"Carrying a whole short film on your back": Shooting 'Forest of Echoes' alone - Interview Benjamin Watts
In this interview, we have a chat with Benjamin Watts, director of the short film 'Forest of Echoes' shot completely on his own, in the loneliness of the forest. Learn about independent filmmaking by someone who has truly done it all on his own!
Benjamin Watts
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Indie-Clips Original Interview
Benjamin Watts
'Forest of Echoes'
Hello Benjamin, can you tell us more about yourself and your short film 'Forest of Echoes'?
I'm really just a poor country kid who used movies and comic books as an escape. I tried to get involved with acting but had no support system as a youth - eventually while living in Las Vegas as a young adult twenty years ago I finally got to play and I haven't stopped since.
I began in theatre, trained with The Second City (Vegas chapter) and simultaneously began my writing journey. Since then I've had the privilege of working on a number of TV shows, web series, some amazing indie films and have worked with some truly wonderful creators.
Forest of Echoes was born from the waterfall hikes my family does and since I currently live rurally, I decided to see what I could accomplish myself. In rewatching some old episodes of The Twilight Zone, I thought it'd be fun to dip my toes into that kind of world and tip my hat to Mr. Serling.
I hope fans of the old show enjoy this piece.
What are your cinematic inspirations? Any short film or feature film you'd recommend watching?
My inspirations are far and wide. I love Darren Aronofsky's work (The Fountain is a top film of mine), Peter Jackson, George Miller, David Fincher and the Coen brothers are all director's I admire.
The last feature I watched that moved me with its depth and creativity was The Daniels "Everything Everywhere All At Once". Those guys are some of the most original, creative storytellers in recent years.
For shorts? So many good ones, I find myself binge watching the Omeleto and Dust channels on Youtube. Both of those channels curate some incredible stuff.
What was the biggest challenge you faced on the production of 'Forest of Echoes'? How did you overcome it?
There were innumerable challenges. Solo shooting without fancy equipment meant no moving shots, so I had to be really creative with my framing and coverage. Both locations I shot at required hiking in with everything on my back, all the equipment, food, water and Pete Pink, my big stand in/dummy and slacker PA.
But I think the biggest obstacle was probably the weather, it was freezing cold. I chose the shoot dates because they were overcast and I needed natural light diffusion - I also knew Yakso Falls would be gushing and absolutely stunning that time of year. I would take breaks after set ups to warm my hands and try to stop shaking before rolling.
What is the best memory you have from shooting your short film?
Slipping on my butt hiking out to my very first shot. I landed so hard and so quickly that I immediately laughed out loud. I laid there for a minute catching my breath, got up, checked the equipment and brushed myself off. There's a spot of mud noticeable on the flight suit throughout the film, left cheek.
How I handled a tumble with humor and grace first thing set the tone for the whole shoot; I was going to have a great time no matter what.
The question we all want to know about: can you share one piece of advice to our audience of independent filmmakers making their first short film?
Just shoot. When I first started decades ago it was impossible to shoot something on your own that looked even slightly professional. Work is tough to get consistently in this industry, especially as a union actor, you can go for years without booking anything while trying to get funding for projects and helping others out.
Just shooting gives you an opportunity to flex that filmmaking muscle. The final result may not always be perfect, but you'll get stronger in your vision, capabilities and storytelling overall.
Eventually, one of those random little projects may become the calling card for your next big job.
Either way, you're doing what you love.
Any future plans? Tell us more about your upcoming projects!
Working on some auditions currently, but I am considering taking my dark comedy feature into the crowdfunding space next year to greenlight myself.
I've also written a spooky, yet heartfelt werewolf feature that I want to do something soon with, especially with this current lycan renaissance we seem to be having.
Where can we see your work? Any way our fellow filmmakers can get in contact with you?
As an actor, my previous work can be found on Amazon Prime, Tubi, Google Play Movies and BET.
As a creator, it can mostly be found on my YT channel; Matchstick McCoy.
I'm always excited to collaborate and can be found through my website or socials:
