“The Lantern Man” Legend Comes to Life
Nestled in the heart of Central Utah, a local legend has woven itself into the fabric of the community’s folklore—the tale of the Lantern Man. This story became the inspiration for a short film that emerged from UIFF Alumni Caleb Hatton.
The origins of “The Lantern Man” traces back to a quick turnaround film competition hosted by FMASU in Southern Utah. The theme for the competition was urban legends, and for Hatton, the choice was clear. Having grown up near the source of the Lantern Man legend, he found himself drawn to the haunting narrative that had captivated the imaginations of locals for generations.
In a conversation with Hatton, he shared his favorite aspect of the production, emphasizing the intimate nature of the small cast and crew. “It was probably the smallest production I’ve been on,” he reflected. “Because of that, it was very intimate, and the atmosphere on set was almost like we were actually living within the story.”
The production sailed smoothly with the most challenging aspect being an unexpected one—keeping the coffee hot enough to produce the desired steam in a crucial shot. Such are the quirks of filmmaking that often go unnoticed by audiences.
Reflecting on the experience, Hatton admitted there was one shot he would go back and change. While it worked well overall, a slight unintentional camera movement at the beginning of the shot lingered in his mind as a detail he would love to refine.
For aspiring filmmakers, Hatton offered straightforward advice—just go for it. “The situation will never be perfect, the stars will never perfectly align. So, just go for it, make it happen even if you’re nervous or the situation isn’t the perfect ideal scenario.”
As “The Lantern Man” gears up for its screening at the Utah International Film Festival, audiences can delve deeper into Caleb Hatton’s world of storytelling. Those interested in exploring more of his work and keeping up with future projects can find him on Facebook, Instagram @caleb.hatton, and on his website https://calebhattonproductions.com/ .
