Women In Film Shorts Night LA - Everybody Does It
A young woman takes her sexuality into her own hands--literally.
Interview with Writer/Director Megan Brotherton
Watch Everybody Does It here:
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I originally wrote Everybody Does It because I thought it was a funny, personal story that people might relate to. I decided to make the film because I realized it deals with important subject matter that has been avoided and overlooked because it makes people feel uncomfortable.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
First and foremost you should watch this film because it will make you laugh and entertain you. I hope it will also make you question why female sexuality is so often repressed and discouraged in our society.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
I grew up Catholic and learned to be embarrassed and ashamed of my sexuality. The universal message of Everybody Does It is that you shouldn't be embarrassed or ashamed of your sexuality. Self-acceptance is the key.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?
The script didn't change much from page to screen, but I did have to cut a comedic beat in the adult toy store because the film was better without it.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
It's done well at festivals, but the most meaningful feedback I've received is from women who saw it and told me how much they relate to the story or how hard they laughed watching it. Or even one guy who told me that it was super awkward because he saw it with his wife and mother-in-law. I love that it has opened up conversations about female sexuality that otherwise wouldn't have happened.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
I was surprised by how many women really relate to the story. I worried that my story was old fashioned or outdated, but so many women--including women who seemed super confident in their sexuality--have confided in me about their own discomfort with their sexuality. Our society gives such confusing and mixed messages about female sexuality. We need to talk more about these issues in order to normalize female sexuality.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I'd love for more people to see it! I'd also like to connect with sex positive activists and female empowerment organizations.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Sales agents, buyers, festival directors, or distributors would be great!
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I'd love for this film to open up a healthy conversation about female sexuality that will empower women and free people from shame and embarrassment.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Why is female masturbation so often avoided or misrepresented in film and television?
Would you like to add anything else?
https://www.facebook.com/everybodydoesitmovie/
What are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I just completed another short film called Buttercup that I wrote, directed, and starred in this summer in central Idaho. I am also working on a half-hour comedy pilot that I co-wrote.
Interview: January 2017
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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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Everybody Does It
A young woman takes her sexuality into her own hands--literally.
Length: 10:49
Director: Megan Brotherton
Producer: Megan Brotherton & Amy Hartman
Writer: Megan Brotherton
About the writer, director and producer:
First time writer-director Megan Brotherton earned her MFA in Acting at the American Repertory Theatre at Harvard University, which included a 3-month residency at the Moscow Art Theatre in Russia. Since moving to Los Angeles, Megan found her creative home at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, where she writes and performs improv and sketch comedy. Several of Megan's online sketches have recently been featured on FunnyOrDie.com. She also directed two seasons of the parody web series Golden California. Megan is currently in post-production on a pilot that she wrote and a dramatic short film called Buttercup.
Key cast:Megan Brotherton, Eugene Cordero, Jacob Reed, Pam Murphy
Looking for: sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists
Funders: Various
Made in association with: SAG
Where can I see it in the next month? WIF Shorts Night Jan 31 Spokane International Film Festival Jan 28