Telling stories through film and conversation.
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WILDsound's The Film Podcast

In each episode, the C.E.O. of WILDsound, Matthew Toffolo, chats about all things storytelling and film. Conversations with talented individual from all around the world.

Posts in Animation
February 13, 2023 - Writer Jennifer Kurani (FEELING SPECIAL)

FEELING SPECIAL, 5min,. USA, Animation
Directed by Carlos Hoffman
Animated film adaptation of the children’s book, Feeling Special, about a Turtle who believes that all his friends are special, but that he is just ordinary, and finally realizes that he is special too.

http://www.jenniferkurani.com/
https://instagram.com/jenniferkurani
https://facebook.com/jenniferkurani

Get to know writer Jennifer Kurani:

The motivation to make this film came from the desire to spread a very important message about believing in yourself. Everyone truly is special in their own way! When you believe in yourself, you’re accepting who you really are. You’re not afraid to give your opinion and you’re going to be proud of this person you’re becoming. When you believe in yourself you feel like you can handle the world! Positive energy and a little confidence gives a major lift. Believing that you are special gives you the strength and ability to accomplish goals. Deep down inside, you know you can do anything.

You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

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February 13, 2023 - Writer Jennifer Kurani (FEELING SPECIAL)
Matthew Toffolo
January 12, 2023 - Filmmaker Brittany Christine (OUTTA THIS WORLD)

OUTTA THIS WORLD, 5min., Animation
Directed by Brittany Christine
An animated sci fi comedy about a human woman, Astria ZonBerg, who longs for something. On a journey with alien Pike to find it, she discovers something else she never knew she was missing.

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3046505/
https://www.instagram.com/brittanychristineofficially/

Get to know the filmmaker on what motivated her to make this film:
The Pandemic and being in lockdown! I very much felt the same way my character Astria Zonberg did, in the sense that I had already turned my backyard into a beach complete with a lounge set for tanning, bbq area for cooking, volleyball court, ping pong table, racquetball set, tennis court, & projector screen for outdoor movies, then on the inside of my house I bought a rower machine, elliptical, bike, treadmill, thigh master, free weights, dumbbells, work out bands, a bosu ball, weighted throw balls, a thera gun, vibration plate machine, every board game target had on sale that month etc. I was going bored out of my mind and even started picking up crafts like sewing, knitting, macrame, pottery, candle making, doing puzzles, the list just goes on. It was absolutely hilarious. My old roommate Dakota would laugh at me and join in sometimes when she had a night off from working but to give you an idea, I never finished any of the projects I’d start because I would get so bored of them half way through too! Same with ordering food from the restaurants closest to me, I’d be craving pasta but then once it was delivered took one bite and was like AGH! Nothing satisfies me anymore. Hence the reason it shows Astria eating the buffet, playing golf, playing with cats, (I worked for a couple animal shelters in real life during that time called Hoja Nueva as well as Peru Dog Rescue, but we thought the purring of the kitties would be the quickest, easiest, and most funny to imitate) we really played on that where she is missing planet life even though she has it all on the ship, because I was missing social life even though I had everything I could possibly want to keep me entertained and busy while trapped at home. I have always been a very independent person, and enjoy my own company being the introvert I am, however, during the first yr of Covid I quickly realized activities aren’t nearly as much fun to experiment with or experience by myself. I wanted the audience to see & feel that in a funny way, rather than a sad and depressing one.

You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

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January 12, 2023 - Filmmaker Brittany Christine (OUTTA THIS WORLD)
Matthew Toffolo
December 27, 2022 - "Marble Me Free" team. Diane Leslie Kaufman. Starlit Swan. Lucia Martinez Rojas

MARBLE ME FREE, 7min., USA
Directed by Diane Leslie Kaufman
How do we cope and what do we do when physical and emotional pain, obstacles, and hardship block our way forward? This “dark night of the soul” journey is powerfully depicted in the “Marble Me Free” animated film.

https://www.marblemefree.com/

Conversation with: director Diane Leslie Kaufman. poet/writer Starlit Swan. Animator Lucia Martinez Rojas


You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

Subscribe to the podcast via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

December 27, 2022 - "Marble Me Free" team. Diane Leslie Kaufman. Starlit Swan. Lucia Martinez Rojas
Matthew David Toffolo
November 8, 2022 Filmmakers Carson G. Smith & Josh S. Aucker (GOING)

GOING, 8min., USA
Directed by Carson G. Smith
Reluctant to look at the past, a young man recalls an old memory that should not be forgotten.

https://www.facebook.com/Going.Animation

https://www.instagram.com/going.animation/

Playing on the Film Festival Streaming service later this month. You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

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November 8, 2022 Filmmakers Carson G. Smith & Josh S. Aucker (GOING)
Matthew Toffolo
October 22, 2022 - Filmmaker Michael Anthony McDonough (WOOD EP. 1)

WOOD: EPISODE 1, 5min., UK, Animation/Sci-Fi
Directed by Michael Anthony McDonough
Wood is an animated adventure series that tells the story of a dystopian future in which humanity has been re-purposed.

https://thewooduniverse.com/projects/wood

Tweets by thewooduniverse

Playing on the Film Festival Streaming service later this month. You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

Subscribe to the podcast via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

October 22, 2022 - Filmmaker Michael Anthony McDonough (WOOD EP. 1)
Matthew Toffolo
September 30, 2022 - Filmmaker Ashleigh Vaillancourt (RUMINATION)

RUMINATION is an award winning Animation Short Film. “At night, a woman’s mind wanders as she chops firewood.”

Project Links

Director Biography - Ashleigh Vaillancourt

Ashleigh Vaillancourt is a multimedia artist and filmmaker based out of Vancouver, Canada. Ashleigh’s work explores themes of personal resilience and social empathy, as well as the interplay of analog painting and generative digital art. Her films such as 'Hannah' and 'Fostering Uncertainty' have been shown in film festivals and galleries internationally.

Film playing on the Film Festival Streaming service later this month. You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

Subscribe to the podcast via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

September 30, 2022 - Filmmaker Ashleigh Vaillancourt (RUMINATION)
Matthew Toffolo
September 21, 2022 - Filmmaker Peter Gardner (ADVENTURES WITH THE CARETAKER)

ADVENTURES WITH THE CARETAKER was the winner of BEST LONG FORM SHORT FILM at the FEEDBACK Animation Festival.


https://twitter.com/ShadowlightFilm

“A man has a secret job taking care of creatures like Bigfoot, The Loch Ness Monster, and The Abominable Snowman.”

Film playing on the Film Festival Streaming service later this month. You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

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September 21, 2022 - Filmmaker Peter Gardner (ADVENTURES WITH THE CARETAKER)
Matthew Toffolo
September 20, 2022 - Producer/Writer Michael Lai (SUNSHINE HEALING)

SUNSHINE HEALING, 8min., Australia

The year is 2020 - fear and uncertainty had started to spread uncontrollably like the virus itself. Far away from home, a young woman navigates the emotional labyrinth of life during the pandemic.

Conversation with writer/producer Michael Lai on the 2 year process making the film.

Film playing on the Film Festival Streaming service later this month. You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

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September 20, 2022 - Producer/Writer Michael Lai (SUNSHINE HEALING)
Matthew Toffolo
September 16, 2022 - Animator Richie Valentino (POGO IS BORED)

POGO IS BORED, 4min., Australia, Animation

Pogo and best friend Flower are always in search of something new to do. They love to help others in need and are very keen to jump in with innovative ideas to do so.

https://www.delvalentinoproductions.com/
https://www.instagram.com/richie_valentino/

Film playing on the Film Festival Streaming service later this month. You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

Subscribe to the podcast via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

September 16, 2022 - Animator Richie Valentino (POGO IS BORED)
Matthew Toffolo
September 5, 2022 - Filmmaker John Vollmer (JOY! BLUE MOON)

JOY! BLUE MOON is an animation music video based on the legendary song “Blue Moon” by The Marcels.

Read blog interview with director: https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/joy-blue-moon

Film playing on the Film Festival Streaming service later this month. You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

Subscribe to the podcast via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

September 5, 2022 - Filmmaker John Vollmer (JOY! BLUE MOON)
Matthew Toffolo
July 26, 2022 - Filmmaker Michael Jonathan Gellis (THE TRYOUT)

THE TRYOUT played to rave reviews at the June 2022 Under 5 Minute Film Festival.

Watch the Audience Feedback Video from the festival: https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/the-tryout

Project Links

“The story of a young man who tries out for a big league baseball team, whether you like it or not.”

Watch the Festival Today. You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

Subscribe to the podcast via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

July 26, 2022 - Filmmaker Michael Jonathan Gellis (THE TRYOUT)
Matthew Toffolo
July 20, 2022 - Filmmaker/Animator Jason Spizzo (ME & ME)

ME & ME played to rave reviews at the June 2022 CHICAGO Feedback Film Festival.

https://vimeo.com/477883126

Me and Me is a short film about reconciling the person you were with the person you will become. It's also about time travel... sorta.


Conversation with animator Jason Spizzo on the making of this project.

Playing at the Festival APP next month! You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

Subscribe to the podcast via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

July 20, 2022 - Filmmaker/Animator Jason Spizzo (ME & ME)
Matthew Toffolo
July 15, 2022 - Filmmaker/Animator Shuo Liu (OUTSIDER)

OUTSIDER played to rave reviews at the June 2022 ANIMATION Film Festival.

“The magic between ‘frames’ acts on clay, the table becomes a contradictory object that can be soft and hard. Some people get into it, but others are not. There is no differentiation between superior and inferior or right or wrong in this place, but how we face the world.”

Conversation with Shuo Liu, the one man filmmaking machine, on his individual pursuit making this film.

You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

Subscribe to the podcast via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

July 14, 2022 - Filmmaker Trevor Courtney & Music Supervisor Paul Dowling (THE ROCKER AND THE PUCA)

Matthew Toffolo


July 15, 2022 - Filmmaker/Animator Shuo Liu (OUTSIDER)
Matthew Toffolo
July 14, 2022 - Filmmaker Trevor Courtney & Music Supervisor Paul Dowling (THE ROCKER AND THE PUCA)

THE ROCKER AND THE PUCA was the winner of BEST SOUND & MUSIC at the June 2022 FANTASY/SCI-FI Festival.

“Animation/Family/Fantasy Short Film. A Teenage busker Jack is driving the locals mad because he plays only one tune. So, when a shape shifting trickster known as 'Puca' appears and promises Jack a cap full of coins in exchange for playing a single gig, Jack can't say no.”

Project Links

Conversation with director Trevor Courtney and Composer & Post Sound Editor Paul Dowling on the making of the film.

You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

Subscribe to the podcast via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

July 14, 2022 - Filmmaker Trevor Courtney & Music Supervisor Paul Dowling (THE ROCKER AND THE PUCA)
Matthew Toffolo
July 10, 2022 - Filmmaker/Animator Graham Hartlaub (CONTENT)

CONTENT played to rave reviews at the June 2022 FEEDBACK ANIMATION Film Festival.

“Please refrain from using this word ever, ever, ever again.”

Conversation with Graham Hartlaub on the making of this very funny animation short.

Playing at the Virtual Festival this week on the APP. You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.

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July 10, 2022 - Filmmaker/Animator Graham Hartlaub (CONTENT)
Matthew Toffolo
June 24, 2022 - Filmmaker/Animator Mariam Khodeir (GRAY MATTERS)

GRAY MATTERS was the winner of BEST ANIMATION at the May 2022 ANIMATION Feedback Film Festival.

“Gray Matters is a stop-motion animated short film that highlights fascinating aspects of the human brain in a fun, illustrated, educational, and sarcastic tone.”

Conversation with co-creator Mariam Khodeir on the making of the film.

WATCH this film today. Go to the WILDsound TV app. You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.


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June 24, 2022 - Filmmaker/Animator Mariam Khodeir (GRAY MATTERS)
Matthew Toffolo
June 14, 2022 - Filmmakers Aaron Welch & Rina Fu (MICROTOONS)

“Microtoons” played to rave reviews at the May 2022 ANIMATION Film Festiva“Microtoons” played to rave reviews at the May 2022 ANIMATION Film Festival.

“What starts as a normal day for Eric the Erythrocyte becomes an action-packed adventure as the Golden Staph Gang invades the body and battles with the white blood cell army. As the general leading the army, Mike the Macrophage finds himself caught between leading the battle and keeping Eric out of harm's way. MicroToons entertains and explores the science of the microbiological world with original characters.”

Conversation with collaborators Aaron Welch & Rina Fu on the making of the film from the day they met to distribution.

Project Links

Film played on the WILDsound TV app next month. You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.


Subscribe to the podcast via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

June 14, 2022 - Filmmakers Aaron Welch & Rina Fu (MICROTOONS)
Matthew Toffolo
June 5, 2022 - Filmmaker/Animator Roger Edwards (LUCHA AND THE EKEKO)

LUCHA AND THE EKEKO was the winner of BEST SOUND & MUSIC at the FEEDBACK Animation Festival.

https://www.luchaandtheekeko.com/

“When Marisol stumbles upon a peculiar doll, Elena recognizes it as an Ekeko – the souvenir/gift from an undocumented migrant girl named LUCHA. This prompts Elena to recount the colorful story of how Lucha (and her Ekeko) opened her heart … to eventually receive Marisol in adoption.”

Conversation with filmmaker Roger Edwards on the story making this film.

Film also showing on the WILDsound TV app next month. You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.


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June 5, 2022 - Filmmaker/Animator Roger Edwards (LUCHA AND THE EKEKO)
Matthew Toffolo
May 24, 2022 - Screenwriter Jaye Blohm (Turn This Spaceship Around!)

“Turn This Spaceship Around!” is a winning Animation Festival screenplay.

“Relia, a teenager from Proxima Centauri b, is ruthlessly tormented by bullies, with no solutions in sight. While on her family vacation to Earth, she decides she’s not going home. She meets Sophie, a teenager who is desperate to escape her own troubles. “

Conversation with writer Jaye Blohm about their award winning screenplay, followed by the audio version best scene reading.

Screenplay also showing on the WILDsound TV app next month. You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.


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May 24, 2022 - Screenwriter Jaye Blohm (Turn This Spaceship Around!)
Matthew Toffolo
May 8, 2022 - Composer/Producer Madstone Rowan (LIPSTICK OF THE BRAVE)

LIPSTICK OF THE BRAVE was the winner of BEST SOUND & MUSIC at the April 2022 LA LGBTQ+ Film Festival.

Project Links

Directed by Academy Award winning filmmaker Bill Plympton, “Lipstick of the Brave” represents the animated journey of Madstone Rowan, composer and performer, as they find inspiration in the rock and pop music which inspired them to move beyond the gender binary and embrace their non-binary self.


Conversation with Madstone Rowan on the process of how the film got made.

Film also showing on the WILDsound TV app. You can sign up for the 7 day free trial at www.wildsound.ca (available on your streaming services and APPS). There is a DAILY film festival to watch, plus a selection of award winning films on the platform. Then it’s only $3.99 per month.


Subscribe to the podcast via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

May 8, 2022 - Composer/Musician Madstone Rowan (LIPSTICK OF THE BRAVE)
Matthew Toffolo