Charlie Cloudhead
Charlie bottles up his problems into a cloud that hovers above his head. A tense birthday dinner with his wife forces him to confront his issues - with spectacular results.
Interview with Writer/Director Rupert Cresswell
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Thank you! I've been directing commercially for a while but I wanted to make something a bit more personal. I was feeling stuck, wanting to make some changes. I guess the film was me kicking out.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
Charlie Cloudhead is about a man who bottles up his problems into a real cloud that hovers permanently above his head. It's a comedy drama with some surreal visual effects of and strong performances. Also, it's only 8 minutes, give it a try!
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Though the film is very personal to me, I always aimed to make something that most people can relate to - the image of a man with a cloud over his head is familiar to everyone. It the film it is used as an absurd depiction of a common issue - the inability of some men to open up about their problems and the damage that it can cause.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?
I wrote the first draft really quickly, over a weekend. I'd seen Paul in Utopia and I had him in mind for the lead when I wrote it. I took a gamble and sent it to his agent and amazingly he agreed to take part! Though the structure of the film didn't really change, I workshopped with the two leads quite extensively and the dialogue evolved naturally. Paul and Daisy are amazing talents and they really took the performances to places I couldn't have imagined.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
It's been really humbling. I was very nervous about showing something that quite personal, but people really seem to engage with the film and relate to its themes.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
It gave me confidence - it is the first dramatic film I wrote and directed, so I was just happy it wasn't a complete disaster.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I hope more people will hear about the movie.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
The film has had a really great festival run so far - but any one who can help it reach a wider audience is more than welcome to help!
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I hope that people enjoy the film as a piece of entertainment - but perhaps I hope it will encourage people who feel stuck or unhappy to open up and face their problems. In some way the film is a warning of the dangers of putting off those big life decisions, you only live once.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Could you really risk everything for the hope of finding 'happiness'?
Would you like to add anything else?
Disclaimer: It's not a great date movie for Valentine's.
What are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I've just finished filming a commercial on location in Cape Town, South Africa. I'm working on a variety of new scripts and looking to begin production on a follow up soon. Paul's latest film 'Couple In A Hole' is doing really well critically, and Daisy is in a new series of 'Episodes' with Matt Le Blanc.
Interview: October 2016
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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series and music video. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
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Charlie Cloudhead
Charlie bottles up his problems into a cloud that hovers above his head. A tense birthday dinner with his wife forces him to confront his issues - with spectacular results.
Length: 8:00
Director: Rupert Cresswell
Producer: Johnny Blick, Harvey Ascott
Writer: Rupert Cresswell
About the writer, director and producer:
‘Charlie Cloudhead’ is Rupert’s directorial drama debut. He is an experienced commercials director, specialising in directing live action film and merging it with cg animation and vfx.
A native New Zealander, Johnny Blick graduated from the USC School of Cinema many years ago and has since produced short films, TV commercials, VR experiences and lots of other interesting stuff.
Harvey has produced over 40 music videos . His last film ‘Shok’ was nominated for best short film at last year's Oscars.
Key cast: Paul Higgins (The Thick of It, Couple In a Hole, Utopia), Daisy Haggard (Episodes, I Give It A Year)
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists
Funders: MPC Creative, Homespun
Made in association with: MPC Creative, Homespun
Release date: TBC