DC Shorts - I Used To Be Famous
Working closely with talented actors on the autistic spectrum, the multi award-winning 'I Used to be Famous’ tells the story of a bold and moving culture clash between a failed singer from a late nineties boyband and a musically talented young man with an incredible ear for rhythm.
Interview with Writer/Director Eddie Sternberg
Watch I Used To Be Famous on Prime Video
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Thanks very much! I guess I made the film because it explores a number of themes that not only interest me, but which also manage to intertwine with each other to make for a bigger, stronger exploration....if that makes any kind of sense?
Essentially, the film is about celebrity, inclusivity, perceptions of 'difference' and ultimately the unifying power of music. The final theme being the thread that ties the others together.
It is also a very personal film. The character of Stevie is inspired by my cousin Saul who has used music to help overcome many of the difficulties that life has thrown at him. Saul plays drums as part of British rock band The AutistiX (an excellent 6-piece where the majority of the members have learning difficulties). These guys challenge our ideas of what being 'different' means and to me, seeing them perform represents music in its purest form. So making a film that taps into this is something that I was really excited by.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
I know this sounds like a total cop-out but I never like to say too much about the film before someone watches it. I don't want to influence the experience in any way but what I will say is that if you like music and walking out of the cinema with a smile on your face then this is a film worth checking out....(Ahh I said too much!!!).
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
As mentioned in the first question the character of Stevie and the main unifying theme is a very personal one. But I think it is also completely universal. Everyone is affected by music in different ways, and this film explores how a former pop star relentlessly trying (and failing) to fulfil his dream of a comeback, discovers new ways to experience music by meeting someone with an unconditional relationship with it. Instead of being bound by what he believes music to be about (essentially fame) he is released from these misguided shackles and his own relationship with music is 'awoken'.
Once this happens, the possibilities for Vince are endless, maybe he can offer the world something different now, something more fulfilling. Maybe he will find success in a different way from what he originally thought was possible...who knows? We wanted to ensure the film was as authentic and as true as possible, so many of the cast and crew have a direct connection to the subject matter. The film became an important project for all involved because there is so much of their true selves in it.
Our incredible cast of Tom Bacon, Naomi Ackie, Byron Konizie, Carrie Rock and Dia Gomis all brought their own research and ideas to fray. Byron, who played Stevie, actually experiences many of the same difficulties that Saul does and portrayed an incredible, real-life understanding of the role. Naomi's cousin has autism so she utilised her real-life experience in the role of Stevie's carer, Amber. A large number of the actors in the drum circle scene had special needs so the film really taps into these personal and universal themes in the most direct way possible.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?
I first starting writing the script about a year and half before shooting. At that time, many former pop stars in the UK were back in the limelight for a short while. There were reunion tours and reality tv shows. As I researched more and more about the former idols of teenage lust the script got closer to reality. I also spent more time with Saul and some incredibly lovely people with special needs at a weekly music group run by a great musician called Olly Price.
I'm also big fan of work-shopping my scripts, so as soon as the words came off the page, the script evolved even more. By the time we were in final rehearsals it was a script that was a result of a lot of collaboration between me, the cast and the crew. EVERYONE.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
The feedback has been absolutely unbelievable. It has had an incredible festival run, where we've been lucky enough to have achieved multiple nominations and awards so far. We even had some great feedback from Roger Deakins himself! However, the feedback that was the most pleasing was from those who have a direct response to our portrayal of the characters with learning difficulties. We had an email from the carer of two lovely individuals that act in the film and the message actually made me cry with pride (I don't cry often...I promise!) but this message is something that will stay with me forever.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
The whole process has both reinforced and totally educated my ideas on the film's themes for sure. One thing I was very surprised by was how little representation of actors with disabilities there is in the industry today and hopefully our film contributes in its own small way to change that. I've also learned a lot from the individuals I have come across that have learning difficulties.
I've gotten a lot closer to Saul and his family as a result of this film. Witnessing the love and support that they not only give him but receive back in abundance has been wonderful. I was also astounded by the first time I went to one of Olly Price's music sessions. It was an experience I will never forget. Another bit of feedback that surprised me was from the agency Sayle Screen who liked it so much they signed me; a very welcome surprise indeed!
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
The wider the audience, the further the film goes so it's very important and much appreciated.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Film festivals and articles such as this are always essential for any short film. Filmmakers tend to spend all their budget before they even get to send their film to festivals so as much awareness as possible is key (especially when you don't have to pay for it). In terms of people coming on board we are actually adapting the short to become a feature so we look forward to the new faces we'll meet that will hopefully make this a reality.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I'd like people to take as much from the film as humanely possible but really I just hope we made a film that people enjoy.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Has music change your life? And if so, how has it changed yours? (Sorry that's two).
Would you like to add anything else?
Just to say a massive THANKYOU on behalf of myself and the incredible team behind 'I Used to be Famous' for taking such an interest in our little film.
What are the key creatives developing or working on now?
As mentioned above, Producer Chris Pencacowski, my long term collaborator Adam Baroukh and myself strongly believe that a feature length adaptation of I Used to be Famous is bursting to be made. We brought on board talented writer Zak Klein to write the script with me and exciting producer Collie McCarthy to work with Chris and co-produce. I'm also getting married to my lovely fiancée Ashley next year so that is another 'production' that we are working on!
Interview: September 2016
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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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I Used to be Famous
Working closely with talented actors on the autistic spectrum, the multi award-winning 'I Used to be Famous’ tells the story of a bold and moving culture clash between a failed singer from a late nineties boyband and a musically talented young man with an incredible ear for rhythm.
Length:
16.44
Director:
Eddie Sternberg
Producer:
Christopher Pencakowski
Writer:
Eddie Sternberg
About the writer, director and producer:
Eddie Sternberg
Eddie is a an award-winning writer/director represented by Sayle Screen. He runs Superplex Pictures along with Adam Baroukh. He was shortlisted as one The Kevin Spacey Foundation's Artists of Choice in 2015 and is currently writing the feature of 'I Used to Be Famous'.
Christopher PENCAKOWSKI (Producer)
Christopher is an award-winning producer who has worked in production for a wide range of companies over the last 6 years (Somesuch & Co, Superplex Pictures, Cling Film Productions, Tall Stories Films, SubTV and Mango Films). Recently Christopher produced a public awareness campaign aim at young drivers for Transport For London (dir: Eddie Sternberg) as well as a commercial directed by Fernando Meirelles which was shot in London for agency Y&R Brazil. Chris was also shortlisted as one The Kevin Spacey Foundation's Artists of Choice in 2015 and is working on a feature documentary as well as the IUTBF feature.
Key cast:
Tom Bacon, Naomi Ackie, Byron Konizi, Carrie Rock and Dia Gomis
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists):
Looking for investment or the feature film.
Funders:
Southern Exposure (Film London, Lambeth and Southwark Council)
Made in association with:
Film London and Southern Exposure
Release date:
September 2015
Where can I watch it in the next month?
The film is screening at DC Shorts (U.S Premiere), The Valley Film Festival and the BAFTA qualifying Aesthetica Film Festival the coming weeks.