New You
A waitress with big dreams wants to be famous. She will do anything to reach her goal when she becomes a model.
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Neilson Black
Watch New You on Prime Video
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I made my film because after 6 short films, 1 festival award and 10 festival selections, I felt it was time to give the full length form a try. I had the script on the shelf for 10 years and got the idea that if I raised £20,000 the film could be made for that budget. So I did. It was a challenge to see if I could handle and deliver a feature film.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
The audience should watch this film because it will entertain them: visually pleasing, emotionally moving in parts, and very ‘now’ regarding the influence the fashion industry has on current culture.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Personal themes work in this film through one wanting to be a new person, but changing so much that it is dangerous to forget one's true identity. Universal themes work in this film through idols, status and recognition in the glamorous community of show business.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
The script and film have evolved a lot. Originally the story was about eating disorders: an obese woman longs to lose weight, so she diets, and eventually becomes a famous model. But due to the pressures of the profession, her eating disorder manifests to anorexia. This changed due to budget and the scripts early production drafts being too confused, too much going on. It had to be refined, so I decided to focus on the modelling aspect. Inspired by the film The Neon Demon, the film became about a woman who wants to be a celebrity and sets out to achieve it with a modelling career. The eating disorder theme still exists but is a side-note.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
Feedback has been mainly positive. Some calling the script very ‘now’ and ‘relevant’. The trailer has been released. Feedback on it has been also positive. But I feel it lacks in delivering entirely what the story is about due to it not having a distinctive begining, middle and end. However, it was supposed to be a one dimensional trailer. The genre distinction could have been better executed too, right now it doesn’t feel like a comedy, which the film is meant to be.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
Feedback hasn’t surprised me. My main worry and drive throughout production was to deliver the film's story and message as clearly as I could, because the shooting script was still a little confused on these points. Feedback on the visuals and technicalities have been great, however.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I want to achieve more fans. Filmmaking is my profession and life and I want to find more fans and other industry people who will find my work entertaining. I need new channels in order to grow my profile and I believe I can achieve this with your organisation.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
I am currently sending the project (unfinished) out to sales agents. From there they’d take me to distributors, I’d imagine. Festivals submissions will be first on the to-do list once the film is complete later this month. I want to connect with financiers because I need to find funding for my next project. I have also written an article for the film which I am contacting film magazines to get it published.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
The impact/reception I am looking for from this film, is positive word of mouth which could gain more work for its contributors.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
[Spoiler] Does the main character get set up again? [Spoiler] Where does the old pictures come from?
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Myself as the writer, director and producer of this project, I am writing my next feature film about a foreigner who struggles to find his place in a foreign country. I am also associate producing two other films. The editor has gone back to studying at university. The DOP is working in corporate videos. The composer is teaching music. The art director is studying a course at Pinewood Studios. The 1st assistant director is producing plays with her theatre company. The costume designer is working for Sky TV. The main actress is waiting for her next job.
Interview: May 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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New You
A waitress with big dreams wants to be famous. She will do anything to reach her goal when she becomes a model.
Length: 1 hour 26 minutes
Director: Neilson Black
Producer: Neilson Black
Writer: Neilson Black
Bio: Neilson began his training at Raindance Film School and Central School of Speech and Drama. After training he worked in film production and wrote scripts in his spare time. To gain more control of his artistic voice, Neilson started his own production company, Pattern Maker Films, where he writes, directs and produces its short and feature films.
Key cast: Veronica Osimani, Lily Catalifo, Danielle McDonald, Benedict Holme, Andre Lecointe-Gayle.
Looking for: Sales agents/distributors, festival selections, financiers.
Social media handles: Pattern Maker Films
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newyouthemovie/
Other: http://newyouthemovie.com/
Funders: Pattern Maker Films
Made in association with: Pattern Maker Films
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?: A password protected Vimeo link.