Interview: Director Matt Weinstein Presents ‘The Gun Equation’ at 2016 Blue Whiskey Indie Fest

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CHICAGO – The weekend of July 29th through the 31st is the final three days of the Blue Whiskey Independent Film Festival in Mount Prospect, IL, and filmmakers from all over the indie sphere have made contributions, including director Matt Weinstein and his new short film project, “The Gun Equation.” For more information about the Blue Whiskey Festival, click here.

“The Gun Equation” is scheduled for 7pm on Friday, July 29th, and is part of the “Official Selections” group of notable short films. This is director Matt Weinstein’s second directorial effort, his first narrative film, and it was shot on location in Chicago. The tense thriller has shades of Alfred Hitchcock and Christopher Nolan, and creates its energy through the precise filmmaking of Matt Weinstein, whose career includes cinematography, camera operator and editor. His skills within these dynamics are evident as he puts it all together as director of “The Gun Equation.”

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’The Gun Equation,’ directed by Matt Weinstein
Photo credit: Matt Weinstein

In anticipation of his presentation at the Blue Whiskey Independent Film Festival, Matt Weinstein answered some inquiries from HollywoodChicago.com, regarding this pivotal moment in his burgeoning film career.

HollywoodChicago.com: What cinematic influences are in your film? Who are the directors or director on your metaphoric ‘What would ____ Do” bracelet?

Matt Weinstein: I am generally influenced by Martin Scorsese, Christopher Nolan, David Fincher, and Michael Mann, to name a few. Obviously the first shot, taken alone, is directly inspired by Mann’s “Heat” [1995]. I also took a cue from Christopher Nolan in staging this during a bright and sunny summer day as opposed to night or rainy darkness. I felt going the latter route would have put more of an emphasis on the style over the story. I also felt the normalcy of the day would help add to the unsettling impact.

HollywoodChicago.com: Casting is crucial for micro-budget independent filmmaking. What did you want to get right in selecting your cast?

Weinstein: Casting was rather simple. The two lead actors are friends of mine from Northern Illinois University. I don’t think there was too much to really discuss – Tyler Pistorius as the mysterious ‘Guy’ immediately understood the character’s intention, and really delved deep into it, just as Colin Jackson did as ‘Brian.’ 

I felt both Tyler and Colin played the roles without stacking the deck in favor of one character’s plight over the other, and they kept the humanity intact.  As for Emily Ariel Roger – who portrayed the ‘Wife’ – I felt she had a great screen presence that was perfect for that character. She also had great charisma, that helped to flesh out a character that has no dialogue.

HollywoodChicago.com: You are primarily an editor, a skill that is front and center in your short film. How does an editor make the leap to director, in your case?

Weinstein: I’ve had experience directing prior to directing ‘The Gun Equation.’  It was just a matter of opportunity and ability – I also had edited the screenwriter’s previous short film. I felt that understanding how the film was going to be edited really helped to focus on what coverage we needed, and that enabled us to move really quickly during production.

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Matt Weinstein (second from left) Directs a Scene in Chicago for ‘The Gun Equation’
Photo credit: Matt Weinstein

HollywoodChicago.com: You will be showcasing ‘The Gun Equation’ at the Blue Whiskey Independent Film Festival. How important is it for filmmakers to get exposure at film festivals?

Weinstein: Film festivals are a great opportunity to get exposure and, of course, to network. Submitting to festivals was definitely a crucial part of the plan as far as distribution.  However, it is a tough and highly competitive market.  A lot of festivals – especially the big ones – receive a tremendous amount of submissions every year. In the festivals that “The Gun Equation” has screened, it has received positive word of mouth. 

HollywoodChicago.com: In evolving your experience as a filmmaker, what do you want to take away from the festival presentations?

Weinstein: What I take from this experience is make the best film you can, and not try to please factors outside my control, like film festivals. And also, don’t take the lack of festival play as a knock on the quality of your film – again, there are a lot of submissions to festivals every year.  The distribution outside of film festivals is also very important, because you don’t want your film to just sit on a shelf. Offering the film online – whether for sale or for free – is the next best chance to getting the film in front of the widest possible audience.  

The presentation of director Matt Weinstein’s “The Gun Equation” will take place at the Blue Whiskey Independent Film Festival on July 29th, 2016, at the AMC Randhurst 12 in Mount Prospect, Illinois. Featuring Tyler Pistorius, Colin Jackson and Emily Ariel Rogers. Written by Thomas Desplinter. Directed by Matt Weinstein. Not Rated. “The Gun Equation’ will also be available on “Vimeo on Demand” beginning August 2nd, 2016. For details, click here.

HollywoodChicago.com senior staff writer Patrick McDonald

By PATRICK McDONALD
Writer, Editorial Coordinator
HollywoodChicago.com
pat@hollywoodchicago.com

© 2016 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

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