Bentonville Film Festival - Kate & Lily
Kate seems cursed to make a fool of herself every time she bumps into Lily, an old friend from college. But little does Kate know, not everything is what it seems!
Interview with Writer/Director Grey Cusack
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I made my film because I wanted to make a movie about perception and sympathy for others, or lack thereof. In daily life, we're constantly interacting with other people, and we don't always behave the way we wish we'd had in retrospect. This movie is about someone (very much like myself) who is constantly kicking herself when she runs into a certain someone and not realizing that there's more going on than she understands.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
Hopefully to laugh and cry! I made this film with some of my favorite USC classmates and think it reflects the spirit and hard work of some very talented friends.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Here the personal themes are insecurity, narcissism and navigating female friendship. But these are also universal themes. Sometimes we get so caught up in our own mini-crises that we can't be there for others in the way we want to be.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?
Probably the most dramatic evolution of the film was shortly before production when I decided to give both Kate and Lily dogs, with each dog illustrating their different personalities (i.e. a purebred English Bulldog and a three-legged Chihuahua terrier mutt rescue). Using the dogs colliding in the dog park seemed like a great visual way for the girls to literally run into each other when they are first re-introduced back into each other's lives. I also was very keen on shooting adorable dogs in slo-mo (who wouldn't?) and working with an animal trainer for the first time so I could learn something new for the next one.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
So far we've gotten a lot of good feedback. We've been attending film festivals and most recently were nominated for Best Comedy by USC, which we're super thrilled about. But what meant the most to me was when Nicole Holofcener told me how much she enjoyed the film and what the movie says is why she doesn't scream at bad drivers. It meant a lot coming from one of my favorite filmmakers.
Many people, particularly women, have been very touched by the story, and it means the world to me when viewers tell me that. I have a strong propensity for happy crying.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
Some of the feedback has pointed out that women tend to relate to the story more than men do. Women generally seem to understand the concept right off the bat of that "friend crush" that you'd love to get to know better, whereas men have been more likely to interpret the dynamic between Kate and Lily as romantic.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I'd love for more people to see the movie! More viewers and more film festivals are always appreciated.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
I'd like to talk to anyone who the film resonates with. Along with the movie going to more film festivals, I'm hoping to find a producer and/or investor who would be willing to help fund my next short film that I'm in the midst of writing. In February, the Bureau of Creative Arts awarded me a grant to make my next short film. It's going to be a modern-day twist on the Rumplestiltskin fairy tale, unless I come up with a better idea.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
It would be great if the film made more people smile at strangers. More winks would be good too.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Are you a Kate or are you a Lily?
Would you like to add anything else?
I hope you enjoy the movie. Let me know if you have any other questions!
What are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I'm trying to write that Rumplestiltskin short, so I've been watching a lot of "Twilight Zone" episodes for inspiration. Everybody seems to be doing swell, but in particular, I'm super proud of our editor Anna who recently joined the Motion Picture Editors Guild and has been keeping busy doing freelance editing and post PA gigs. Our producer Brandon just completed a web series called "SuperZero" and is getting married in September! Also our cinematographer Joel has been in high demand and shooting indie features, including Elizabeth Blue which is touring festivals right now.
Interview: April 2017
Watch trailer:
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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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Kate & Lily
Kate seems cursed to make a fool of herself every time she bumps into Lily, an old friend from college. But little does Kate know, not everything is what it seems!
Length: 12m 35s
Director: Grey Cusack
Producer: Grey Cusack & Brandon Hall
Writer: Grey Cusack
About the writer, director and producer:
Grey grew up in Massachusetts. She got her MFA at USC, where she was a James Bridges Scholar for Excellence in Directing. She now lives in Los Angeles with her handsome fiancé and dog-sits sometimes.
Brandon hails from Brooklyn. He is a former English teacher who just finished his web series "SuperZero" and will be graduating from USC this May.
Social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katepluslily/
Twitter: @greyzzzie
Instagram: @gcusack
Key cast: Claudia Crook, Lindsey Naves, Noël Wells, Joey Scoma
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): All of the above. More screenings and media visibility would be helpful. I'm also open to selling the film if any sales agents want to talk.
Funders: Friends & family via a Kickstarter campaign, the James Bridges Scholarship for Excellence in Directing, and the Carole & Larry Auerbach and Family Finishing Fund
Made in association with: USC School of Cinematic Arts