Recapping ‘a Short Break’ With Director and Writer Damien D. Smith
A Short Break changed up the flow of its recent episode by showcasing their very own, Damien D. Smith and his short film About That starring Crystal Cotton and Derrick LeMont! You might be familiar with Damien as the show's host but others know him as an actor from FX’s Snowfall and the award-winning short film Jinn.
Smith’s short film About That tells the story of Summer and Jonathan who are in love, but love isn't enough for some people. Their relationship can only be described as pure bliss. Unfortunately, the world is uncomfortable with the pair and a series of events start to hint at Jonathan's mental stability. With Damien in the hot seat, co-host Emma was joined by verteran host Nass Metcalf!
Introducing a new virtual show a Short Break where host Damien D. Smith and co-host Emma J. show the best short films in their entirety and then replay with a live director’s cut where the audience is able to interact and ask questions to their favorite filmmakers! Tune in every Sunday at 4PM PT / 7PM ET to join in on the LIVE conversation via Facebook Live and YouTube Live.
What advice do you have for future filmmakers?
Damien D. Smith: Have a tribe. I appreciated my tribe at the time because they really helped me see my vision come true. I was able to grow, get stronger and it gave me confidence. This film gave me the courage to say “You can do this [directing], you really can”. From there I pushed forward to making more films. Also, know your craft.
Not only did you star in this film but you directed as well. With filmilming with a doll and a human, what was your editing process?
Damien D. Smith: My DP Noel Maitland and I sat down and mapped out everything because we knew it was going to be a challenge with the doll and Crystal swapping in and out. We didn't know which way we wanted to shoot so we shot the dinner scene throughout the day. Just FYI, that doll cost $125 a day!
Watching the film again, what is something new that you noticed?
Nass Metcalfe: With watching it the second time, it stirs up so many thoughts about mental health. We’re living in a time when there is so much stimuli coming at us from so many different directions. Anybody with a lack of stability you wonder how do they function in a world like this? With social pressures, the dynamics of relationships and your ideal personal relationship, this is like the embodiment of all of these things in a 15-minute short. We’re all seeking something in life, and Damien’s character showed that he desperately needed love and support.
What do you want people to take away from this film?
Crystal Cotton: Sometimes your ideas may seem mental. Sometimes you may have an idea that is out of this world, out of your mind. I say go for it. I feel like this film is one of those things, that at the time, you weren’t seeing films like this. Those ideas that come to you, ride the wave, take it all the way, and see it through completion.
Watch the full clip on Facebook and Youtube now, plus listen on Spotify! Don’t forget to watch previous episodes with directors Bobby Huntley and Carl Seaton!
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See you every Sunday at 4PM PT / 7PM ET!