While sequels are common in feature-length filmmaking, they’re a rarity for shorts. In fact, “Now & Then” is the first sequel we’ve posted in this space. The film, directed by Frank Kelly, picks up on “But Then,” a touching eight-minute drama. Because “Now & Then” is on the festival circuit, we can show only the trailer and the director’s insightful comments about minimalist filmmaking.

Frank Kelly on Minimalist Filmmaking

MobileMovieMaking: What motivated you to revisit this story and the characters?

Kelly: It was such a great experience working with Darren Behana and Gail Brady in “But Then” that I was looking for something else to do with them, not necessarily a sequel. The opportunity came up to take some students from the local college (Drogheda Institute of Further Education) along with me on a project. So I thought this could be the perfect opportunity. By now Covid had passed, but I was still having conversations about it, mainly at the school gate with other parents. We were talking about how it had affected us now we were on the other side of it. Having that time with no distractions really helped me focus, and I got so much done. I made four films, wrote a book, recorded a podcast, and set up a film festival. But there were people whose lives were turned upside down because of the Covid restrictions. I heard about so many people whose relationships fell apart during that time. So I thought about seeing where Kate and Joe were two years later and used those conversations and experiences to inform their journey.

MobileMovieMaking: What was the role of the students?

Kelly: I brought them in to help me workshop the script. They sat in on rehearsals and came along on the shoot. It was a real collaborative experience, and I’ve since heard some of the students have pursued film courses because of it, which makes it very rewarding. Overall it was a fun experience going back to these characters and delving deeper into their lives and their friendship as kindred spirits.

MobileMovieMaking: How did the actors feel about it?

Kelly: The actors were excited to return to these characters, and I think they enjoyed seeing where they ended up. It was a little strange, the same amount of time had passed for us as for the characters, two years, and we shot in exactly the same place, so it kind of felt like no time had passed. But they really got into it, and we’re actually talking about doing a third film, to see where they go from here. We might even get a webseries out of it, who knows! But it’s such a fun way to work, no crew, no pressure, just me, the actors and a phone! It’s so freeing, and really does mean you can shoot a short film in a day. Since I made “But Then” I’ve made seven films. I have one out at the moment called “Addiction.” “Now & Then” is heading to festivals, and I have another in development.

MobileMovieMaking:  So you’re an advocate for minimalist filmmaking.

Kelly: It’s a great way to figure things out, make mistakes, explore and be free to play without pressure. I’d recommend it to any filmmaker at any level.

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The editors of MobileMovieMaking have chosen “Now & Then” as the Mobile Movie of the Week.