5 Questions with Lauren Blackwell
1) Can you talk briefly about your background, and how you first got interested in filmmaking?
I am originally from South Africa, and have been involved in performance and acting my whole life. Whether it be theatre, dance, performance art, photography or film, I am always game. My interest in film started from my love of storytelling and exploring the complex and intricate process of building these worlds until someone completely new can become lost in them. Films can be such a powerful tool to engage with people and to show them parts of life they may have missed.
2) What was the initial idea for this project and how did it evolve from there?
Lyna and Lou came to me during our masters and shared the script with me. The fact that it was based on Lyna's friend's story and the difficult dynamics of being an outsider, in any capacity, was something I really resonated with. From there, after we graduated, we decided that we were going to do this and began a Kickstarter campaign, managing to raise £7500. Through other actors on the group, I was introduced to the last few members of our crew, specifically our DOP and music designer, Romain, and Neil, who pulled the magic of the whole piece together.
3) What was the biggest challenge in making this film? And the easiest part?!
The biggest challenge was time. When it comes to low budget projects like this is a fine balance between time, money, and quality. Sometimes, one always suffers, and you have to be creative and think on your feet. So as a director, I had to let some of my vision change and morph with what was the reality happening on set and after. The easiest thing was working with everyone on set. Every single person on set and during post-production was so happy to help and be involved, there was not one moment where I felt like I had to convince or pull anyone along. For me, that type of collaboration is priceless.
4) What’s a film you’ve seen recently, new or old, that you really loved and why?
Waves '98 - Ely Dagher. It's such a surreal and emotional animation and a really beautiful balance between simplicity and complexity. There is also so much room for interpretation which I always find interesting.
5) What’s next for you?
I have 2 new projects in the work, both short films. One is looking into the connection between mental health and nature. The other, entitled First Time Buyers & written by Alex McCarthy, is a comedy horror about a young couple trying to buy their first home in London. And of course, surviving 2020 which seems to be quite relentless!
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https://www.laurenblackwell.co.uk/
IG: @laurenskygem