Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Grief and humor intertwine: Tess Lafia and Noah Deats blend chaos, humor, and grief in Hat Trick, a film born from personal loss.
- Unexpected creative pivots: A spontaneous lighting decision on set transformed a key scene, showcasing the adaptability of indie filmmaking.
- The power of community: Self-funding and collaborative relationships were pivotal in bringing "Hat Trick" to life.
Meet Tess Lafia, one half of the dynamic duo (alongside Noah Deats) behind Hat Trick, a dark comedy that captures the chaos of grief through a uniquely humorous lens. Tess and Noah, who met at the Art Center College of Design in 2017, have been creative partners ever since, sharing an affinity for uncovering the absurdities in life's darkest moments. Their debut short film will be screened at this year's HollyShorts Film Festival, a significant milestone for these Los Angeles natives.
Q&A Interview
On making Hat Trick
What inspired you to create this film?
The loss of my dad in 2020 was a pivotal moment for me. He was not just a parent but a close friend and creative inspiration. This film was our way of exploring grief—how it's messy, unpredictable, yet somehow absurd. It's about the mess death leaves behind and resisting the urge to clean it up.
Surprises during filmmaking
What creative or logistical surprises did you encounter?
We initially focused on the humor and absurdity of the story, but it became deeply personal during filming. In editing, we realized an emotional scene was missing. We added a pivotal moment between Eleanor and her bunny, Kazaam, which gave crucial insight into her grief and intentions. It was a game-changer.
Personal touches
Is there a part of the film that feels distinctly you?
Yes, the birthday party scene. It draws on childhood memories where the parties had more of our parents' drunk friends and a family member as the bartender. We were involved in every creative aspect—from costumes to set design—which made it uniquely ours.
"Sometimes, it’s okay to laugh even when you think you really shouldn’t."
Challenges faced
What was the toughest creative decision during production?
The editing process involved tough choices about narrative structure and comedic timing. It required deciding which jokes to keep and cutting those that didn't hit the mark.
Independent filmmaking insights
What strengths of indie filmmaking did you leverage?
Self-funding was challenging, but our relationships with crew and rental houses were invaluable. Advice for others: Feed your crew well if they're working below their rates, and be ready to return the favor.
On HollyShorts selection
What does being selected for HollyShorts mean to you?
"Being part of HollyShorts this year is a huge compliment and a big achievement for us as filmmakers."
Screening in our hometown at the Chinese Theater is an immense honor. It's a chance to celebrate with our cast and crew and connect with audiences who appreciate dark comedy.
Future of Hat Trick
What's next for the film?
We're considering expanding Hat Trick into a series or feature film. After more festival screenings, we'll release it online. This is just the beginning, and we're eager to see where it leads.
"At the core of all our work is a desire to connect people through humor, using strange worlds and flawed, lovable characters."
Main Cast and Crew
- Payson Whitwell (Eleanor)
- Tobias Jelinek (Dan)
- Sawyer Holt (Eli)
- Jake McDermott (Nestor)
- Irina Costa (Nadine)
- Farron Marcus (Uncle Mick)
- Jamie Walters (Paramedic)
Watch the official trailer of Hat Trick
