“Bubblegum,” by director Kelly Turner, is a verite documentary following an underground fashion designer over the course of a couple days dealing with work and personal dramas. We asked Turner how the project started, what the biggest challenge was, and a recent film she’s loved…

1) Can you talk briefly about your background, and how you first got interested in filmmaking?

I've been a visual artist for my entire life - mostly drawing and painting. When I was in middle school, I would come home from play practice with the whole script memorized and put on the show for my family in the living room. I remember when I got my first cheap digital camera with a video setting, and I would just have my brother and friends act in these little episodes I would write and direct. Thankfully, I didn't have internet access then, so they never went anywhere.

I started school at The University of The Arts in 2014 for Film & Video. I didn't have any real film experience before that, but I knew I wanted to work in a form that allowed me to bring both the visual and narrative elements I enjoyed together. I found that filmmaking was an opportunity to combine my interests in fine art, poetry, and photography in a way that made sense to me.

2) What’s the backstory here - what was the initial idea and how did it evolve from there?

The initial idea for this film evolved immensely throughout the entire process. I met Matt, who is the main subject of the film, in 2012, randomly after a book signing in New York. Somehow we found each other and connected on social media. At the time, Matt had an interest in celebrity culture, and as an artist, would often portray similar themes in his paintings. He gained attention on social media for taking photos with countless famous people, going by the name of King Mattisse, who he was known as online and by the celebrities he'd meet. Initially, the story was going to revolve around this specific time in his life.

However, Bubblegum was my student thesis film, so I had about a year to make it. Shooting took about four to five months, so as it progressed, I realized the film we were making didn't feel as relevant to either of our present lives as it might have several years ago. Instead, I started shooting observationally, which was a style I didn’t think I’d be able to achieve before. As time went on, I began to document moments in Matt’s everyday life, including his personal/creative relationship with Nick, and their artistic journeys. It eventually became clear to me what the film was about, which revolves around this strange but exciting period in your life as a young person, that I relate to as well.

3) What was the biggest challenge in making this film? And generally what part of the creative process do you enjoy the best, and the least?

I’d say that for me, the biggest challenge was trying to create a cohesive beginning, middle, and end to the story. Although I accepted the ambiguity of the film early on, it took some time to find the right order and pacing of each scene without any interviews or voice over to guide the arc.

My favorite part about making documentary work specifically has been getting to know my subjects, or characters, more and more as time goes on. I really enjoy the opportunity to form relationships with those I work with, and it was definitely a special experience. I’d say on the flip side, scheduling can be difficult, especially when you’re shooting for months at a time. Also, sifting through so many hours of footage afterward can easily become overwhelming, but it’s always worth it in my opinion.

4) What’s a film you’ve seen recently, new or old, that you really loved and why?

I just recently saw the documentary, Don’t Be a Dick About It, by Ben Mullinkosson at Maryland Film Festival. It’s a beautiful and hilarious portrait of two brothers growing up together. I really loved how honestly and compassionately the filmmaker portrayed the complexity of their relationship. As a viewer (and a sibling), I found it super nostalgic, sincere, and inspiring.

5) What’s next for you?

I’m beginning to write a script for a semi-autobiographical narrative short, which is a bit different from my previous work, but I’m excited to start working on the next thing!

Contact Info:

Instagram and Twitter: @uncoolkelly

5 Questions with Kelly Turner