​INDIEBLOCK

1) Could you give me a brief summary of what Zoe.Misplaced is about? I'd like to hear your perspective.

 

Zoe.Misplaced is about a girl in her mid twenties who thinks she has it all figured out. Study, life, love, philosophy. And I guess she kind of does. Until she falls in love with someone she shouldn't. Zoe.Misplaced is essentially about the things and parts of ourselves that we give up when we think we've fallen in love. And questions whether or not it's all worth it.

 

2) You produced, directed and wrote the film, could you take me through the steps you took, taking the film from script to screen?

 

Wow. This is a complex question! Ok. Well it was a pretty difficult process. I didn't really have much help, meaning that I didn't really know anyone with experience or in the industry, so I relied pretty heavily on forums and things for scriptwriting tips and production tips.

I took about 3 months to write the script. Give or take. After that I slowly began educating myself on the best/cost effective ways to go about creating the film myself. I researched others who had done similar. For example, Robert Rodriguez with his first film El Mariachi which cost him about $5000 to make. It was around here that I also decided I would market the film. I created a Facebook page and tried to get as much awareness about the film as I could. Originally I had plans to film Zoe in Nelson Bay, NSW so I spoke to local businesses about sponsorship and possibly using their sites as locations. We were lucky enough to secure Murray's Brewery as a sponsor. I then began the casting process. I created a post on www.starnow.com.au and gained interest from a few different actors/actresses. Most of the cast ended up coming from Sydney (everyone bar Kaska), so I made a tough decision to relocate to Newtown and shoot the film down there. Once I got myself settled I put another post on star now for crew which is where I found most of my guys. Then, we basically scouted locations, held rehearsals then scheduled the shoot. And it kind of all just came together.

 

3) With these methods in mind, how was your creative freedom influenced by budgetary decisions?

 

I had always envisioned Zoe.Misplaced as an incredibly low budget film. Which meant I was never disappointed. To be honest we probably ended up with more money than I thought. Which just meant we had nicer food and more lights.

Not having money was possibly the greatest thing to have happened to me if I'm being honest. I would hate to think what Zoe might have become had I had a heap of money behind me.

The film is FAR from perfect. Not even close.

But the heart is there. Big time.

And we (I hope all of us) had an amazing time doing what we could with what we had. (Bit of a personal motto of mine that one).

 

4) Why use crowd funding?

 

Crowd funding seemed like the best way to not only raise money but also spread more awareness about the film. I really wanted this film to be a collaboration. For people to be with us for the entire ride and to be a part of it.

 

5) How was the film received by distributors? Were there any difficulties with getting distribution? Are you still looking for distribution?

 

I have had small interest in distribution but all from overseas. Australia has yet to show interest. I am still looking for distribution.

 

6) What formats would you say independent film-makers are more likely to get distribution from?

 

I guess it all depends on the film to be honest.

If you've got a brilliant story with great acting and stunning cinematography and fantastic equipment, then you could be set for cinematic.

Chances are though, that's not going to happen. Distributors seem to be taking less and less of a risk on films and they never really took much of a chance in the first place.

I myself will be taking the path of VOD most likely.

I feel this suits my situation best as I just really want the film to be seen by those who have supported it and are keen to watch it. I didn't make the film for money. I made it because I wanted to tell the story and I wanted to gain experience and have fun.

So, thought I would absolutely love love love and appreciate distribution, I'm not counting on it. Nor am I expecting it. And that's ok.

 

7) Will you be making more films in future? If so, will they be crowd funded?

 

I will absolutely be making more films in the future. (Fingers crossed). My aim is not to make more films from crowd funding, no. I am hoping that Zoe will help me with some producing and things. I would absolutely be happy to crowd fund again but I'm hoping the community that are attached to Zoe will not need to flesh out more cash to see more. Hopefully we'll get some other form of backing.

 

8) Is there anything that you would have done differently, either creatively or in other areas?

 

There isn't a single thing I would change. As I have learned many things from every decision I made.

 

9) Finally, what advice would you give to upcoming indie film-makers?

 

Just f*cking do it. Do not wait for someone to tell you can. Or that you should. Or that you're good enough. Because you are.

Surround yourself with people who push you and encourage you and believe in you.

Get rid of the naysayers.  

'If you wait until you're ready, you'll be waiting your whole life.'

 

Interview by: Ren Elliott