After surviving and also losing her parents in a horrific car accident, Haley Thompson (17) must move in with her uncle and cousin, overcome the trauma and rebuild her life and mental health after the accident.

Interview with Writer/Director Estes Tarver

Watch Changeover on Tubi and Prime Video

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

To raise awareness about PTSD, depression, teen mental health issues, and also tell a story with a positive message about life. We also were making our first feature so really wanted to do something meaningful and character driven.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

This is a very original and tough drama that inspires hope and promise to anyone who deals with tough times. Teaches us the hard lessons through entertainment, some humor, and an interesting ride. There are male and female protagonists that the audience will identify with as well as a child that steals a lot of the film. It has been nominated for best picture at every festival it has been accepted into and also won several wards. Also done well with international audiences. Should also watch to learn about what mental health disorders are really all about teens and really anyone who is struggling and how to help them.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

There are several themes dealing with loss and recovery and believing in yourself. They all come together in the end of the film. Family, tragedy, and love all play a part.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?

Absolutely. A good bit during shooting as well.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

Excellent. Nominated constantly for best picture in festivals. Won Best Actor and director as well. Won Best Picture at the Valley Film festival in LA.. Been picked up in the US and the UK and a couple of other countries.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

Not really. The feedback has been great. Just tough to get your first film out there. That is the real challenge.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible?

Just want to communicate the message that helps to de-stigmatize mental health issues in all and love to get the message of overcoming loss, tragedy, and struggle in life to the masses.

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

Distributors. We have the film with a sales agent (Cory Tucek at TurnKey Films) so looking to get it out there via distributors.

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

Love to see it have a positive impact on audiences and encourage positive talk about mental health issues and acceptance.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

Is this film based on true events. The answer is yes. based on true events but a fictional story that came out of them.

Would you like to add anything else?

Thanks so much for helping get the message of the film out. And I appreciate the opportunity.

What are the key creatives developing or working on now?

Working on Web series, another Feature called Mrs. Wildermuth (Dark Comedy), Also acting in other major television. Developing Moonlight Stage Company as well. Also continually working on getting Changeover out to the public.

Interview: December 2016

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Changeover

After surviving and also losing her parents in a horrific car accident, Haley Thompson (17) must move in with her uncle and cousin, overcome the trauma and rebuild her life and mental health after the accident.

Length:
1hr 30 min

Director: Estes Tarver

Producer: Estes Tarver, Tripp green, Beau Schneider, and Craig Brandwynne

Writer:
Estes Tarver

About the writer, director and producer:

Writer, Director, Producer Estes Tarver is an actor/writer/ Director living in Raleigh North Carolina. He acts in major television and film, has produced commercials etc. and runs Moonlight Stage Company in Raleigh NC.

Craig Brandwynne is a producer and professor at University of Alabama Birmingham, and owns Centersound Records.

Tripp green is a cinematographer and producer in Raleigh NC.

Key cast:

Estes Tarver

Madeline Taylor

Carter Godwin

Andre Gower

Tara Polhemus

Carrie Marshall

Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists):
Buyers, distributors film festival directors, journalists

Sales agent is Cory Tucek at Turnkey Films

Funders:
Jackie Locklear, Estes Tarver, Candace Covington, Mary Laurie Cece, Jennifer and sarona Angelica, Frank Fernandez, Greg Stafford

Made in association with:
Vertis Media

Release date: 2017

Where will it screen in the next month? Idyllwild and Univ of Alabama Birmingham