Beverly Hills Film Festival - Susie Sunshine
In an alternate world, Martin Energy dominates the energy market by harnessing women’s emotional intelligence and strength to generate resources. When one of their “Sunshine Makers” accidentally creates electricity, the balances of this imposed order start to unravel.
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Chelsea O’Connor
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Thank you, we are very excited to be a part of the Beverly Hills Film Festival! Why did I make this film? The short answer is because I wanted to. I really, really wanted to. I knew this was going to be a big leap in my filmmaking career, having made only sketches and very short shorts before this, and it seemed like I should just go all out and really commit. So here I am with a sci-fi, alternate world, feminist point of view where a woman makes sunshine from her happiness. This was obviously a big undertaking for a short film and my passion for this story is what kept me going through all of the difficult times and obstacles that we encountered while making this film.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
You should watch for the most obvious reason - to be entertained. That’s what most movies are for and I think Susie Sunshine does not disappoint in this area. But I also hope that you watch to be provoked or inspired. Somewhere, underneath our colorful sets, costumes, and music is a story with meaning that should pull at most people if they’re paying attention.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
The themes of Susie Sunshine are right there on the surface from the beginning of the film. The strength of women and their ability to connect and be empowered by their emotions. The way our society views women as they age. The struggle of being a hard-working employee in a corporate structure. And of course, the fight against being labelled or put into a box that makes it next to impossible for you to grow as a person. A lot of themes for an 18 minute film!
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
I can’t remember who said it first, but there are three films you make. The one you write, the one you shoot, and the one you edit. This could not have been more true for Susie Sunshine. My hope is that as it evolved, the world that we created became richer and more specific.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
We have received a lot of really positive feedback on the film. Most people really enjoy it, but there have been a few people in the audience that have found a strong connection to the characters and their journey. And the most frequent response we get is, “so when do we get to see the feature?”
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
Not really. Even the negative or less than enthused feedback we’ve received is warranted in its own right. Art is subjective. I can not force people to jump inside my head and see what I was making. And I would never want to, because often their ideas of my art is fascinating and eye-opening for me as a filmmaker. Also, I know why they want a feature. I kind of leave you hanging!
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I’d love more people to become aware of our film and the team that put it together. Susie Sunshine is a science fiction film, written, directed, and produced by all women. The cast is mostly women, and strong women at that. And yet, it’s not a film for just women - it’s really for everyone. I hope female filmmakers can see our film and be encouraged and I hope industry people can see our film and choose to make more room for us at the table.
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, and distributors. We have to make that feature! But seriously, we are very lucky to have had a great year at film festivals across the country. Hundreds have seen the film in either Alabama, Florida, Michigan, and California. We’re looking forward to going online next month to open up our audience and share with everyone.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
Every filmmaker wants their film to be loved. I’m no different. But in addition to that, I’d love if it provoked a small self-inquiry. When I began writing this story it all stemmed from a few questions I asked myself. “What if my emotions were worth something? What if they could be sold for a profit? Would I be less embarrassed of my emotions then? Would others around me see them as an asset instead of a flaw?”
I’d love it if even one person who saw my film questioned something. Perhaps whatever it is inside of themselves that they are ashamed of or trying to stifle is actually their strength?
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Who or what holds us back from trying to be something more or something new? Are we all stronger than we think we are?
In a world where women hold the key to a healthy and flourishing society, how do the men fit in?
Would you like to add anything else?
Yes, I’d like to say a big thank you to a ton of people that helped work on this film. The talent that my department heads brought to the table is insane, and when you see the film you will know what I mean. Colin Oh our brilliant DP, Brent Mason the hardest working production designer, Lena Sands the impeccable costume designer, Joyce Luck working magic on hair and makeup, Sam May recording beautiful sound, Dan Stowell keeping everyone in line, Julian Smirke editor/ post-production guru extraordinaire, Dean Harada composing our gorgeous score, David Raines our incredibly talented sound designer and mixer, and Jase Lindgren the VFX supervisor who truly made this film a sci-fi. They are the reason the film is what it is. Not to mention the cast and the rest of the crew… oh my gosh the list is so long.
And also the people who donated money! We had so many fantastic supporters of this film who really showed up for us and we could never have made this film without them and their kind generosity. And also one last thank you to my husband, Stephan, who worked tirelessly on this film for me. He washed dishes at our fundraising dinner, worked on set as the Boom-Op, did tons of sound engineering, and most importantly kept telling me “you can do this.”
What are the key creatives developing or working on now?
It’s been a year since we finished Susie Sunshine so we’ve all moved on to other projects. But we built a great family on this film and many of us keep hiring each other for the next project. As one moves forward, so do we all.
Interview: April 2017
_______________________________________________________________________________
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
_______________________________________________________________________________
Susie Sunshine
In an alternate world, Martin Energy dominates the energy market by harnessing women’s emotional intelligence and strength to generate resources. When one of their “Sunshine Makers” accidentally creates electricity, the balances of this imposed order start to unravel.
Length: 18 mins
Director: Chelsea O’Connor
Producer: Chelsea O’Connor, Elizabeth Engle, Jessica Howell, Marisa Ruby
Writer: Chelsea O’Connor
About the writer, director and producer:
Chelsea O’Connor - writer, director, and producer - is an LA based filmmaker and Michigan native. She is a filmmaker that seeks to champion women’s stories and create fascinating worlds with new perspectives.
Key cast: Jessica Howell, Marisa Ruby, Melissa Marie Elias, Geoffrey Wade, and Jeff Corbett
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): buyers, distributors, journalists
Social media handles:
Facebook: @susiesunshinethemovie
Twitter: @SusieSunMovie
Instagram: @susiesunshinethemovie
Other: www.susiesunshinethemovie.com
Funders: Executive Producer Brendan Leydan, and many donors through fundraising events and an IndieGoGo Campaign
Made in association with: ChelseaOCO Films, Bella Moon Productions, Firesight Productions, Rekon Productions
Where can I see it in the next month?
Beverly Hills Film Festival and beginning in May the film will be online at www.filmshortage.com