FUNDING is a key aspect to filmmaking but even when he had none, it did not stop Alex von Hoffman from chasing his dream.
The Stephen King fan took advantage of a scheme the legendary author set up for up and coming filmmakers to create projects.
“My producer and friend Peter Gurbiel and I didn’t have any projects or any funding but we both wanted to direct,” von Hoffman said.
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READ NOW“We decided to do two projects that we would produce and direct for each other so we did two films that we shot in one week.
“My film Harvey’s Dream is based on a Stephen King short story and I applied for the rights for it for $1 through the scheme he set up.”
Von Hoffman said working without the assistance of a funding body had its good and bad points.
“You have the freedom to take bigger risks and make massive mistakes, which makes you more confident as a filmmaker,” he said.
The film is one of five from WA that have been selected to screen as part of Flickerfest, Australia’s Academy accredited and BAFTA recognised film festival, this month.
“It is great to be involved,” von Hoffman said.
“This is one of the first short films I have done with no funding, and outside of the funding system, and it was a really easy to shoot.
“It all just came together and I am satisfied with how it turned out.”
Von Hoffman did not rule out adapting one of King’s novels into a feature film.
“I love all of his novels,” he said.
“I don’t think I have any in mind now but maybe one day in the future at the right moment in my career.”
This year marks Flickerfest’s 21st year in Perth.
THE ESSENTIALS
What: Flickerfest
When: Thursday, March 3 – Sunday, March 6 at 8pm nightly.
Where: Camelot Outdoor Cinema, 12-16 Lochee Street, Mosman Park
Tickets: $18.50, $14.50 concession, $13.50 Luna card holders
Information: www.flickerfest.com.au/tour, www.camelot.lunapalace.com.au, 9386 3554