“PEANUT is a stop-motion, comedic-horror short film. The film follows an accountant, Tim, who becomes overwhelmed with his workload and responsibility as the accountant firm’s only employee. As Tim works quickly to get all his work done, Tim’s desk begins to move by itself. Despite having lots of work, Tim seeks distraction, so he searches the office and eventually finds a scaly, unfamiliar creature that proves to be a much greater distraction than Tim ever anticipated.” Director Mayra Estrada on PEANUT which is screening at SxSW 2022.
Welcome to SxSW and congratulations! Is this your first SxSW experience?
Yes, this is my first SXSW experience. The short film is also my first stop motion animation of such a length and this will be the first film festival both I and the film have ever attended.
How did you first hear about SxSW and wishing to send your project into the festival?
As a Texas native, I have heard about SXSW in the past because it’s one of the biggest film events that occurs in Texas. My sister has also attended SXSW in the past for their music festival. I am wishing to send this project into the festival as genuinely as possible. I made this short film in my room, it’s weird that it’s even being premiered at the film festival. I’m just happy for the opportunity.
Tell me about the idea behind your project and getting it made!
I first sketched out the story boards for this film about two years ago. It started with just character drawings. After practicing stop motion a lot more, I decided I wanted to make a short film and I opened up my sketchbook and saw the storyboards and just began writing the story. I thought about how many adults I’ve spoken to have talked various distractions they seek while working to avoid boredom. Of course, their distractions are usually playing with pencils or humming songs rather than finding an odd creature in their office. I’m sure it’s obvious, but this is not the most expensive film. I built a set using the cardboard squares that come in the vinyl records I order and bought more clay. When summer began, I began animating everyday I was home.
Who are some of your creative inspirations? Any particular filmmaking talent or movie that inspired you for this project?
I have always been inspired by Jack Stauber. I would say his video “work” inspired the setting and concept behind this short film. I always look to Jack Stauber to be inspired or just amazed at his use of different practical effects. I also adore Richard Ayoade’s comedy and and film palate in SUBMARINE and Wes Anderson’s use of stop motion. They both influenced by editing style and transitions. Also, I am in awe of STRAWBERRY MANSION by Kentucker Audley and Albert Birney. I believe it will inspire a lot of projects from me in the future.
How did you put this together from a technical viewpoint? What sort of cameras/lenses did you use and/or did you have any creative challenges in making it?
I used a Cannon EOS Rebel T7 Camera. My biggest difficulty was with lighting. I used a desk light from IKEA, which was fine a first but I think the light bulb began to “give out” because it began flickering as I was animating. Also, because I only had one light, the light was very concentrated and it made it difficult to avoid inconsistencies in lighting. There was also some sequences I simply could not figure out how to animate without the figure falling down because I had no metal stand for the figure. My biggest wish is to have the “kinetic armatures” that would support figures and allow for smoother movements. I want to buy them as soon as I have the money.
What would you suggest to film festivals as a way to show more short films or make them more accessible to audiences across the country?
I would suggest that film festivals attempt to reach out to a larger array of filmmakers. Most filmmakers begin making short films, opening more time slots for short films, accepting short films from across the country, and encouraging especially younger filmmakers to submit their work could open up lots of opportunities.
If you had one piece of advice to offer someone to get their start as a creator or filmmaker in the industry, what would you suggest?
Well I am also starting as a filmmaker in the industry, but if you are waiting to start a project of fear, just begun creating in the best way you can. Also, don’t be afraid to share your work, I am still working through this fear but I know it’s possible to overcome.
And finally, what is your favourite short film of all time?
I am going to have to say A TRIP TO THE MOON. I love the effects they use, the absurdity of the story, and the poster is just amazing. It’s also such an important film to history.
This film and many others like it will be showing at South By Southwest taking place March 11-20. For more information point your browser to www.sxsw.com!