The short film Neuro was an immediate standout as I perused this year’s SXSW offerings—with a colorful filmic aesthetic and 1970s setting, the short grabs you and immediately immerses you in a world of creepy pseudoscience and marital drama. The film stars Samantha Robinson (of The Love Witch fame) and John Valley (Rats!) as a married couple who have a rough wedding night. Having quickly fallen out of love, they turn to Van Quattro (Fight Club) at a strange medical facility for help. The project was shot entirely on Kodak Motion Picture Film, which lends it its gorgeous color and grain. The majority is 16mm, and the opening sequence was shot on Super 8. We chatted with the writer/director, Wes Ellis, ahead of his SXSW premiere to get advice on using film and crowdfunding your passion project, among other important tidbits. If you’re prepping your short film, read ahead for inspiration. (And enjoy the trailer premiere below, exclusively on NFS!) - YouTube youtu.be No Film School: I’d love to hear a bit more about your background and how that has prepared you to take on this ambitious short. Wes Ellis: Despite always dreaming of becoming a filmmaker when I was a kid, my background has been primarily in still photography. I learned Photoshop when I was 12 (in 2006) and picked up a camera at the age of 15. I spent several years feeling inspired. It wasn't until 2016 that I took this pursuit of making a career out...
Published By: NoFilmSchool - Friday, 7 March, 2025