SBIFF 2017

I had an amazing experience at the 32nd Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival. My film, The Financial Teller, was accepted into the local shorts category and I was able to watch it on the big screen alongside the actors of the film, who I consider my friends.

The festival treated their filmmakers like royalty. I received two platinum passes, which granted myself and a guest priority access to every movie and event. I attended the opening gala, two studio parties, several happy hours, the awards breakfast, and about 10 films. I was able to see Denzel Washington, Emma Stone, and Ryan Gosling interviewed at the Arlington.

All this happened because of my decision to pursue my passion of comedy writing/directing through starting a YouTube channel in June of 2015. The channel has helped me hone my skill set and make great connections with other creative people.

I made The Financial Teller specifically with SBIFF in mind, approximately one year after starting uploading my first video to the channel. I was beyond thrilled when I received an acceptance letter, my first ever for a film festival. The film cost approximately $100 to make (not counting all the gear I own) and it was done with no crew. I used a C-stand to hold up the boom in most shots. I filmed in my boss’ office, SBCC, the backyard and living room of one of the actors, and downtown on State St. I spent many hours editing. I remember working all night on the 4th of July on one special effect (you’ll know it when you see it).

Now that the festival is over, I’m thinking about ways I can grow and challenge myself in 2017. For festivals, I would like to make a longer short and put a greater emphasis on character development. For YouTube, I’d like to explore ways I can use Element 3D to enhance a story with comedic visual effects, along the lines of my Stranger Things Parody.