We recently had the pleasure of interviewing Destin Cretton, the force behind the amazing short film, Short Term 12, "A film about kids. And the grown-ups who hit them." Amazing Fact #1: Short Term 12 was the winner of the Jury Prize in Short Filmmaking at this year's Sundance Film Festival. Amazing Fact #2: Destin is a grad student!
Destin lives in FiveSprockets' hometown of San Diego and is attending film school at San Diego State University. He shot the film largely crewed by his fellow film-school colleagues. See?! The DREAM CAN HAPPEN PEOPLE!
Besides being a totally nice guy with some real talent, Destin gave us some solid, uplifting and down to earth answers. Man, I wish all Hollywood was this cool...
Five Sprockets: Short Term 12 is a raw, emotional and extremlely passionate film. How in the world did you get the courage to take on such a story, depict it in film and have the foresight to inspire such emotional scenes from your actors?
Destin Cretton: Wow. Thank you, I’m flattered. Well, the movie is based on real life, something that I went through. For about two years before going to film school, I worked in a residential facility for at-risk teenagers. It was a pretty crazy experience that changed the way I viewed the world and forced me to grow up quite a bit. This film is my way of dealing with all the things I witnessed and experienced during that time.
FiveSprockets: I understand that you were pretty surprised to hear the news when you were first selected in the Sundance Film Festival.
What was your greatest hope when you submitted your film?
Destin Cretton: Just to get into the festival. I’ve submitted four other films to Sundance and have been rejected every year. It’s just become somewhat of a yearly routine: pay the fee, send the DVD, and wait for the rejection letter. I’m glad for the change this year.
FiveSprockets: Did you find the atmosphere of Sundance to be surreal compared to the subject matter of your film?
Destin Cretton: Hmm. I’m not sure. I actually found Sundance to be a place filled with down-to-earth, critically-thinking people who love to watch movies and talk about them. I met some incredible people there and had some wonderful discussions about life and movies.
FiveSprockets: What was the biggest opportunity that arose from being in the festival?
Destin Cretton: Just being in Sundance is an opportunity unlike any other that I’ve experienced. Being able to spend a week with some of the most talent storytellers in the world was priceless.
FiveSprockets: How did your Jury Prize Win change the fate of Short Term 12?
Destin Cretton: I suppose more people are willing to take a look at the movie now. It has been getting into some other really great festivals, but it’s hard to say whether or not that’s because of the Sundance award.
FiveSprockets: We'd love to hear more about your production process on Short Term 12. How did you secure such an amazing location?
Destin Creeton: The location was the most difficult thing to get out the entire production. I was making phone calls for three months, searching for anything that could pass as a residential facility, and right at the last minute, actually found one that was no longer operating. It couldn’t have been more perfect.
FiveSprockets: How did you cast and what did you look for? It's obvious you found some amazing talent, what tips do you have for finding talent such as yours?
Destin Cretton: I tried to keep an open mind during casting. I didn’t want to cling so tightly to the characters I had in my head that I would miss out on a great actor who may bring something new and better. So I just did my best to leave behind all expectations and look for great actors who brought something honest and unexpected.
FiveSprockets: Now that you have some fame and prestige under your belt, have any opportunities come your way?
Destin Cretton: Ha. Ask me this in a year or so.
FiveSprockets: What, if anything, will be different about your upcoming projects?
Destin Cretton: I’m not sure. Hopefully I’ll always be working on something that I’m passionate about.
FiveSprockets: Do you feel that that spotlight is now on you and you will be creating under a microscope next time around? How do you think this may affect your work?
Destin Cretton: No, I don’t really feel that pressure. Most people in the industry don’t care too much about short films, so I don’t think there are too many people spying on me.
FiveSprockets: If there is one single thing you think no filmmaker should ever skimp on, what is it?
Destin Cretton: Never skimp on the stuff that doesn’t cost money. Usually that’s time in pre-production (writing, storyboarding, preparing, etc.) and editing time.
FiveSprockets: What's the once piece of advice you have for aspiring filmmakers?
Destin Cretton: Make as much stuff as you can. Every project makes you better.
FiveSprockets Friendly Reminder: You can purchase a DVD of "Short Term 12" at www.shortterm12.com. The money they make from that will go toward helping the film get into more festivals and be seen by more people.
Comments
Congratulations
Congrats on this win and well wishes for future successes!
Amazing looking film
Do you have to buy it to see the whole thing?
Impressive
The trailer looks fantastic and I bet the film is even better. Inspirational interview - thanks for sharing.
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