A Fairy's Game
When siblings Tyler and Jacq get pulled into a fairy's world, they must win the game to be granted their deepest wish.
Interview with Director Shawn Nelson and Producer Mary Jon Nelson
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Our family has a passion for quality family films, the type that only Disney seems to make nowadays. We love movies like How To Train Your Dragon, Kung Fu Panda, and Lilo & Stitch, but we wanted live action versions. We set out to make the film we wanted to see. The original concept of A Fairy's Game had the two lead protagonists as siblings. It was important to us to make the main character of Jacq a girl. When my little sister Shiloh had an audition that requested her to bring her own scene, I ended up using one of her brother's scenes simply because there weren't any strong female characters from any of her auditions. I had to grab a scene depicting a boy to get the character she wanted to play. We are starting to get some adult strong female protagonists (although even those are limited), but there were hardly any for her young age group. We felt it was very important to show kids a strong lead girl their age who fights for her own destiny.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
To be inspired. At the heart of the film, it's about conquering your fears and you watch this little girl turn into a warrior. You'll laugh, cheer, cry and hopefully be surprised at some of the twists. You'll explore a new world, and laugh along the way. You can watch it with your kids, and have them be moved with you.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
The theme of the film is courage, and everything that goes along with it. Tyler finds the courage to stand up for himself and his sister. And Jacq learns that little girls can be tough too, then stands up and takes control.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
The initial concept was of kids going on an adventure together and of siblings supporting each other and learning along the way. The film was very different on the first draft as the whole movie took place in an enchanted house. But we really wanted to bring more of a fantasy feel similar to Narnia and feature the incredible Pacific Northwest.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
That people watch this movie on loop. We've gotten so many stories about their kids waking up the next day, and putting the movie on again. And the parents don't mind watching it again with them. That their kids will play A Fairy's Game pretending sticks are wands like Jacq and Tyler's and that our movie is a new classic in their house. It's mind blowing the feedback we've received, but so incredibly special.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
It's surprised us that guys and Dads like our film! We definitely weren't expecting that.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
To get the word out that there's a quality family film that's actually good with a heartfelt message out there. So many family films nowadays are really crummy. Hopefully more families can hear about the film and have a meaningful experience together.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Journalists! Parents! Fantasy fans! Anyone who enjoys a fun film. We need to get the word out there and if you like the movie, tell someone you know.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I'd love to hear stories of parents connecting with their kids over the film and of little girls feeling like they can be like Jacq and be a warrior queen.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Can girls be gamers?
Would you like to add anything else?
If you watch the movie and it inspires you, send us a message! afairysgame@gmail.com
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
We hope to continue making family films like A Fairy's Game, you can follow us on Facebook, Instagram and twitter to stay updated! See below for more info.
Interview: January 2018
_______________________________________________________________________________
We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTIAQ+, scifi, horror, world cinema. 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
_______________________________________________________________________________
A Fairy's Game
When siblings Tyler and Jacq get pulled into a fairy's world, they must win the game to be granted their deepest wish.
Length: 111 minutes
Director: Shawn Nelson
Producer: Mary Jon Nelson
Writer: Mary Jon Nelson, Elijah Nelson, Shawn Nelson
About the writer, director and producer:
Shawn Nelson is a software engineer at Nike in Beaverton, OR. An avid film lover, he's been making short films ever since he was a child. He has directed trailers for The Five Love Languages book series along with winning the 48hr Film Festival in 2012
Mary Jon Nelson is a female writer/director. She started as an actress studying the Meisner method of acting for four years with Sandra Peabody who learned under Sanford Meisner himself. Having always coached her siblings, she became known as a child acting coach and coached child actors such as Joshua Rush from Disney's Andy Mack. She accompanies her siblings on set and credits a lot of her directing style to studying the amazing directors her siblings have gotten to work with such as Adam McKay, Brad Bird, and Elliot Lester.
Key cast: Ava Kolker, Elijah Nelson, Shiloh Nelson, Bruce Davison
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): TV acquisitions, streaming acquisitions, and journalists.
EXTERNAL LINKS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afairysgame
Instagram: @afairysgame
Twitter: @afairysgame
Production Company: Nelson House Inc. Website - http://nelsonhouse.co/
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?
Amazon, iTunes, Google Play, Vudu and coming to cable video on demand.