San Antonio Film Festival - Finished
A slice-of-life short film - somewhere between holding on and letting go.
Interview with Writer/Director Natasha Straley
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Thank you! FINISHED explores the continuously shifting perspective at the end of a relationship. It lives somewhere between holding on and letting go. I was inspired to write this film because I wanted to hold a micro lens to reveal the various emotions we feel when something ends. Jillian, played by Alisha Banks, steadily goes through the motions as she navigates minimal dialogue. Building tension was a primary goal and the actors were beautifully vulnerable enough to allow the audience into this uncomfortable space.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
Please watch the film in order to slow down and experience a truthful moment.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Everyone has had to say 'goodbye' at some point in their lives. The nostalgic theme of balancing despair with an unassailable hope touches the individual in a universal way.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
This project began on a whim, but all of the pieces fell into place quite naturally. The entire process felt like a tightly wound flower bud slowly expanding to realize its full blossom. I was urged to develop the dialogue further, but I really wanted to allow my actors to get to work. Subtext is everything in this film. It was lovely and heart breaking to see them gently expose themselves in such an emotionally raw manner. There were a few shots I loved during production that we ended up cutting to maintain the flow of the film. There are always some gems you have to leave on the floor, but you do what it takes to serve the story.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
I intentionally left room for audience participation, so there are moments where the audience plugs in their own experience to the situation on screen. It's been lovely to hear individual stories of how they relate to the film.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
I wasn't sure if anyone would understand the piece, it is quite subtle. People either understand it on a visceral level and approach me with tears in their eyes or they have no idea what happened. I wasn't sure what to anticipate, so I'm humbled to have reached certain people on a very intimate level.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
Filmmaking is such a collaborative effort, it truly takes a village. I'm eager to support any way I can, excited to join the community!
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 have some folks on board to help get the film out there. I haven't quite figured out how to distribute a short film, so I'm open to any insights.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I would like hearts to soften. This film is truly intended to inspire healing and emotional growth.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
"What did you see?" There are many ways to interpret this film and I wanted to leave it open that way. The audience gets to participate, so I'm eager to hear the individual's experience.
Would you like to add anything else?
I worked with an incredible team. Everyone brought something very special to this project. The tone of the set is what allowed the actors to feel safe enough to explore some dark places. This was only possible because of the crew. Everyone brought a sharp focus, artistic eye and supportive demeanor to set, the production itself felt full of love. The entire experience was elevated by every departments' attention to detail - from preproduction to post. Your team is everything. I can't express enough gratitude to everyone who helped create this piece.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Two more short films, SWITCH & SANDRA (I wrote and directed) are in post production with the same core crew - Producer, Emily Reas and Director of Photography, Taylor Camarot. I am also in preproduction with a new team to direct a short film this fall in NYC.
Interview: August 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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Finished
A slice-of-life short film - somewhere between holding on and letting go.
Length: 5 min
Director: Natasha Straley
Producer: Emily Reas
Writer: Natasha Straley
About the writer, director and producer:
Natasha Straley is an independent filmmaker, writing and directing works to explore the uncomfortable grey area between right and wrong.
Emily Reas is a producer bringing unique stories to life - whether that be a quirky storyline or a project shedding light on a marginalized group.
Key cast: Alisha Banks, John Giorgio
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): Distributors, film festival directors, anyone interested in getting this film out there
Social media handles: @natashastraley
Facebook: www.facebook.com/finishedfilmtx
Twitter: @natashastraley
Instagram: @natashastraley
Funders: Self funded
Where can I see it in the next month?
San Antonio Film Festival, Vimeo (password available upon request)