Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Claire Matson wrote the first iteration of Being Dead Should Be Easy in 2020, inspired by a mix of anxious energy and family dynamics.
- Finding the perfect location proved challenging, but the team’s adaptability ensured the film’s vision was realized.
- The greatest strength of independent filmmaking is doing the most with the least, turning challenges into creative solutions.
In Conversation with Claire Matson: A Journey of Humor, Family, and Indie Filmmaking
Meet Claire Matson, the co-director, writer, and producer behind the dark comedy Being Dead Should Be Easy, screening at this year's HollyShorts Film Festival.
Alongside her creative partner, Drew Brandon Jones, Claire brings to life a story that blends humor with the complexities of family dynamics.
The film's cast includes Olivia Macklin, Maggie Wheeler, and Kevin Dorff, with Jean Carlos Falcon capturing the vision as the Director of Photography.
Claire's knack for comedy, honed through years of improv and sketch, shines through in this short film.
What drew you to make this film? Why this story, and why now?
Making Being Dead Should Be Easy came from a deep love of making people laugh, and finding humor in even the darkest of places. The film revolves around death, family, tradition, and tackling life’s challenges while trying to save a little face. I wrote the first iteration shortly after moving to Los Angeles in March 2020. My family was the inspiration, and though the plot is fictional, it’s a love letter to them and about figuring it all out.
What was the hardest creative decision you made while making this film?
The hardest creative decision was during the editorial process. We loved all the footage that we captured and, despite wanting to keep it all, we had to do what was best for the story, keeping it succinct. It's a good reminder that ultimately, it's most important to do what serves the film and story.
"There's a moment in the film where Richard chokes on a mini hot dog. It's a silly joke that kept getting laughs on set, and it feels unique to my voice."
What surprised you most about the filmmaking process this time?
We were all hands on deck, from casting to location scouting. We had a house for the shoot lined up, but it fell through, forcing us to find new locations. That was a challenge, but it reminded me to pivot and stay flexible. During filming, our ambitious shot lists were sometimes thwarted by time, reinforcing the need to adapt.
What do you hope audiences take away from your film?
I hope audiences find the characters authentic and realize that, no matter what age one is, we are all still part of this deeply human journey of figuring it all out.
"The greatest strength of independent filmmaking is learning how to do the most with the least amount of resources."
What does it mean to you to have your film selected for HollyShorts?
Being recognized by HollyShorts is incredibly validating and a much-needed boost of confidence after spending so much time writing, producing, and directing our film. We’re grateful for the chance to see it on the big screen in our hometown and invite our incredible cast and crew.
How do you hope being part of HollyShorts will shape the life of this film?
We’re excited to share Being Dead Should Be Easy with as wide of an audience as possible. The festival is a great kickoff to what's hopefully a fun and fruitful festival run. We hope to develop it into a feature film.
"At the core of all my work is a desire to make people laugh!"
Cast & Crew
- Editor: Emily
- Post Production Supervisor: Jorja Hudson
For more updates, follow Being Dead Should Be Easy on Instagram.
