Take 5 with "After-School Special"

Jacob Chase

As we gear up for the Oxford Film Festival 2012 to be held at the Malco Studio Theater on Feb. 9-12, 2012 and also at the Lyric Theater on Saturday, Feb. 11 as part of the Oxford Music Festival line-up where we will show music films, videos and a panel on music + film, we thought we might introduce you to some of the people behind the movies we can't wait to show you. For the full schedule and description of the films, visit www.oxfordfilmfest.com.

Meet Take 5 filmmaker, Jacob Chase, director of narrative short “After-School Special.”

Q. 1: In 140 characters or less, describe your movie and why someone should see it.

A: AFTER-SCHOOL SPECIAL is an amusingly awkward slice-of-life scene between two wonderful actors: Sarah Paulson (SUDIO 60 ON THE SUNSET STRIP, MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE) and Wes Bentley (AMERICAN BEAUTY, THE HUNGER GAMES), penned by renowned writer Neil LaBute. It’s great to see with an audience and hear the collective laughs and gasps as the film takes its surprising turns.

Q. 2: Biggest lesson learned in getting the film made? Best part in getting the film made?

A: I learned that when you have a well-respected name like Neil LaBute involved, it is much easier to approach your favorite talent. I’d wanted to work with Sarah Paulson and Wes Bentley for a while and being on set with them for this short was inspiring. They are both so kind and so good at their craft that it made my job easy!

Q. 3: Tell us about you. What is your movie making background?

A: I’ve made about a dozen short films, which have played at festivals around the world. I graduated from Brooks Institute of Photography in 2007, and was awarded the school’s highest honor: The “Achievement Award in Film and Video Production.” My first feature film, THE FOUR- FACED LIAR, premiered at Slamdance 2010 and went on to screen over 40 festivals worldwide, winning the HBO “Best First Feature” award at Outfest 2010. It was released domestically on DVD, VOD, and Cable, earlier this year and continues to rollout overseas.

Q. 4: What's your dream distribution plan for the film?

A: AFTER-SCHOOL SPECIAL was picked up by Shorts International and will be screening on their Shorts HD cable network and will soon be available for purchase on iTunes. I hope the short gets a good fan base through these new avenues of distribution and that it continues to screen on the big screen throughout this year.

Q. 5: What does the future hold in store for your film and for you?

A: I hope to continue working with Neil LaBute, and all the talented people involved with AFTER-SCHOOL SPECIAL. I start production on my sophomore feature, produced by Sneak Preview Entertainment (500 DAYS OF SUMMER), in 2012.