(Un)wanted Interviews: Filmmaking

Giving a voice to those without one.

Monthly Archives: October 2014

Jason Heffner | Actor/Director | Philadelphia, PA

Jason Heffner | Actor/Director | Philadelphia, PA

Jason Heffner is a writer, director, producer, actor and editor from the Philadelphia area. He can play many roles in a film’s creating process but got a some time to express to (Un)wanted Interviews his views on divvying up workloads and even his drive to create this art form.

I spoke with Jason via email and his responses are below. (Edited for grammar and formatting)

What is your drive to participate in all aspects of film?

My drive to participate stems from my desire to produce content rather than waiting to sell it. I could work for years polishing a script that would never sell, or I could go out and produce a project myself. Working with no budget, I have to do my best within my resources; my resources are myself and the people I know, and the equipment I can get my hands on. The nature of technology allows me to use my camera & computer and then release on YouTube and local screenings.

He goes on to talk about what his thoughts are on divvying the work load to create a film.

I’ll do every job on a movie from writing, directing, producing, editing, & acting; but if there’s someone BETTER than me, I want THEM to do it. My strength as a leader lies not just in my thousands of ideas but my ability to choose the best team to work with. Film making is definitely a team sport; on my projects, “Best Idea Wins.”

Preference between in front or behind the camera? How come?

I love being in front of the camera; I love making people laugh. I got started in making movies because I wanted to be an actor but didn’t know anyone making movies, so I picked up the camera myself.  All my early work features my friends in little skits.

But I love directing because I love compromising all the good brainstorms into one project.

Any crazy experiences from you directing, or even being directed as an actor?

I learn a lot on every project, often learning what NOT to do. I’ve had great successes working with different teams. Recently my philosophy of teamwork & delegating didn’t work out so well and someone I was relying on was more interested in their own ideas rather than what was best for the project.

They took criticism personally and undermined the whole project almost breaking it up. They threatened to come to my home and also to picket the theater- thankfully I had releases. I also was very firm that if they came to my house I would call the police.  I never thought a small film project would cause so much aggravation!

We then spoke about his plans for the future.

My plans moving forward are the pursuits of all my creative endeavors. I made a six month plan to focus on writing, not just scripts but prose as well, and also photography & guitar.

My goals include self-producing my scripts, while working on writing and polishing longer scripts for sale. The main goal of my six month plan is to make the transition from no budget shorts to features with funding.

He also mentioned how he wants to get to a point where he can confidently go to an investor and have one of his projects created

Why film?

I’m an artist and film is the ultimate art form. A novel inspires imagination, a picture is worth a thousand words, and music is the language of the soul: film combines all these passionate outlets into one dynamic medium.  Film allows for the most substance.

Jason also shared his thoughts on which genres he prefers to write.

Many people say comedy is the hardest and drama is the easiest. I feel the opposite; I know comedy is my strength. There is no better feeling than an audience erupting in laughter.

I love action too; several of my shorts combine action and comedy which equals pure (& inexpensive) entertainment. I did make one sad drama and people cried in the theater, which felt pretty good too!

Jason Heffner currently resides in Pennsylvania. He has been a part of DROP THE HAT Productions since 2003. His most recent work, “MAXIMUM IMPACT”, played in a film festival in Philadelphia, and took home a “Best Video Effects” award and an “Audience Choice” award.

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(Un)wanted Interview: Kyle Harter | Editor | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Kyle Harter is a 23-year-old film editor who currently lives in West Philly. He is currently working within the field and creates short films for festivals. His latest work will be featured in the official Project Twenty1 Film Festival in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. “The Burning Tree” was a collaboration between a talented crew, where Kyle worked as the lead editor. Mr. Harter, via email, gave us a little insight on why editing is his passion.

Kyle Harter | Editor | Philadelphia, PA

Kyle Harter | Editor | Philadelphia, PA

What appeals to you about being an editor? Why’d you choose that path?

Editing is all about creation. I’ve always seen myself as a creator, and I fell into editing when I realized that I’m able to spend my time creating a final product for an audience. The ability to take all of the material that was shot by a talented cast and crew, and then somehow magically place all the cuts in the right places is a process that’s incredibly fulfilling. I wouldn’t say I chose this path. I more so found this path to be the most challenging and rewarding channel to express my perspective on art.

You are an editor, but do you like to work in or have other skills in Pre-Production or Production?

As an editor, it’s necessary to possess skills and awareness of other departments. So I have developed skills in other areas to be a stronger editor. I believe it is incredibly helpful for editors to have knowledge of cameras, story structure, character development, direction, sound design, set design, and everything else you can think of. Especially when an editor is on set, he is usually the first set of eyes on what the dailies look like. That first look is helpful to the pace of production, and the final product.

In regards to working in other stages of production, I value Pre-Production as one of, if not, the most important stage. The writing being the first step. I aspired to be a writer prior to editing. I still see myself as a writer, since I’m technically rewriting the film when editing when you factor in the marriage of visuals and sound.

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