Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Love Machine explores the comedic side of AI. Jon Clark wanted to create a film that asks important questions about AI, looking to spark conversations about its societal impact.
- Casting choices can redefine a story. Originally written with a male AI character, Jon reworked the script to feature two women, bringing a new dynamic to the film.
- Simplicity and collaboration are key in independent filmmaking. Jon and his team utilized a single location creatively, transforming it into a cinematic experience through thoughtful lighting and design.
Jon Clark, writer and director of Love Machine, brings a unique blend of humor and introspection to his latest project, which will screen at this year's HollyShorts Film Festival.
Collaborating with a talented team, including Clare Cooney (actor/producer/editor), Noah Elliott Morrison (Director of Photography/Producer), and Hannah King (Production Designer), Jon crafts a narrative that delves into the complexities of AI and human interaction. As AI continues to evolve, Jon's film humorously explores the notion of AI with emotions and the potential future of human-machine relationships.
Q&A Interview
What inspired you to make Love Machine?
I wanted to make a film that explored the darkly comedic side of AI. Would AI have a civil rights movement? What would interacting with them be like in society? I wanted to make something funny, uncomfortable, and entertaining—like Blade Runner, if Blade Runner was awkward and ridiculous and not as good (obviously).
Did anything surprise you during the filmmaking process?
I had originally written this film with a man playing the AI role, but when I met Clare Cooney, I knew I had to re-write the film to be two women. It made the dynamic much more interesting and less one-sided.
Is there a scene in the film that feels uniquely yours?
The opening sequence of the film is a staring contest shown with macro shots of the characters' eyes. I've been thinking about this scene for several years, and it felt good to find the right narrative to tie it to.
"I wanted to make a short film that was like Blade Runner, if Blade Runner was awkward and ridiculous."
What was the hardest creative decision you made?
The hardest decision was not to make our film overtly about AI in the world as it is today. I wanted to subvert some expectations about the genre and leave the audience asking questions.
What do you hope audiences take away from your film?
I hope they have a discussion about humanity and machines. And also maybe talk about how deeply unsettling a first or second date can be.
How has this film influenced your future storytelling?
This film made me realize how much I enjoyed peppering humor into storytelling. I'm trying to take myself a little less seriously as a writer/director.
"I hope they way having a discussion about humanity and machines."
Can you share a filmmaking tool or technique that helped you?
We shot on the Alexa Mini LF which helped us get great close-ups of the eyes. Our Director of Photography, Noah Elliott Morrison, and our Gaffer, Jake Gottman, used RGB Aputure lights and a DMX controller to fine-tune the lighting.
What does it mean to you to have your film selected for HollyShorts?
It's a huge honor. It's my first time at HollyShorts and I couldn't be more excited. It's definitely a career highlight for me.
"It's a huge honor. It's my first time at HollyShorts and I couldn't be more excited."
Main Cast and Crew
- Jon Clark (Writer/Director)
- Clare Cooney (Actor/Producer/Editor)
- Noah Elliott Morrison (Director of Photography/Producer)
- Bethany Gilmour
- Benjamen Pletcher (Composer)
- Hannah King (Production Designer)
Jon, alongside his dedicated cast and crew, has created a film that not only entertains but also provokes thought, leaving audiences eager to explore the future of AI and human connections.
