VOTD: Found Footage Sci-Fi Short ‘Montauk,’ Plus An Interview With The Director Charlie Kessler
Growing up, we all hear stories. Myths and rumors about our hometown and surrounding areas that probably aren’t true. But… maybe one is. Maybe one was about an older kid at your school who did something crazy, or an old man who lives in the woods who may or may not be a killer, or a secret government facility one town over. Every town has its stories and directorCharlie Kesslerdecided to make one a reality.
The result isMontauk, a six minute short film combining several different types of “found footage.” The media cleverly overlap to tell a surprising story of a violent and horrible incident on the beaches of the Long Island community from which the film takes its name.
After the jump, check out the film and read our interview with the director for a few answers to pressing questions.
Here’sMontauk, directed by Charlie Kessler.
MontaukfromCHARLIE KESSLERonVimeo./Film: Where did the original idea for Montauk begin? Is any of it based in reality? Are you from Long Island?
How long did it take to shoot? How long did it take to complete? How much did it cost, if you don’t mind saying?
The found footage genre is dangerously close to being overdone. Did you take that into consideration when choosing your medium?
The film employs multiple versions of “found footage:” news footage, home video and then street camera. Were they all shot differently or did you effect them each after?
The film recently won an award at the Hamptons Film Festival, was that the only festival it was in? What others did you apply to? What thoughts do you have on that whole festival world and process?
Currently the movie lives on Vimeo. Knowing short films are most likely going to be seen online these days, how did that change your approach to the movie?
I sawa URL in the middle of the movie, what’s that about?
What’s next for you and for this film? Will we see more of it?
How did you guys go about doing the special effects?
Beyond what we see in the film, how much mythology did you create around the movie? Was there ever more to it?
Is there anything in the movie that we don’t catch at first glance?
Thanks to Charlie, a longtime /Film reader, for the heads up about his short and congrats to him and his crew for the impressive work. What do you guys think ofMontauk?
