her ability to anticipate my creative vision is uncanny, making her an invaluable asset to the team.”
James Kettle, the production sound expert, earned Teichert’s respect for his ingenuity under pressure. “James always rose to the occasion, even in the face of unexpected challenges.”
Teichert’s gratitude extended beyond the core crew to include Alan Seawright, Kassandra Gutierrez, and Dustin Effinger, each contributing their talents to the project. “Alan, Kassandra, and Dustin brought their A-game to every aspect of production,” Teichert acknowledged. “Their dedication and passion are evident in every frame of ‘Meat Cute.'”
As our conversation drew to a close, Teichert imparted a word of advice for aspiring filmmakers: “Surround yourself with talented and passionate individuals who share your vision,” he advised, sincerity evident in his words. “Together, you can overcome any obstacle and create something truly extraordinary.”
With “Meat Cute” poised to make its mark on the festival circuit, Errol Teichert’s bloody romance is ready for audiences far and wide.
Comedy
Social AnnXiety
Set in the red rock of St George Utah, I had the pleasure of chatting with Natalie Lynch, the writer and lead actress of “Social AnnXiety.” As she shared her insights on the short film, it became evident that her journey from concept to screen was as much a homage to friendship and collaboration as it was about conquering personal fears.
Reflecting on the beginnings of “Social AnnXiety,” Natalie recounted, “Coming out of the pandemic, I was starting to get a little bit apprehensive about whether or not I could still human.” She added, “I’ve always had social anxiety to a degree, and sometimes it’s worse than others.”
Teaming up with her co-producer and co-star, Tara Jayn, alongside director Jason C. Brown, Natalie described their synergy as a “solid team,” forged through numerous collaborations.
Ever the creative, Natalie Lynch already has her sights on her next project. “We are writing our first feature film. It’s about two women who, thinking it’s the apocalypse, lock themselves in a bunker and clash. Two months later, hilarity ensues.”
Navigating the festival circuit, Natalie’s approach to selecting venues was pragmatic yet heartfelt. “We have some ‘go-tos’,” she explained, “favorites that you’ve been to in the past and you submit to them every single time.” Her recent move to Utah prompted submissions to local festivals, underscoring her commitment to fostering community and showcasing independent cinema on diverse platforms.
To aspiring filmmakers grappling with uncertainty, Natalie’s advice was simple: “Just do it.” With a nod to her favorite film, she emphasized the boundless possibilities afforded by modern technology and a relentless spirit of creativity. “Nothing should stop you.”
Comedy
Hannah Harbor
In the serene backdrop of the mountains, where nature’s beauty often conceals hidden dangers, filmmaker Steve Stay crafted a tale of suspense and intrigue in his short film “Hannah Harbor.” Originating from a chilling idea proposed by his friend Michael Birkeland, Stay transformed the concept into a unique narrative that explores the unsettling notion of being watched and pursued without one’s knowledge.
The beginnings of “Hannah Harbor” lies in a simple yet creepy concept. Steve Stay elaborated saying, “His idea was ‘What if a girl was out taking photos and when she got home there were pictures of her laying on her doorstep…someone had been stalking her, taking pics of her earlier that day.’”
One of the remarkable aspects of the film is its cast, led by Michaela Dean as Hannah and Lucas Millhouse as Leroy. Stay’s unconventional casting process led him to enlist Dean, whom he knew through her mother and her acting studies at NYU. Millhouse delivered a compelling performance, having received the script mere hours before filming.
Reflecting on the production experience, Stay expressed gratitude for the professionalism and expertise exhibited by Dean and Millhouse. “They both had a lot more experience filmmaking than I had… They were incredibly kind, forgiving of my inexperience, and professional,” Stay remarked.
Stay emphasized the invaluable learning experience gained from creating “Hannah Harbor.”
“I learned so much! I already have a couple other projects planned and have several things that I will do differently based on my Hannah Harbor experience. I’m not quite ready for a feature length movie, but plan to make that happen after I get a little more experience under my belt.”
Steve Stay invites audiences to delve into his creative journey by following his YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@thestevestay .
