LA ShortsFest - The King
An ambitious kid sets up his first drug deal, but HIS plans for progress are derailed by a chance encounter with a storytelling stranger.
Interview with Director Frederic Casella
Watch The King here:
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I was inspired to make this film when I reconnected with a friend from college, Giles Abbott. Since we last met, Giles had lost his sight and become one of the UK’s most successful storytellers.
I went to one of his shows and was mesmerized by the power of his storytelling. I have always been a fan of myths and fables, and this film, which is co-written by Giles, brings traditional storytelling (with a contemporary edge) to the big screen.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
The King is an intriguing urban fairytale with a sprinkling of magic dust. It is beautiful and beguiling in equal measure. What more do you need?
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
The King weaves two stories into one film. One story is contemporary, urban and personal and the other, is ancient, rural and universal.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?
I started by recording Giles telling some stories, editing those down to their pure essence, and then building a contemporary story around that. The modern tale is set in East London and involves three kids. We saw about 70 kids to cast those three and they all come from a tough background, and, for authenticity, we used improvisation in rehearsal to hone both the script and their performances.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
The feedback has been very mixed. Some people have found the film gorgeous, innovative and surprising, while others, um, have not. A reviewer at one established short film festival declared that this film “does not appeal to any audience”.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
I have been surprised by people who don’t understand the film. The kids in the film use authentic London slang, but I was careful to make sure that despite this the story is clear. HBO’s (genius) show The Wire is a great example of the power of presenting an authentic reality.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I’ve made a few short films, and I’d love for other filmmakers, who may be newer to this wonderful, crazy world to get a sense of the madness. For example, our film has so far been accepted by 6 festivals and turned down by many. This is normal (it is pretty good actually). So as tough as it might be to get turned down multiple times, remember that the festivals are being flooded with shorts, and there will be a million reasons why they didn’t pick yours (or mine).
So endure, endure, endure, and always make sure that your latest film is, in some way, more accomplished than you last.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
I would love for journalists and festival directors to become more aware of this film. It really is a celebration of upcoming talent: some of the cast come from disadvantaged backgrounds, and many of the crew are emerging talents (many of them women) who you will hear a lot about in the coming years.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I would love for the cast and crew to get noticed and get more work.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
How has film changed the way we tell stories?
Would you like to add anything else?
Follow me on twitter @saintgiles or on vimeo.com/fredcasella
What are the key creatives developing or working on now?
- Producer, Emily Barttelot is developing a range of projects at film and TV finance and production company Catalyst Global Media http://catalystglobalmedia.com
- Writer and Actor, Giles Abbott continues to tell stories http://gilesabbott.com
- Lead Actor, Youssef Berouain was recent in A Hundred Streets, starring, and produced by Idris Elba
- Actor, Jasmine Jobson is attached to her first feature film, Naheem Mahmood’s “Us”
- Animator Jocie Juritz is so busy I CAN'T even list it all here http://www.jociejuritz.co.uk
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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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The King
An ambitious kid sets up his first drug deal, but HIS plans for progress are derailed by a chance encounter with a storytelling stranger.
Length: 12min 30sec
Director: Frederic Casella
Producer: Emily Barttelot
Writers: Frederic Casella & Giles Abbott
About the writer, director and producer:
Frederic Casella (Writer/Director)
Frederic Casella’s films have played at festivals worldwide, sold internationally and won multiple awards. The King is his sixth short film.
Giles Abbott (Writer/Actor)
Giles Abbott started storytelling after a sudden, serious sight loss. He is a regular performer at festivals, a published poet, and founder of the Academy of Oratory.
Emily Barttelot (Producer) is the Development and Production Coordinator at Catalyst Global Media, a film and television production company and financier with an integrated music division that launched in 2015. Emily has independently produced a number of short films with Director Frederic Casella and she is currently developing her first feature. Previously, Emily was assistant to Producers at Ecosse Films, where she worked on films including A Royal Night Out and TV dramas including BBC Two’s Life in Squares and Sky Atlantic’s Fleming. Emily has a diploma in Script Development from the NFTS and is one of the participants on 2016’s Filmonomics training programme, run by Birds Eye View. She was selected for the Edinburgh Film Festival talent lab in 2016.
Key cast: Youssef Berouain, Jasmine Jobson, Kinquaid Malik-White, Moya Brady, Damien Thomas, Huggy Leaver
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): Festival directors and journalists
Funders: Self-funded
Release date: World Premier @ LA Shorts Fest 1st September 2016
Where can I watch it in the next month?
British Urban Film Festival (London, UK)
LA Indie Festival
Norwich Film Festival (UK)