A shy, overweight young woman leaves the safety of her home for an unwelcoming high school classroom.

Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Chase Norman

Main photo: Ben Sharples and Angel Guadalupe

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

Driver's Ed was my college thesis film at UCLA. I wanted to work on a project that dealt with a real issue: bullying.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

This film will remind you that your actions, good or bad, have a huge impact on those around you.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

I think Tina (my main character) represents anyone who has ever felt out of place, or alone, in a new situation. I really wanted the audience to be able to empathize with every character, even ones that they may initially dislike.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?

The script changed a lot from its original version, but the main themes were constant throughout my writing process.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

The film has really blown away my expectations. It won Best Narrative Film at the UCLA Filmmaker's Showcase, and has been selected in over 20 other festivals.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

The best feedback I can possibly get, is that my film moved the audience. It has been incredibly rewarding to hear that. It reaffirms that I chose the right path with filmmaking.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

I would like start a communication with other filmmakers, that would hopefully lead to collaboration.

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

I would love to be able to show this film at middle schools and high schools, as part of an anti-bullying education program. So, I would love to speak to any of the above that could assist that process.

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

I would like people to leave this film looking for a way to make a positive impact.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

I hope that my film will challenge people to take a walk in each other's shoes and remember that it is never too late to reach out.

Would you like to add anything else?

I truly appreciate We Are Moving Stories' dedication to shining a light on female filmmakers!

What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?

I am currently co-writing a comedic web series.

Interview: July 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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Driver's Ed

A shy, overweight young woman leaves the safety of her home for an unwelcoming high school classroom.

Length: 14:30

Director: Chase Norman

Producer: Chase Norman

Writer: Chase Norman

About the writer, director and producer: Chase Norman is a young female filmmaker from St. Louis, Missouri. She graduated from the UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television in 2015.

Key cast: Angel Guadalupe, Bryan Nunez, Caedyn Curto, Marla Martinez, Ben Sharples, Gayla Johnson

Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): All of the above

Made in association with: UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television

Where can I see it in the next month? At the San Antonio Film Festival