“Headlamp” is Powered by Passion and Resourcefulness
In the heart of Utah, a small team of dedicated individuals emerged from the challenges of the COVID era to create something inspiring. “Headlamp,” a poignant story of loss, introspection, and the healing power of nature, was born from the collective efforts of filmmaker Jake Holt, actor Noah Kershisnik, and their committed crew.
Jake Holt, the filmmaker behind “Headlamp,” shared the origin of the story during an interview with our very own Warren Workman. He revealed that the inspiration struck after watching Bo Burnham’s “INSIDE,” prompting him to break free from the constraints of the pandemic and bring his creative vision to life. In a spur-of-the-moment decision during a slow workday, Holt penned a 12-page script and rallied a group of friends and colleagues to embark on this filmmaking journey.
A standout moment for Holt during the production was working once again with actor Noah Kershisnik. Holt expressed admiration for Kershisnik’s professionalism and dedication, highlighting the joy of seeing the actor breathe life into the character of Joe.
“Watching him bring the character of Joe to life was so inspiring and I’m honored that an actor of his caliber continues to say yes to the projects I send his way” said Holt.
However, filmmaking is not without its challenges, as Holt candidly shared with Warren Workman. The most demanding aspects of production involved shooting scenes in the woods and capturing night shots. Battling the elements, the crew utilized creative solutions, including a rented Aputure light positioned 35 feet in the air to simulate moonlight.
“It was kinda brutal; a lot of hours and quite cold for September, but the shots turned out so beautiful and very much worth it.”
Reflecting on the production process, Holt acknowledged that, given the chance, he would revisit the flashback sequences for improvement.
“But a very low-budget filmmaker knows that there will always be some concessions made and overall I’m just glad we were able to finish the film.”
For aspiring filmmakers, Holt offered valuable advice. He emphasized the importance of resourcefulness and the misconception that a large budget is necessary for quality production. Surrounding oneself with passionate and trustworthy collaborators, coupled with thrift shopping and online resources, can lead to remarkable outcomes even on a shoestring budget.
As the interview concluded, Holt invited the audience to explore more of his work and upcoming projects. Those intrigued by “Headlamp” and eager for future cinematic endeavors can follow Jake Holt on Instagram (@jake.t.holt) and TikTok (@_snackstudios).
The cast and crew of “Headlight” include: Noah Kershisnik, Teanca Holt, Jake Holt, Jake Law, and Ethan Boor
“Headlamp” is an official selection of the Utah International Film Festival and will screen the week of February 12-17th at Maven Cinemas in American Fork, UT.
