Having been familiar with Edgar Allen Poe’s tales since his childhood in Italy, New York Film Academy Cinematography graduate, Lorenzo Artami felt The Tell-Tale Heart would be the perfect challenge for his thesis film. Now, his short film will be playing at the Snake Alley Festival of Film. Using the now rare 16mm Arri SRII provided by NYFA, Lorenzo wanted to utilize the grainy, organic look to best showcase the horror genre. A look he says was inspired by Roger Corman’s low budget horror films. “I remembered very well the feelings that the story created in me and I knew exactly what to do in order to project those feelings to the audience,” said Artami.
After volunteering in the Italian Navy, Artami rediscovered his true passion and decided to make the big step into the film world. He came to the New York Film Academy for its hands-on accelerated curriculum. “I went there with no film experience whatsoever,” said Artami. “I never worked on any movie set, nor did I have anything to do with the industry. Yet, I found very well prepared professors who approached the students with total commitment and devotion. I loved the fact that the school provides you with the knowledge, but they leave it up to you as to how to express it during the numerous workshops and assignments outside of the classroom on the streets of New York City.”
Lorenzo was able to collaborate on a number of student films during his time at the New York Film Academy. He was the cinematographer for Amanda Alvarez Diaz’s film, You Only Live Once, which got selected at the Memphis International Film & Music Festival this year.
Joining us afterward was screenwriter, Chris Galletta, who answered questions from our moderator, Ben Cohen, and students. Surprisingly, Chris mentioned how this was his first screenplay and even he was surprised just how well the ball began to roll. The script gained Chris representation, was sold, was made, made it to Sundance, and will be released theatrically on May 31 by CBS Films. Clearly a testament to his talents, but self-admittedly some luck came into play. It was soon after Nick Offerman offered to play the father role that the film really became a reality. “I’m a huge fan of Nick’s,” said Galletta. “I love him on Parks and Recreation and couldn’t have asked for anyone better.”
