We had the chance to catch up with last year's winner of the Wyoming Short Film Contest, David Gonzales, and here's what he had to say about winning the Wyoming Short Film Contest, filming in Wyoming, and being a filmmaker in today's economy.
WFO: How did you find out about the Wyoming Short Film Contest?David Gonzales: A friend left me a phone message about it. At the time, I was in Mexico, working on a short web film for Timex, so I didn't really think about it until I got back to Jackson. Then I listened to the message again, found that the deadline was coming up in a few days, and scrambled to enter.
WFO: Why did you decide to enter?
David: Because for the past three years, I've been primarily focused on making short films for my website, thesnaz.com, and every one of those films took place in Wyoming. How could I not enter?
WFO: What was the application process like for you?
David: Pretty quick and easy. But I only had a day to do it, so I spent all day putting my entries into the system and burning DVDs. Well worth it, obviously!
WFO: When and how did you find out you had won the contest?
David: Colin Strickland from the Wyoming Film Office called me. I was bowled over. Flabbergasted. And then I took a bunch of friends out for dinner!
WFO: What were your initial thoughts on how you were going to use the prize money?
David: I'm always mulling over the next film project, or projects, so I started immediately daydreaming about feature narrative films, sprawling documentaries, all sorts of things. Gradually, my thoughts became a little more realistic. Now I'm working on a series of short films, all with a common Wyoming theme.
WFO: With the downturn in the economy, how have things changed for you more recently?
David: It's hard to demand the fees I was getting last year for video work, and finding clients has become more challenging. That said, I think tough times inspire me to be more creative, more diligent, and more aggressive, which are all good things in the film world. I don't think we're even close to seeing the worst in this downturn, but I have a hard time not being upbeat about things, because I'm so excited about all the projects I'm currently shooting, editing, and planning. The digital film world is exploding right now; how can we filmmakers not be excited about it?
WFO: Why should a filmmaker enter the Wyoming Short Film Contest?
David: It's always good to see how your films stack up to other films. Also, entering a contest like this makes you feel like part of a larger community of filmmakers. And there just aren't that many filmmakers in the least populated state! Just think how much better your chances are here, than if you were in California or New York!
WFO: How is filming in Wyoming a good thing? How is it challenging?
David: Wyoming is raw, wild, stark, lonely, and real. It's replete with characters. It includes some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, and is currently at the centerpoint of our nation's energy debates. I'd rather film in this state than anywhere else. That said, the weather is brutal for most of the year.
WFO: What words of advice would you give to a filmmaker about what might make a winning entry in this year's contest?David: Hmm, I don't know if I should answer this, because I hope to enter again! But I would recommend making films that show off the state, if that makes sense. Also, make them short and constantly engrossing. The absolute worst thing you can do in any film contest is bore the judges.
WFO: What would you be doing if you did NOT have this prize money?
David: I'd be editing and re-editing my entries right now, because I'd be that much more focused on winning this year's contest!
You can find samples of David's still photography work on his web site and sample some of his Jackson Hole videos at The Snaz.
You can view his 4 winning videos in the player below (they play one after another or you can toggle through them using the player's buttons).
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