Exposed Nerves
A young dance instructor's life becomes awry when her bi-polar symptoms begin to manifest themselves.
Interview with Writer/Director Madison Thomas
Watch Exposed Nerves on CBC Gem
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I made Exposed Nerves because I wanted to use my platform as a filmmaker to explore mental illness and to start a dialogue about it. I believe a lot of the stigma that surrounds mental illness stems from people being afraid to talk about it so I wanted to make a film that opened up that dialogue.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
I think it's a subject matter people from all walks of life can benefit from exploring more. I think the film allows you to explore a difficult subject matter without overwhelming audiences. All three dancers are captivating to watch and portray the emotions as well as they work through the movements.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Personally I've been effected by mental health in both my immediate and extended family so it's an issue I'm very familiar with and feel strongly about. Universally I think the film really focuses in on that inner battle we all go through in life regardless of experiences or place in the world.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?
The first iteration of the script had Manic and Depression having verbal dialogue with Karenza, I felt the use of dialogue really narrowed down Karenza's journey to my own or others that I've witnessed. I wanted the film to be relatable to anyone who's dealt with or had a love one deal with mental illness.
I was on the bus and passed the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and the idea of using dance to share the story smacked me in the face. From there I brought on Kayla Jeanson as a choreographer. In rehearsal we made the decision to go against the traditional way of doing dance films and music videos which is having music beforehand and choreographing to that music. We decided to let the dancers move without music and then composed music to a picture cut afterwards, this freedom allowed us to discover choreography and moments on the day we were actually filming since we weren't locked into specific musical moments,.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
Our feedback has been overwhelmingly supportive so far. This is the film for me so far that has sparked the most people coming to talk with me after screenings.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
I've been surprised with the different interpretations I've heard of the film. Many parts we left purposely abstract for story reasons. I knew people might take some parts differently then others but I was honestly surprised with how many people have found aspects of their own journeys with mental health reflected in the film.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
Reaching a different audience is always so exciting for a filmmaker because we make these stories to be shared.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Really anyone who can help the film and it's message get to as many people as possible. Seeing yourself and experiences similar to yours in media is fundamentally important. I work with teenagers a lot and you really start realizing how they talk about the TV shows and movies they're watching. I had a student who was gender-fluid and when they talked about a gender-fluid character they'd seen on TV you could just hear the excitement in their voice, they felt validated and less isolated. I hope Exposed Nerves can make someone struggling with mental illness feel less alone and give hope in places where hope can feel like a fleeting thing.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I hope it opens some people's eyes to what living with mental illness is like and makes them feel like they can talk about it. Of course as a filmmaker you want people to like your work but I also hope the film challenges audiences as much as it entertains.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Is it possible to live a happy productive life while struggling with mental illness?
Would you like to add anything else?
Follow Prairie Kid Productions on Facebook to keep up with future projects we got cooking.
https://www.facebook.com/Prairie-Kid-Productions-517906328247979/?fref=ts
What are the key creatives developing or working on now?
As the Writer and Director I have quite a few projects in development. I'll be attending the 20th annual Women in the Director's Chair program in Vancouver with my second feature film "Last Call", a sci-fi action/drama that explores an anarchist society in deep space who believe they are the last humans left.
Director of Photography Andrew Luczenczyn has several projects in post production and gearing up for festival runs in the near future.
Christy Taronno who wrote the music is performing in Winnipeg with her bands Settlers and Paper Machetes.
Interview: November 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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Exposed Nerves
A young dance instructor's life becomes awry when her bi-polar symptoms begin to manifest themselves.
Length: 8 min 10 sec
Director: Madison Thomas
Producer: Madison Thomas, Andrew Luczenczyn, Kayla Jeanson
Writer: Madison Thomas
Key cast: Alexandra Winters, Warren McClelland, Amy Donnelly
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): all
Funders: Winnipeg Film Group
Made in association with: Winnipeg Film Group