Awareness Film Festival - Walk
Two strangers - One Life-Changing Day. When life hands you a difficult ride, what's worth your time, and what's not?
Interview with Director Mary-Pat Green
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I directed the play version of WALK at a small theatre in LA, in the late '90s. At the time, I told Theresa Rebeck, the playwright, that I thought it would make an amazing short film. She gave me her blessing, which was an amazing honor. However, fast-forward 16-17 years and because life usually gets in the way, I had not made the film. Then luckily for me, Michael Dempsey, who had been in WALK, the play, came to me with an idea. He and Stephanie Michels had been wanting to work on a project together and he suggested WALK as a short. He asked me to direct and help produce it. I had always loved this piece, it's simplicity and also its depth, so I was thrilled to be brought on board.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
Has your life ever felt overwhelming? Not enough time in the day to do all the things you want/need/are made to do? Have to answer that post, or that tweet or that email - can't take a break? Life these days is hectic and we forget to look around us and enjoy life. This film brings that concept to life from the perspective of someone who knows life is short. It will change your perception of what a truly well-lived life can be.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
I find the film talks to both - the universal theme of living life to the fullest, enjoying it while we're here, and also the personal theme of not taking our lives for granted, and slowing down because everything is moving too fast. In this age of social media, and streaming movies on every device we own, and the ability to call someone from a small thing in our hands -- we can be too busy, too concerned with that and not enough with the people we love. Get connected because we never know how much time we have.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?
The script, by Theresa Rebeck, is based on the play she originally wrote as a benefit for the ALS foundation over 15 years ago. The screenplay has been updated and changed, but only slightly - we added cell phones, and references to social media, both of which didn't exist then. Scenes were added as an opening montage to introduce the characters, so we could open the film up a bit. But most of the play remains intact within the screenplay.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
So far, almost all of the feedback has been wonderfully positive - knock on wood! We won Best U.S. Short at the Marietta International Film Festival, 2nd place Audience Award at the California Women's Fim Festival, and an INDIEFEST Award of Excellence. But the most important thing to me, is the audience reaction -very warm and accepting, and many people have come up to me afterwards to thank me for opening their eyes - meaning the film's message - "Life is short." "What's worth your time, and what's not?" We're also excited that people are noticing the credit at the end of the film -"
Every 90 minutes someone in the U.S. is diagnosed with ALS. I don't think most of us know that statistic, but I bet someone you know, maybe even a childhood, or College or High School friend has ALS. That happened to me recently when a friend I'd gone to Elementary, Junior and Senior High School with, contacted me about the Marietta Film Festival, to tell me she'd be coming to the screening there, as she has ALS. It was wonderful to see her, and to witness her spirit and fortitude. And to get the best review of all from her, someone living with ALS, - that our film "Got it Right!"
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
I've had a few surprises from feedback. Festival selectors wanting us to "show" the story more and not just "tell" it. But it's a 15 minute conversation between two strangers. What is there to show but what they're saying to each other, and the depth of her passion for relaying a message to this person?
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I'm hoping that down the line, someone will want to distribute this film, put it in their festival, whatever! So it can be seen by many more people than a short film can usually reach. We decided to make this film because of our passion for telling this story. To reach out to people who, whether they know their days are numbered or think they have many more years to come, can change their circumstances to value the gift they've been given. The gift of time. And also to raise awareness of ALS.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
EVERY single person on that list! :-) I bet that's everyone's answer. Our goal is to just get the movie seen, so people can think about what it says and perhaps act on what they think -- Enjoy your life. The good and the bad will always be there, but it's how we approach both that makes our lives worthwhile.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
How about "Why should I care about someone who has a disease that I don't have, or a problem that isn't mine?"
Would you like to add anything else?
I think that we've covered just about everything! Thanks, Carmela and We Are Moving Stories for including WALK in your list of films people will be interested in seeing. Our greatest hope is that it changes people, causes them to think. And that kindness, consideration, and cherishing our lives become our goals.
What are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Right now we're all very dedicated to getting WALK out there - Festival submissions, etc. As an actress, I've been auditioning and working in the LA area. I shot an episode of the sit-com MOM, that will air this November. I'll be producing a play in LA for WALK's Stephanie Michels, and I'm looking for the next wonderful script to direct, that touches me as much as this one!
Our writer, Theresa Rebeck, directed 2 films recently that are scheduled to premiere, and has a new play, SEARED, opening at the San Francisco Playhouse Sept. 27th - Nov. 12. Both of my Producer/Actor partners Stephanie Michels and Michael Dempsey are acting and producing theatre in LA and also looking for that next project to work on together.
Interview: August 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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WALK
Two strangers - One Life-Changing Day. When life hands you a difficult ride, what's worth your time, and what's not?
Length: 19:47
Director: Mary-Pat Green
Producer: Mary-Pat Green, Stephanie Michels, Michael Dempsey
Writer: Theresa Rebeck
About the writer, director and producer:
WRITER: Theresa Rebeck - is a Pulitzer-nominated playwright, whose work has appeared on Broadway and Off-Broadway stages, in film, and on television.
DIRECTOR: Mary-Pat Green - began as an actress appearing on Broadway in Candide and the original cast of Sweeney Todd. Also Regional Theatre and over 90 films and television shows. She has directed in film and theatre over the past 20 years.
PRODUCERS: (We aren't really producers per se - we learned a lot on the job. )
So if you want info about Stephanie and Michael please see our website: walkthefilm.com
Key cast: Stephanie Michels, Michael Dempsey, Gwen Van Dam
Looking for: buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists
Funders: INDIEGOGO CONTRIBUTORS!! - and the three Producers
Made in association with: Doodle Films and Lakewood Pictures
Release date: April 2016
Where can I watch it in the next month?
The Awareness Festival - Los Angeles, CA - Screening on October 13th.
Awareness Film Festival