Settle in for a surprise Saturday special as we're joined by an unexpected guest, our good friend Judson, a fresh face in the realm of film directing. This episode is a deep dive into the creative mind of a filmmaker, offering a behind-the-scenes look at his recently premiered short movie, "Forsaken." You'll get to hear firsthand the inspiration that sparked this intriguing project, the reasons behind his casting choices (including real-life couple Traycie and Taj, and friends Stephanie and Jason), and the enlightening experience of auditions from a director's viewpoint. Brace yourself for an enriching conversation that exposes the highs and lows of transforming an abstract idea into a visual masterpiece.
Our conversation doesn't stop there, as Judson, candid as ever, shares the challenges he faced during the creation of "Forsaken." From grappling with unexpected hurdles to celebrating minor victories, this chat promises an exclusive look into the world of film creation. Judson's honest assessment of the final product and his enthusiasm for his upcoming anthology web series, "Subliminal Songs," keeps the discussion spirited and engaging. If you've ever wondered about the blood, sweat, and tears that go into making a movie, this episode is your golden ticket to the heart of the action. So tune in, as we journey into the fascinating world of filmmaking.
Settle in for a surprise Saturday special as we're joined by an unexpected guest, our good friend Judson, a fresh face in the realm of film directing. This episode is a deep dive into the creative mind of a filmmaker, offering a behind-the-scenes look at his recently premiered short movie, "Forsaken." You'll get to hear firsthand the inspiration that sparked this intriguing project, the reasons behind his casting choices (including real-life couple Traycie and Taj, and friends Stephanie and Jason), and the enlightening experience of auditions from a director's viewpoint. Brace yourself for an enriching conversation that exposes the highs and lows of transforming an abstract idea into a visual masterpiece.
Our conversation doesn't stop there, as Judson, candid as ever, shares the challenges he faced during the creation of "Forsaken." From grappling with unexpected hurdles to celebrating minor victories, this chat promises an exclusive look into the world of film creation. Judson's honest assessment of the final product and his enthusiasm for his upcoming anthology web series, "Subliminal Songs," keeps the discussion spirited and engaging. If you've ever wondered about the blood, sweat, and tears that go into making a movie, this episode is your golden ticket to the heart of the action. So tune in, as we journey into the fascinating world of filmmaking.
One's a movie buff, one watches movies, just enough Together. Fun will be had by all. This is Nady and Katie at the Movies.
Speaker 2:Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new episode of Nady and Katie at the Movies. I'm your host, nathan aka Nady, of course, and today is a surprise Saturday episode. But it's even more special because I will not be reviewing a movie, even though I probably could, but I'm sure the person I have on this show probably doesn't want me to review it. No, but seriously, I have someone who's been on the show before, but for the first time ever. He should feel super special because I am interviewing him as a film director. That's right, my good friend Judi is on the show and he is a film director now. Hey, judi, how are you?
Speaker 3:I'm fantastic. How are you doing?
Speaker 2:I am great and I'm really, really excited. Judson just premiered a short film that I had the honor of going to see on the big screen, that's right. Not on TV, not on a computer, not on a streaming service, not yet anyway but on the big screen TV called the movie theater. Sorry, it's really late and I'm tired, but I wanted to talk to him because I'm super proud of him and the film that he made. So let's get right to it. The film is called Forsaken, and usually I would do like a little synopsis, but because Judson directed it, I will allow him to tell us what is this movie all about.
Speaker 3:I know we kind of go into the plot plot for the usual episodes but for the sake that I'm going to release this digitally, I will not be spoiling this movie. But the little synopsis is when a young couple is encountering rough times. They start to question their decision of a young marriage when their memories of each other begins to warp.
Speaker 2:The second part, after we do the synopsis, is I give a list of the people who star in this movie. So I know who stars in this movie. There are actually a few friends of mine in this film, but for those listening who might check out this film later, would you like to give us a list of the stars of this film and I'll let you? I'll let the listeners know now. I'm sorry I am not in this movie, but who is Judson?
Speaker 3:So there's actually a little Easter egg, first of all, and there's a little native hiding in every frame of the movie that we did and I'm just kidding. So the film stars Tracy Kunzapada as Anna and her not fiance, but her husband, John, who's played by Taj Allen. So this is a real life couple and it was wonderfully casted because they had just had unreal chemistry. They're great actors and also just really great friends. We also have a little sneak peek with Stephanie Meader as Beth and Jason Lamchop, Anthony as Jason, as self named. So those are. That is the entire cast.
Speaker 2:Nice. And so, like I said, I know Tracy, I know Taj, I know Stephanie, if you're in the fable area, I'm actually going to be in a show with them called the Merry Wives of Windsor. Shameless Plug sweetieshakespearcom slash tickets to get your tickets if you're in the fable area. But so we went over the synopsis, we went over the stars. So now let's go a little off track of what we usually do on this show and I want to know what inspired you to make this particular film.
Speaker 3:I was approached by an old friend of mine, Zane Burkhart, about four, almost five years ago. He directed this production because it's originally a one act play by Kit Lavoie, and so he directed that production. And then he approached me and he's like, hey, this would this would make a really cool film thing. And you know, I've been talking about for years wanting to direct something, wanting to do something in film. So he approached me with the scripts and wanted to do a film adaptation of it. And then the project kind of got lost in limbo.
Speaker 3:So when 2023 started I'm not big on resolutions at all, but I said if there's one thing that I do this year, you know it's not, you know, do go to the gym and you know all the traditional stuff that you see, but it's to make a movie. And so I buckled down and stuck to that. And here we are and we did it. So and there's it's been really, really rewarding. I mean, it's not just a 2023 resolution thing. I've been wanting to do this since I was like 10 years old, so it's been a it's been a long time coming, but that is truly what inspired me and it's not of what how it started with the 2023 thing, and then being approached way back when, but continuously, throughout each step of the way, my friends including yourself, Nathan of be encouraging me to bring this to fruition, and it has been insanely rewarding, so thanks.
Speaker 2:Well, I do what I can. So with the stars of the film. Did you have auditions? Auditions for this, or did you already know? I know exactly who I want, and is that why I am not in the movie.
Speaker 3:Well, there are many reasons why you're not in the movie. No, I'm kidding, I knew that you know accomplishing such a big feat as you know creating a movie. I wanted to make sure that the script, that the first project that I do is very possible, is what I call it. The sets aren't super demanding, the cast isn't. You know, the more people that you have in the cast, the harder it is to rally them all into one group. And, like I said, knowing Taj and Tracy beforehand already, I knew they're great actors and I knew they're a loving couple and so I approached them.
Speaker 3:Hey, this is what I'm thinking about, and so that made that relatively easy. And, like I said, the original script, being a one-act play, only takes place in a living room and it's only two people the entire show. So, of course, with the film stuff, we kind of got a little. We added a bit more that we could because it was a film adaptation, including the roles of Beth and Jason, but the demands were very little and that's kind of like what helped put it all together as quickly as possible.
Speaker 2:So, just like with our film reviews, we always do likes and dislikes, so I thought I'd do a little twist on that. So what are some of your likes or highlights of the journey of making this film?
Speaker 3:I can easily say that the premiere was like the culmination was like the best thing, because that truly was something special. As I was saying, this was a dream of mine forever. And to be able to say, you know, to tell my younger self, hey, we put a movie up on the silver screen, is they're never going to believe it? But here we are, and that is truly, truly rewarding. But I will say that it's not the best. They're all equal amounts of rewards throughout the process. You know when I first dropped the trailer, when we first got the reservation for the theater, you know the reception and the community reaching out hey, I've known you since high school. This is a great thing, keep doing you. Like. Even that goes a long, long way.
Speaker 3:I also want to shout out my one of my personal favorites, who was just getting on set, going through that experience and learning everything on set with, with all of her cast and crew. That was truly, truly special. I've never done anything film related before, I haven't acted in film, I haven't directed anything, I have not set foot on a set before, and so, at least to my knowledge, there might be like film projects, but like in terms of an actual film. You get what I mean, and so that was truly, truly special being on set during the shoot. But so it's like it's a few things. It's kind of a bad answer because they're all equal, you can't really narrow it down. But yeah, those are the three top ones.
Speaker 2:Well, I mean, on the show we always give more than one like. So it's totally fine if you have, like, a plethora of likes. That's a good thing, you know. It's a good thing to have during this kind of journey. But of course, with every like there's probably a few dislikes. So were there any challenges that you found in making this film or, for the most part, was it pretty smooth?
Speaker 3:I will be lying if I said that any kind of artistic process was smooth For one. That Taj guy, quite the diva. You know the demands. He needed a trailer.
Speaker 2:It's funny to me because he's actually on episode of a movie review, so it's kind of mean that you're talking trash about him right now, but continue.
Speaker 3:Oh, no, I'm going to be putting this bad grace. You'll never want to work with me again. No, I'm kidding, I will say the. It's easier for me to narrow down this one. It's editing. I am no editor.
Speaker 3:I am very grateful for the opportunity that we had and that my editing skills were entry level enough to you know put everything together. But I'm very aware that there are people way more talented in the community than me to do it, and in the next projects I will hope to do that. And it's also when you're in it during pre-production and post-production, when you're that close to it all you're able to see the faults and the rough edges like blasted to a million because you were there on set. And then you're. Now you're looking at it again like, oh, I should have shot this differently. Oh, I should have done that.
Speaker 3:It's unfocused and you're really nitpicking all of it all. It's a necessary step of the process, but the minute that you're done, you're done. Whenever we get as well known enough to start hiring out editors and reaching out to other people to do that, that will be the first job that goes. I'm ready to get rid of that. Another challenge, I think, like I was saying getting everyone in the room together was rather difficult, but it was challenging, but it was also equally rewarding when we all put it in together. So it's kind of like the same but different.
Speaker 2:That's forsaken everybody. It's our little interview. So if you were to give Forsaken one to six stars, what would you give your first film premiere Jetson.
Speaker 1:I gotta give Forsaken.
Speaker 3:Now don't be biased. Now, come on, be honest. All right, fine, fine, I'll give Forsaken a.5 stars out of six. Truthfully, though I am very proud, I know the quality is not going to be up to snuff. I know that it is very much a first attempt at a film and so you'll see rough edges. I'm very aware of that. But considering everything, and also just the process and the catharsis of doing it, doing the thing, it's a easy six out of six.
Speaker 2:That's a solid way of me as you're answering the question, I was like I probably should have said what would you give the journey of making this film? A one to six. So would you still give it? Would you give the journey a six or would you give it a little lower because of challenges and stuff like that?
Speaker 3:All things considered, all the technical difficulties we're all kind of learning things together you can understand if I would give it a lower score, but the fact that I was able to accomplish this with a very talented team, a very patient team, all in under a year we shot this in the summer and it's out in December. I couldn't ask for anything better, so it's got to be a six out of six. Everyone is just fantastic through the whole process.
Speaker 2:Yeah, and, like I said at the beginning of the episode, I'm super proud of you. I'm proud that I've known you throughout the journey and, like you said, I've always done my best to be a supportive person to all of my friends. And so shout out to you, tracy, todd, stephanie and the whole cast, the crew, even people I don't know. It's awesome to know people in this community that are just striving to be as creative as possible and having the opportunity to show their creativity to everyone out there. So, before we end this episode, I always like to give a little sneak peek of what we'll be talking about next week, but we don't have obviously we don't have an audio trailer or anything like that yet for what you possibly might be doing next. I don't know. Is there anything up the pike coming up next that you're thinking of doing?
Speaker 3:I'm so glad you asked that. I'm currently writing the script and screenplay for the next At Nat production, which is called Subliminal Songs. It's going to be an anthology web series. Each episode is a self-contained story, much like an anthology, and the premise is it's the invention of a pill. You pop the pill, you put on some headphones and play a song and it'll put you to sleep. Your dream will be a memory that's linked to that song that you're playing, and the series focuses on how different people exploit that invention for their own better gain or to you know, if they have, you know, alzheimer's disease or bad memory problems, how it can help them, and so I think it's a really interesting concept. It's another one that's been down the pipeline and in the drafts for quite some time and, with the inertia of forsaken, we're finally putting that through. So we're in early pre-production with the first episode and the second, third and a few other people.
Speaker 3:My favorite thing about this project is that I've been reaching out to a lot of different people. I want to try and allow people platforms. If you've never been able to get in front of a camera, I want to provide that for you If you've always wanted to work a camera or work boom. I want to provide that opportunity for you Because I think the favo could use more of the film scene, and so a lot of people have been reaching out. I have like two or three writers writing their own episode. Having a bunch of people have been reaching out about their own ideas for the pill, and it has been another thing that has just truly touched my heart the inspiration and the motivation for other creatives to finally be able to shine, and that means most for me. So, yeah, very excited about that one.
Speaker 2:Would you be willing to share your information if people who are listening to this might be like, hey, this sounds really cool, I might want to send an idea or I might be able to help out in some way? Is there any way that people can contact you if they're interested in doing any of those things? Absolutely.
Speaker 3:Absolutely. So the easiest way is probably emailing at at judasfum at gmailcom j-u-d-i-s-f-u-m at gmailcom and then, in that subject line, tell me you have an idea for a cool pill thing, whatever. So that that's probably the easiest way to do it. I also have Instagram at judasfum, which is the email, but without the at jmail.
Speaker 2:I'll be sure to attach all the information on our Facebook, instagram, tiktok, all the places that we post our show info. And I think the most important question that probably every listener is probably wondering is am I going to be in this?
Speaker 3:It depends on how many times you ask me. You're knocking on my door. Hey, let me in the place. Let me be part of the show. No, that's a definite, that's a given. I need to find out how to place, but it's a given, don't? Don't you worry about it? Don't worry about it.
Speaker 2:Well, everyone, that is the episode right there. So, as always, we like to end it in some sort of way. I have an idea, justin. Do you have an idea of how you want to close this episode?
Speaker 3:I want to let you take the reins on this one. It's late and you are really inspired, so you go for it.
Speaker 2:Well, it's kind of an inside joke, but I'm super proud of you. But I'm mostly proud of you for one main reason. Do you know what that is?
Speaker 3:No, but I'm starting to get nervous. I see his little giggle, his little smile. I'm getting nervous. Go for it.
Speaker 2:I'm really proud of you because I love my mom and my sisters, but not in the same way.
Speaker 1:But I do Thanks for listening to Nati and Katie at the Movies. Feel free to leave us a review so people can find the show. Follow us on all our social media platforms and if there's a movie that you want us to watch, feel free to contact us at natiandkateyatgmailcom. Thanks for listening and have a great day.