Citizen Jane Film Festival - Head Space
A single mother concerned with her son's inability to cope sees the tables turn when faced with danger.
Interview with Writer/Director Emma Huibregtse
Watch Head Space here:
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Head Space was my Junior Thesis Film at University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts. After numerous scripts of mine were returned by faculty members claiming the concepts were ‘too big’ for the scope of our class project I knew I had to keep my story simple. In a last minute panic the night before our scripts were due I refined the concept for Head Space, incorporating the affordable unique location of under the kitchen table as my primary setting. (We had only $1,500 and 5 weeks to make a film from casting to final sound mix!) With my strong interest in cinematography, I was inspired by the unique shot compositions and angles offered by a child's limited perspective in an unusual space. I have no idea how this story came out of me, but I'm glad it did.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
Head Space tells a simple story from an unusual point of view. Encapsulating viewers with vivid cinematography, a live recorded jazz score, and an unexpected twist, this short is a 5 minute adventure into a unique character’s “head space.”
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
I’ve always been inspired by the power of a child’s perspective. Kids are great observers, often seeing intricacies that adults can overlook. Head Space explores complex characters in a world where no one is purely good or evil. When faced with danger, the bond between a single mother and her introverted son prevails, proving the power of the parent/child relationship.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
You’ll notice most of the dialogue in Head Space is off screen. That’s because most of the dialogue was written in post! While our actors delivered lines on set, it was helpful (both technically and creatively) to have the freedom to re-write, tweak and re-record dialogue. This allowed us to better match the film’s final rhythm, and closely reflected the viewpoint of the child.
Production design was crucial in the development of this film as we transformed the communal kitchen of 12 college dudes into a stylized inviting stage. The set was tiny requiring us to creatively problem solve on the go. Rarely were all 3 actors in the same room and we often shot into mirrors to capture a wider field of view.
This project also allowed me to collaborate with many creative artists.
Working with a child actor was a new experience for me and I couldn’t have asked for a more patient and talented young actor. Brayden Ferrell’s precocious subtle style required us to stay in close-ups to capture his nuanced reactions.
Collaborating with our stunt coordinator, Mikael Mattsson, we worked to strike a delicate balance between conveying violence without being overly graphic.
As a trumpet player music has always played a vital role in my films and the opportunity to work with composer Steve Gaboury to develop the score was incredible. Recording with our live jazz band brought our visuals to an entirely new level.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
Many viewers have complimented Head Space on its ability to tell a deep story in such a short amount of time, and with limited dialogue. They’ve also enjoyed the unique cinematography and live recorded musical composition. Some have questioned the believability of the mother’s actions in the film, making the story less credible. Despite this, most viewers seem to find the tension-filled film and twist exciting.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
Some viewers have suggested the central character is on the autism spectrum and expressed excitement that he was put in a heroic role. While I didn’t write with a specific autistic character in mind, I’m fascinated that others can interpret my film in ways I had not originally foreseen.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
A recent graduate of USC’s Film School, I am currently still finding my way as a freelance cinematographer and director. I’m thankful for the opportunity We Are Moving Stories has provided for my work to be more widely seen and hope that this can lead to future creative collaborations!
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
Head Space proves just how much you can achieve with a limited budget, 3 actors and only 1 location! For me these project “limitations” are always a catalyst for my most creative ideas. I hope that after watching Head Space, viewers will look forward to my next creation.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Head Space explores the topic of single mothers balancing their children and social lives as well as violence against women. The film engages with the myth of a “gray area” surrounding rape, a recurrent topic in today’s society. There are absolutely no actions, words, or fashion garments that invite or justify sexual or physical assault. As a female filmmaker and aspiring cinematographer, I believe I offer a unique perspective.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I am currently in pre-production for a Virtual Reality dance film ~ Stay tuned!
Interview: October 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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Head Space
A single mother concerned with her son's inability to cope sees the tables turn when faced with danger.
Length: 5 min
Director: Emma Huibregtse
Producer: Ben Kadie
Writer: Emma Huibregtse
About the writer, director and producer:
Emma Huibregtse loves to make films that excite the eye. Her experiences as a dancer and funk trumpet player allow elements of rhythm, sound, and tempo to infuse her work. Always seeking other creative artists, Emma likes to travel between LA, her hometown NYC, and around the world making films!
Key cast:
Kelly Vint Castro
Adam Huber
Brayden Ferrell
Social media handles:
Vimeo: vimeo.com/miss100percentfunk
Facebook: “Emma Louise”
https://www.facebook.com/emma.louise.1671
Instagram: @miss100percentfunk
Twitter: @100percentfunk
Made in association with: University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts
Where will the film screen in the next month?
Head Space debuted at Hollywood’s Chinese Theatre and as a Student Academy Award film finalist, traveled the world with screenings in London, Malta, Kiev, Geneva, Italy, Hong Kong and LA Live. Stay tuned for future screening events!
Watch film here: