Lee Stokes
Member
Mattina Presto Luce was written on July 30, 2010, and the final product was delivered on October 23, 2010. About 11 weeks, literally from start to finish. It is now in consideration in 10 film festivals.
Mattina Presto Luce was directly influenced by Michelangelo Antonioni's "Eclipse (1962", and in general an homage to his trilogy. It is a slow and quiet 23 minute film that captures the very moment when a couple accepts the failure of their marriage.
In addition to being an homage, it's also my plaintive request to the audience to 'slow down', to accept the moments 'in between', and to realize that at the end of things, other things are beginning.
This is the third short film that I directed, but the first that has been 100% completed and shown to audiences at large. The key to making this happen was actually hiring others to do the things I can't do very well (cinematography, costume design, production management, additional producing, editing, music, etc...).
Literally all I did was write, produce & direct. (And spend money).
I knew exactly the vision I had, had the crew hired, the locations locked, storyboards, shot lists and just about everything else we needed by the time we started shooting, so shoot dates were as stress free as possible. I cannot of a single "emergency" on shoot days!
We auditioned in early August, did all pre-production and then shot on four weekend days in September. Post production (music & editing) was done in late Sept/October.
The two keys to getting this completed for me was 1) not wavering from my vision and 2) not compromising on the Oct 23 end date.
I knew the movie I wanted to make from the start, and good or bad, the end product was pretty close to that vision, particularly from a style, pacing & tone standpoint. There are a couple 'do overs' I'd like in terms of composition of course. But adhering to that vision I felt was absolutely essential in getting it done.
But the second point had an even greater influence on getting the project finished.
My goal for 2010 was to get a film project done in time to enter into the 2011 San Francisco IndieFest. (My goal wasn't to have it accepted, just worthy of entry). The deadline was Oct 23, and there were a couple points where I felt we wouldn't make it, but at every crossroad we encountered, I found a solution and made it happen.
Anyways, I wish I could post the whole thing, but until I hear back from all of the festivals I entered, I cannot post online. But as soon as I can, I will have it up for everyone to see.
Meanwhile, enjoy the trailer, it's only 35 seconds long.