Table of Contents
Three Key Takeaways
- Trust Your Instincts: James and Matt emphasize the importance of trusting pre-planning instincts, especially in character selection.
- Cohesive Design: The duo believes every element in a film, from fonts to music, should be a deliberate choice to create a cohesive whole.
- Independent Filmmaking Strengths: Embrace unexpected challenges as they often lead to the best directing choices.
James P. Gannon and Matt Ferrin, the dynamic directors behind Wrecked a Bunch of Cars, Had a Good Time, bring their unique vision to this year's HollyShorts Film Festival.
With a history of successful festival runs and award-winning projects, James and Matt are no strangers to the art of filmmaking.
James, self-taught and prolific, has seen his films featured at prestigious festivals like SXSW and Sundance, while Matt's creative acumen has led him to work with global brands like Google and Disney.
Together, they explore the demolition derby world in their latest short, a venture that promises to captivate audiences and expand into new opportunities.
Q&A Interview
What drew you to make this film? Why this story, and why now?
We made Wrecked a Bunch of Cars, Had a Good Time while doing research for our feature narrative film, HARDPAN. It's about a demolition derby driver marooned in the desert with only a case of beer. We wanted an insider understanding of the derby world, and since we had access to it, we thought, why not make a documentary? We weren't sure if we'd catch anything worthy, but the footage proved otherwise.
What surprised you most about the filmmaking process this time?
Casting was a big challenge. The derby contestants sign up on the day, so you can't know who'll be there. We chose to focus on five people out of nearly 100, and surprisingly, picked the two who ended up in first and second place.
"The whole way the edit came together and the finishing touches we put on the film—that’s when it feels like us."
Is there a moment in the film that feels the most you?
The edit and finishing touches are where we felt most ourselves. Everything—font, title design, music—was a calculated choice, making the film feel cohesive and deliberate.
What was the hardest creative decision you made while making this film?
Deciding if the different "heats" of the derby were clear to the audience. Initially, we used title cards for each heat but decided against spoon-feeding the audience after feedback.
What do you hope audiences take away from your film?
We hope audiences feel enamored by the derby subculture as we did when we first saw one.
"Some of the best directing choices in films are the result of unexpected challenges."
How has this film shaped the kind of stories you want to tell next?
It's boosted our confidence to trust instincts. If someone looks like a good character from afar, they might be. Go interview them—you have nothing to lose.
What tool or resource really helped you during production?
Shooting on film gave us the look we wanted. It's something we care deeply about.
What does it mean to you to have your film selected for HollyShorts?
Winning at HollyShorts in 2022 allowed us to buy the film stock used for this project. It's exciting to have an LA premiere at HollyShorts.
"At the core of all my work is a desire to make something different."
Where do you see this film going next?
We want to use the short to find funding for HARDPAN and possibly shop it as a proof of concept for a documentary series or feature-length documentary.
Explore more about "Wrecked a Bunch of Cars, Had a Good Time" on their Instagram.
