Interview with Director Avi Rothman (Bunion)

To be honest, I was quite flattered. It seemed like people enjoyed the film… It felt great to see that.

– Avi Rothman, in reaction to the WILDsound Film Festival FEEDBACK Video of his film BUNION

Watch the Audience FEEDBACK Video of BUNION:

Matthew Toffolo interviews director Avi Rothman:

Matthew: What motivated you to make this film?

Avi: This film is based on exaggerated truths. I grew up with a bunion and was dealing with some pretty bad foot pain for the last few years of my life. I thought it was somewhat ridiculous / comical that my bunion was giving me trouble. Writing the film was cathartic for me and allowed me to express what I was going with my life at the time.

Matthew: From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

Avi: The process was actually pretty quick with this film. When I conceived the idea I relayed it to Jessica. Jessica really liked the idea and pushed me to write it. I wrote the film fairly quickly and we began preproduction. I believe we shot the film in three days. The part that took the longest was postproduction – color correction and sound. Post took a few month because we called in favors and people charged us next to nothing.

Matthew: Talk about your cast…

Avi: We did have a great cast. When I was writing the short I had almost everyone in mind, except for the love interest in the beginning of the film who is played by Alia Shawkat. Alia was Jessica’s idea, which was great. Jessica has always loved Alia’s work, as have I, but she’s never really been seen as a strong beautiful / sexy female lead character before. Jessica’s agent forwarded Alia the script and I realized I had a friend who grew up with Alia and she also put in a good word for us. Alia read the script and loved it.

Both Jessica and I have known Michaela Watkins for a while. I used to perform with, The Groundlings, which is how I met Mikaela years ago. When Michaela read the script she too really liked it and agreed to sign on.

Steve Ireland (his real name is Steve Younger) has been a friend of mine for years. The reason you haven’t seen him for such a long time is because in real life he is a high powered entertainment lawyer. To be honest, I met Steve almost eight years ago when I sold a pilot I wrote with a friend to the Starz channel… Steve was our lawyer during that process. Steve doesn’t audition anymore, he’s only interested in projects that either his friends are writing / producing.

Misty Monroe, who played the nurse, was recommended from a friend who I initially wanted to play the part of the nurse. He was busy during our shooting schedule so he recommended, Misty. She too was a joy to work with.

I think everyone really enjoyed themselves.

Matthew: What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

Avi: Post production was tough. So many people were not charging us or charging us very little for their time that it took a while to complete. Again, we pulled in a lot of favors.

Even though there were so many different personalities on set I feel we all got along very well. I think we all had a pleasant experience shooting the film.

Matthew: Bunion 2?

Avi: I don’t think so… I’d like to finish writing my feature… Which should have been completed a year ago. I know Jessica really wants to direct features as well. Jessica currently has a feature in development.

Matthew: What are your initial reactions when watching the Toronto audience talking about the film?

Avi: To be honest, I was quite flattered. It seemed like people enjoyed the film… It felt great to see that.

Matthew: What film have you seen the most in your life?

Avi: Good question… I’m not exactly sure.
Films that I’ve seen more than once:
Annie Hall, Manhattan, The Big Lebowski, Raging Bull, A Clockwork Orange, Y Tu Mama Tambien, Little Miss Sunshine, Punch Druck Love, Casablanca, …These are just a few.

Matthew: What is next for you?

Avi: I’d really like to finish writing and shoot a feature.
Jessica has a project in development that she will direct.

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Submitters reactions to their feedback on their stories. New testimonials coming each month! Watch this month's winning readings. At least 15 performances a month: www.wildsoundfestival.com Submit your script, story, poem, or film to the festival today: www.wildsound.ca