TRIPLE CONCERTO IN D MINOR Directed By Dan Mitchell

Shane: Tell us about your film?

Dan: Triple Concerto In D Minor tells the story of Rebecca, an ambitious young girl from Clarinda, who had always wanted to play her beloved triangle with an Orchestra. When The National Youth Orchestra are in town holding auditions, Rebecca has the chance to make her everlasting dream come true.

S: How did you come up with the idea for the film?

D: I had always loved classical music and the family and children film genre has always been one that has most inspired me. I set out to make a film that combined these two passions.

S: Was this a school project?

D: No. I work as a commercial editor and the project was something I did in my spare time.

S: How did you find your cast?

D: Antonia Murphy of Fountain Head Casting, Sydney, offered me many options. All the actors were working for expenses only, so I was thrilled when I heard all my first choices liked the script enough to do it.

S: How long did the film take?  (From conception to final edit)

D: I began writing in February 2006 and finished final post in September 2007. 

S: What was the most difficult part of the shoot for you?

D: Probably shooting the orchestra. We had to co-ordinate 60 or so players and two cameras in order to get enough coverage for the final scene.

S: Tell us about the films festival experience so far?

D: I wasn’t able to get to Byron Bay unfortunately, but did make it to the Bermuda International Film Festival. It was wonderful to be able to present the film in person and it was a really a very rewarding experience to see a neutral audience enjoy the film.

S: What has been your most interesting Q&A so far?  What was your favorite question?  How was the dialogue afterwards?

D: I had a fun Q&A at Bermuda. The audience were interested about where the idea came from and how I achieved a few things in the film. It was lovely to have a neutral audience so interested in the film.  My favorite question was about the emotional content of the film.

The dialogue afterwards was very positive. The film seemed to go down well with the other filmmakers, and at one point, I was approached by a few people in the street who wanted to tell me how much they enjoyed the film. A lovely experience.

S: What films or filmmakers inspire you?

D: So many films in so many different ways, but if I had to pick a few inspirational favorites I’d say, It’s a Wonderful Life, Shine, Amelie and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang! I’ve always been a very big fan of Hitchcock.

S: What made you decide to become a filmmaker?

D: I was initially inspired by very good media teachers at high school. Since getting into commercial editing, my work has given me the opportunity to work with many inspirational directors. That experience, along with my continuing desire to make films, led to this film, my first short film since graduating from film school in 1998.

S: What is next for you? 

D: I’ve secured the rights for a French Children’s Book that I hope will become my first feature film.

S: What is next for the film?

D: After Seattle it will play at Stony Brook Film Festival in New York. And the application process will continue throughout the year for the remaining festivals.

S: If asked to give one piece of advice to a new filmmaker making their first short film… What would it be?

D: To be very passionate and focused on what they’re trying to achieve. Believe in yourself and your first instincts when you first came up with the idea.