Take 5 with "Only in Dreams"

Adam Badlotto

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, Adam Badlotto, director and creator of "Only in Dreams."

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

A: Only in Dreams is an avant-gardge stop-motion film that was created entirely with a flatbed scanner and no digital effects. The soundscape was created using field recordings that were digitally manipulated to match the dynamics of the visual animations. The film maintains its own unique aesthetic that all types of people seem to appreciate; not just fans of experimental film.

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

A: The biggest AND best part of completing this film is the reception it received and what I learned from that. Upon its completion, I had just graduated from college with a BFA degree in Graphic Design and was always playing in bands and writing music. Once I saw how well Only in Dreams was received in the film festival circuit, it opened a whole new path for me through filmmaking. Filmmaking allows me to combine visual art with music and sound, which are two things that until now I kept segregated in my music and graphic design.

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

A: Only in Dreams is my very first venture into filmmaking. Although I have no formal training or schooling in filmmaking, I draw from what I learned studying graphic design, visual art and music. For example, what I learned taking photography in college taught me most of the basic essentials in composing and lighting a scene for film. Music has taught me an appreciation of and how to properly utilize sound in my films.

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

A: Only in Dreams is pretty much as experimental as you can get and its a very sort film, so that limits its options as far as distribution. I really just want as many people to see it as possible, which is why I have been circulating it through the film festival circuit and handing out copies for free.

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

A: Only in Dreams is nearing the end of its film festival run. I recently submitted my newest film, "Love Hitch", to a number of film festivals. It's premiering at the Festivus Film Festival in Denver, CO, where Only in Dreams premiered and won best experimental film last year. It's an experimental film utilizing the same flatbed scanner animations as seen in Only in Dreams with footage recorded on a DSLR camera. Technically it's a music video, but more in line with films like The Wall and ODDSAC rather than traditional MTV style music videos. It would be better to describe it as video art that is synced to a song. The band that provided the music for the film is called Young Circles. I actually started playing guitar with them halfway through production of the film. The singer of the band started another group called Blonds, and I just started working on a film with them. I plan on making more video art/music videos and seeing where that takes me. I'd love to work my way towards making a feature or even branch out and work on more narrative or documentary style films that deal with real world issues. I think its important to get out of your comfort zone in order to grow artistically and as a person. That's how I ended up making films in the first place!