Spontaneity in Cinema with “Gideon Up!”
“Gideon Up!” Is an impromptu comedic short film with Shane Morrisun and Travis Hunter, whose collaboration brought about a lighthearted story set against the backdrop of a timeshare.
“We didn’t plan anything ahead of time. I had a location available to use, and so Travis Hunter and I got together,” shared Shane Morrisun, shedding light on the origins of the film. The duo, armed with film gear and wardrobe options, explored the timeshare in Park City. It was during this exploration that the discovery of a Gideon’s Bible sparked the imaginative concept of Gideon missionaries infiltrating homes to carry out their divine mission.
Creating a character that fit into the narrative and established chemistry with Travis Hunter’s character was a highlight for Shane during the production. The filmmaking process involved a unique approach, with the duo improvising dialogue during multiple takes until they found the perfect rhythm.
While the creative process flowed organically, challenges loomed on the horizon. Shane Morrisun reflected, “The hardest part was the amount of time it takes to do everything on my own. We had to make a few sacrifices because it was getting late and we needed to finish,” he admitted.
In hindsight, Shane expressed a desire for a more collaborative approach, envisioning a community-building exercise where aspiring individuals could contribute and learn from the filmmaking experience. “Find some people who wanted to work as crew… Make it more of a community-building exercise,” he suggested, acknowledging the value of shared knowledge and experience.
When asked about advice for those aspiring to enter the production space, Shane Morrisun emphasized the importance of continuous education. “Never stop trying to learn. There is always something that you don’t know that you should,” he encouraged, underscoring the ever-evolving nature of the industry.
As for the future, audiences can explore more of Shane Morrisun’s work on Free Reign Films and Travis Hunter’s creations on Mr. Hooner Tang, both available on YouTube. The filmmakers also invite viewers to follow their day-to-day activities on Instagram, providing a glimpse into their ongoing projects.
“Gideon Up!” Is an official selection of the Utah International Film Festival and will be screening at Maven Cinemas in American Fork, UT.
