Bentonville Film Festival / Lunafest - Buttercup
Maggie is dealing with the aftermath of her mother’s death when her old friend Janie unexpectedly swoops in to help her process her grief.
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Megan Brotherton
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Buttercup is a very personal story for me. It's based on my own experience losing a loved one. I carried the story in my heart for many years and if finally felt like the right time to make it, especially after discovering the beautiful location.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
Buttercup is a sweet film that is very moving. If you have ever lost someone you will relate to the characters in Buttercup. It will surprise you and really make you feel something. It's also very beautiful to watch.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Buttercup was inspired by my real life experience and deals with the universal them of losing a loved one. Everyone loses someone they love at some point in their lives. The feelings are universal.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
The script is pretty close to my first draft with the exception of the addition of the titular song and one new scene to take advantage of the beautiful exteriors we had access to on location in central Idaho.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
People really love the film, the story, the performances, and the cinematography. It means so much to me to hear from audience members about how the film has touched them. They notice all the little details that I wrote in the story and that is the most satisfying and heartwarming feeling .
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
The feedback has strengthened my belief in what it means to lose a love one and the power of love between people. If so many strangers can relate to my story it shows me how powerful and universal these experiences are.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I would love for more people to see my film! It is one of 9 films included in Lunafest 2018, a traveling film festival that raises money for charities. So anyone can contact Lunafest and host a screening in their hometown.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Journalists would be great. A sales agent/buyer would be great too!
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I hope this film makes people remember the people who have passed away. I believe it's the best way to honor and keep their spirits alive.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
What's the story behind the film?
Would you like to add anything else?
Thank you for this opportunity!
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I am writing my first feature as well as a pilot. I also direct funny shorts for Funny or Die.
Interview: April 2018
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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, 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
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Buttercup
Maggie is dealing with the aftermath of her mother’s death when her old friend Janie unexpectedly swoops in to help her process her grief.
Length: 12 min
Director: Megan Brotherton
Producer: Megan Brotherton and Elizabeth Bates
Writer: Megan Brotherton
About the writer, director and producer:
Writer-director-actress Megan Brotherton began directing while earning her MFA at the ART at Harvard University/Moscow Art Theatre. Her shorts Everybody Does It and Buttercup have earned awards and rave reviews, and she was recently selected to direct a PSA for Women in Film. In addition, she's directed a web series, a pilot, and several videos for Funny or Die. Megan is currently preparing to direct her first feature film.
Key cast: Megan Brotherton Elizabeth Bates
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists
Social media handles:
Facebook: /buttercupfilm
Twitter: @buttercupshort @MeganBrotherton
Instagram: @buttercupmovie @megbrother
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? Bentonville Film Festival, Lunafest, BZN Film Festival