Review Fix chats with filmmaker Parker Hill who discusses his short film “One Good Pitch,†which recently appeared at the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival.
Review Fix: What was the inspiration for this film?
Parker Hill: Originally I wanted to make a little league movie about parents who treat their kids like they’re extra-special. I’m interested in (and simultaneously appalled by) the ‘participation-trophy generation’ where everyone’s a winner. While developing this idea, I started to consider what the complete opposite would look like—the kind of parent who never told their kid that they were good enough. This father/son relationship developed from there, and I got to thinking about responsibility and who’s to blame for who the son has become.
Review Fix: How did you feel the first time you saw the finished, edited product?
Hill: It took a while for me to have some perspective on this project. I co-wrote it, directed it and edited it, so it’s safe to say I know this film pretty well. When I sit back and watch the final cut, I’m still thinking about frames that could be shaved here, or different takes that I wish I had. I feel like I’m always in edit mode, so I’m not sure when the first time I saw the finished film was.
Review Fix: What was the atmosphere like on set?
Hill: We shot in an enclosed field at a Jail, and we were right in front of a barrack. So it was an interesting vibe. The actual filmmaking was very relaxed, but a few times we would hear banging on the heavy glass windows. I asked one of the guards if the inmates were excited because we were making a movie. Hilariously enough, he said no these guys just don’t get to see women that often. Other than that, it was great. Oh and hot as hell.
Review Fix: How do you want people to remember this film?
Hill: I want people to take away whatever resonates with them. After screenings, a lot of people talk to me about their relationship with their parents or children. That’s how you know you made something that works—when people make it all about themselves.Â
Review Fix: What’s next for you?
Hill: Writing. Writing. Writing. I’m making another short film this summer and currently in pre-production for it. I’m excited to keep practicing and developing my style while I work on the feature version of the same story.Â
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