An Interview with Film Director Andrew Pritzker
February 25, 2025 festreviews.org (Reblogged)
HOMEPLANET, 26min., USA Written and Directed by Andrew Pritzker:
Barefoot on a country highway, a Disoriented Man is picked up by Two Local Cops who suspect he may be a space alien.
1. What motivated you to make this film?
I had a funny idea kicking around in my head about two cops picking up guy on a country road because they thought he was a space alien. But when I fleshed out the story I decided it wasn’t really about the cops but the guy they arrested. So the questioned remained, “Who is he and what is he doing there?” When the script refocused it turned from comedy to a character drama. Once I found the emotional thread, I wanted to shoot the film.
2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
It took about 9 months for 12 drafts of the script, research and storyboard. We shot 4 long days and nights of production. Post took longer than expected but we had to get it right. Editing, FX, scoring, and sound design took about another 7 months.
3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
Golden-age Sci-fi.
4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
We had a few. With Covid becoming less of a factor, more films went into production the same time we did. Everybody wanted to shoot before winter. It was hard to find a good sound mixer. Everyone was booked. The same went for a steady cam op…booked. We lucked out renting a Ronin from our drone pilot who was also a really good sound mixer. So the hybrid position of sound mixer/drone pilot was born.
5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I was really happy by the response. The reviewers spoke positively about the film and connected to it emotionally. We loved their reactions. They had a personal experience with the film and that’s terrific.
6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
My grandfather always had a movie camera in his hands. It was a strange little box and you could tell he loved it. When I inherited his camera, projector, and home movies, I shot a few small projects with stop motion animation and then edited the film stock. I began to get feel for the craft. I had watched a lot of classic Hollywood films from 30s and 40s movies. I loved the hard film noir lighting. The more I watched the more I understood the artistry put into filmmaking. At age 14, I had an epiphany when I began to look for subtext in films, the unspoken film within a film. That was it.
7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
That’s a good question. Numerically, I’d have to say, It’s a Wonderful Life. A Frank Capra gem. Politically and culturally savvy, funny heartbreaking, mystical, and character driven by a reluctant hero. The casting, cinematography, and editing all come together. It’s rises above Christmas genre. It’s a stand alone classic.
8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
PR is a big contribution as well as informative seminars and speakers but the audience is king. A live screening in a theater is electrifying and raw. There’s nothing more honest and immediate than an audience reaction.
9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
There used to be two major submission platforms but now there’s just one. FilmFreeway is a great operation. They care about what they do.
10. What is your favorite meal?
A Philly Cheesesteak made in Philly.
11. What is next for you? A new film?
I have a few projects on my slate. I’m the writer/producer on an existential comedy called PERK we hope to shoot this spring. I’m also putting together LAST TICKET, an anthology feature centered around HomePlanet.
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