Speak
The story of a girl haunted by old traumas that threaten her ability to connect with even the most sincere suitor.
Interview with Lead/Producer/Director/Writer Laura Seay
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Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Thank you! This was an idea that, frankly, wouldn’t leave me alone. When you’re writing that’s a pretty good sign that you should follow through with something. I felt strongly that it was an important story to explore and to share.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
To gain a perspective and understanding of something that maybe you didn’t have before. I think that’s really the whole point of film. Or at least that’s why I love movies. Forced empathy! Ha!
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
It’s really about old, unhealthy relationships, hijacking new, potentially healthy ones. It’s about habits and obsession and pedestals and new love and a candid image of a person made smaller by trauma. I think embracing all those complications and avoiding a two dimensional cliche of what suffering looks like, allows for a more universal experience.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?
The script process was a little elusive. I still don’t really remember how long it took to write. A few months maybe. As far as the rest of production, I was lucky to find incredibly gifted people to work with and we managed to make a film that’s very much what I had envisioned on the page. That’s a rare thing and I think it only happens when every member of the team is on message. I’m really grateful for that.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
Audiences seem to really relate, and appreciate the realism of how we approached the subject of trauma in relationships. That means a lot. We’ve also met people who hadn’t given much thought to these issues, but who are now moved to think on these things in a way they hadn’t before.
When we screened at the Nantucket Film Fest, some of their youth outreach recipients came to watch the shorts program. Apparently, after seeing our film, this group of 14 and 15 year old girls wouldn’t stop talking about SPEAK to their counselors. I was over the moon when I found out! The thought that this could reach young women in a way that spurs them into unsolicited conversation about their sexuality, relationships, and developing healthy tools to move safely and fully through the world!!???
That’s the ultimate for me. Home run.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
It’s reaffirmed for me how hungry people are for candid portrayals of these themes.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
To raise awareness, educate, and inspire conversation.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
It’s really about scope for us. The festival circuit is a great way to reach audiences.
So we are always looking to connect with festival folks, journalists, and online/VOD distributors. We’re in talks with several community boards associated with non-profit social and mental health education, and are exploring collaborations there.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
What are the ramifications of abuse? How do we talk about it?
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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SPEAK
The story of a girl haunted by old traumas that threaten her ability to connect with even the most sincere suitor.
Length: 00:16:29
Director: Laura Seay
Producer: Laura Seay, Kyle McKeever, Micki Purcell
Writer: Laura Seay
About the writer, director and producer:
Laura Seay (Lead actress, writer, director, producer)
Laura has appeared in several feature films, including Judd Apatow's coming of age romp, SUPERBAD. Recent television credits include MARVEL’S AGENTS OF SHIELD, NCIS, and CBS’s new show PURE GENIUS premiering this Fall. SPEAK marks Laura's directorial debut.
Kyle McKeever (Lead actor, producer)Kyle is an actor living and working in Los Angeles, and has just completed filming on two indie films, including ‘Dog Years’ starring opposite Burt Reynolds and Ariel Winter.
Micki Purcell (Executive Producer)
Micki Purcell is a producer and entrepreneur. Her latest project, Jeff Greens film ‘Folk Hero & Funny Guy’ starring Melanie Lynskey and Wyatt Russell, premiered at Tribeca this year.
Key cast:
Laura Seay
Kyle McKeever
Marco Naggar
Amber Hodgkiss
Shea Buckner
Andrea Odinov
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): Distributors, festival directors, journalists, community outreach...
Where can I watch it in the next month?
We will be hearing from more fests over the coming weeks but hope to have more screenings here in Los Angeles as well as other fests around the country!
Check for screening updates at our social media platforms;
Twitter: @speakthefilm
Instagram: speakthefilm