OR: What was the inspiration for your film?

TM: For Absence of Light, I had some visions in my mind that I really wanted to mess around with and create reality but I knew I had to create a story around it. I chose a topic that was personal and meaningful to me and boom it was born!

OR: When did you conceive the idea for your film and how long did it take before it was realized?

TM: I thought of Absence of Light in the beginning of my junior year of high school and that is when I began writing it as well.

OR: What was the most challenging aspect of working in a short film format?

TM: Staying within the time limit of the competition I was submitting to!

OR: What was the most challenging aspect of your production?

TM: Finding dates where everyone was available as well as the locations we were allowed to film at.

OR: Do you have any advice for first-time filmmakers?

TM: You don’t need fancy or expensive equipment to make a great story!