KIIFF Team
Jan 3, 2025
Flatline Produced by Justin Manntai
"Flatline: A Testament to Hope, Resilience, and the Power of Independent Filmmaking"
KIIFF: Please share a brief story about the initial idea for your project. How did the idea come to you, and what inspired you to create it?
Myself and my directing partner were wrapping up a short film, that were were filming at the script writers house. At the end of the day, he was impressed with how we worked together, and the comradery that we created on the set, that he felt we would do a good job of bringing the script to life.
KIIFF: What were the main challenges you faced during the filmmaking process? How did you overcome them?
Typically we are a very small crew. Our main team is myself and our director and our families to help out. I typically wear many hats while on set, but I try to maintain a good outlook and keep that sense of humor and peace on set.
KIIFF: What unique features characterized the pre-production, production, and post-production phases of your film? Did any specific incidents or interesting experiences occur during these stages?
The film was shot over 2 days, and post production was only 5 days. We did this as part of film competition and had 10 days of preproduction and 1 week for filming and post.
KIIFF: Did your film include a location or setting that was particularly difficult to find or use? How did you address this challenge?
The location we had the most problems with was the scene for the funeral. We had a location secured and paid for at a church, but we lost the location due to a last minute funeral of a member of the church. We than had 3 more locations fall out, before we finally landed where we did. Perseverance was the key for this one.
KIIFF: How was your collaboration with your production team (actors, technical crew, etc.)? What key lessons did you learn about building a successful team?
Our team was very cohesive. Myself as the Producer and our director have been friends since childhood and we have a good rapport with each other. We work to foster a film set that is enjoyable to work on and as stress free as possible. We both work full time jobs outside of the industry and make films in our spare time. I always tell the crew that we are making a film not saving a life.
KIIFF: What is the core theme or message of your film, and what do you hope the audience will take away from it?
At the core of the film is hope. Paul the main character has been hanging on to hope since the war, as he is losing hope, he has a life changing message that restores hope and ultimately life.
KIIFF: How have festivals and audience feedback influenced your artistic journey?
I feel that they have driven me to take more chance, while trying to maintain a high level of production quality.
KIIFF: As an independent filmmaker, what advice would you give to others who are entering this field?
Ask questions and truly listen. Treat everyone with respect, it is truly a team effort and with out each piece in place you don't have a project. I express my gratitude and appreciation to everyone on set, and between takes I check in on crew members to see if they need anything.
KIIFF: If you had another opportunity, what changes would you make in the process of creating this project?
Work to get a better soundtrack and though in a few more extras in some of the scenes to bring life to the set.