Anna meets 30 versions of herself from other universes and finds out she is the worst possible version.

Interview with Writer/Director Sarah Doyle

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

I wanted to explore the idea of other versions of yourself - alternate universe you, what is she up to? I wrote the script and it got me into American Film Institute’s Directing Workshop for Women, which was a perfect framing for the project.

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

It is existential but also funny. The cast is phenom. Hashtag blessed.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

We tend to take the lead of what is expected of us. We are told who to be, how to act, what it is to be ‘okay’… When Anna meets 30 versions of herself and they are all better than her, she realises she might have taken the wrong path — but the entire universe relies on her now maintaining her boring trajectory. Basically if you look at it I think it confirms a fear that our life is sub par and boring, and then inflates the fear that if we went off-piste our universe would blow up.

How has the script and film evolved over the course of its development and production?

The actors brought a lot to the characters — little tid bits and insights that only an excellent actor can lend. Then of course in the edit there were ‘oh crap we didn’t shoot that bit and we need to traverse that beat somehow’ moments which make you get your creative thinking cap. Now in post-short I have optioned the story for development into feature, which is a whole other journey.

You Me & Her - Anna and Anna #2 arrive at the Department of Parallel Resettlement.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

Basically really good stuff. People think it should be a feature. People have their own ideas of what should happen. Generally it has been enjoyed, but of course it takes a special person to tell you what they didn’t like.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

Nup. But people’s ideas of ‘what if’ regards to the feature have certainly stretched me. Sometimes too far! It can be really exciting to try new ideas and way into the story but sometimes it sends you off the reserve.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

Fans man! Rad people engaged in my stuff.

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

All of the above.

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

HUGE. WORLD CHANGING. I want people to laugh but walk away thinking about ways they can take charge in their own life, listen to themselves, down with the man, etc.

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

It will totes be a spoiler if I write it down…

But another one, what if you are being lied to?

And another, what would you do if you realised that you are the shittest version of yourself?

Would you like to add anything else?

We need a new sound mix, pro bono (!!!)

What are the key creatives developing or working on now?

Shannon Woodward is doing Westworld.

Paula Jai Parker is on Ray Donovan.

I am working on a play commission for Australia, my play ANACONDA is getting optioned for a feature film version, I am working on a new internet/television series, and YOU ME & HER is being developed into a feature script.

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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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You Me & Her

Length: 20 min

Director: Sarah Doyle

Producer: Maggie Haskins, David Flannery, Dylan King, Bryce Pinkos

Writer: Sarah Doyle

About the writer, director and producer: please refer to my bio at www.sarahjeandoyle.com

Key cast:

Shannon Woodward

Tina Majorino

Paula Jai Parker

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

Funders: Indiegogo, private

Made in association with: American Film Institute

Release date: later this year prob via Shorts International but still open to other distributors