HALFSIES chronicles Ollie’s relationship with his slightly younger sister through their text message interactions; unpacking obligations and social misreadings.

Interview with Writer/Director: Bryce Thomas

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

Thanks! It's honestly almost out of a joke. A really good mate of mine, Elliot Peck, who I was living with at the time would show me texts from his sister every now and then and we'd laugh at how at how they communicated with each other. Mostly under an idea of how our siblings can "know" each other so much, yet be so disconnected with how they live their lives. So I thought if that was enough to make us laugh, that we should make a script out of it.

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

It's a bit of a niche film, to be honest. Because it's ultimately a comedy without an obvious narrative, that isn't trying to be hilarious or over the top. The idea is that it's realistic enough to resonate with you and for you to see yourself in it, but at the same time let you laugh at yourself.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

Well straight up, a lot of people will be able to relate to feeling mismatched with their siblings at times. The whole thing is honestly pretty universal, it never gets too gritty besides at times being quite Australian. Which is as about as personal as it gets.

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

The script was so much fun. Elliot really evolved the script so much from what it initially was. He'd push it so far making sure it was nuanced and layered. Also making sure we really captured the texting tone and fully utilised the form, as it's an unusual way to have the entire script play out. The script is really all on Elliot's shoulders, he is incredible at his craft and having studied linguistics as well he has such a grasp on making words and phrases work for what we need them to do.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

Mixed, aha. Yeah, I cannot express the joy I had at our Flickerfest selection. As I've said it's turned out to be a niche film, which in a way is polarising. When you use such subtle humour, it can really just end up going over people's heads and then they think it's a bad film. But I think it makes it doubly good for the people that get it.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

Not really. It is what it is, I'm happy to celebrate it and move on to the next exciting project.

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

Just for people to feel warm toward it. It's not life-changing or particular questioning - but it can hold up a mirror to some people and let them laugh at themselves which is super cool. That being said it does have a backbone, and I love that has that underneath.

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

So much. I was so lucky to have people really close to me as crew and creatives on board, that are doing their own things; Millie Sykes has just styled a shoot for Sucker Magazine, Patrick Jhanur is about to be in a production called Single Asian Female at Belvoir St Theatre which makes me so proud, Nicole Wong, has just signed onto shooting for Backyard Opera, Daniel Swinton is directing a documentary called The Hard Places, Elliot Peck is in a band called Bleeding Gums Murphy, Tash Yuncken directed her own film called Inhale and Nico Nalbandian just DOP'd a film called Kick Ons.

Interview: January 2018

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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTIQ+, scifi, horror, world cinema. 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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Halfsies

HALFSIES chronicles Ollie’s relationship with his slightly younger sister through their text message interactions; unpacking obligations and social misreadings.

Length: 8 min

Director: Bryce Thomas

Producer: Millie Sykes

Writer: Elliot Peck & Bryce Thomas

About the writer, director and producer:

Elliot Peck is a musician, writer and linguist.

Bryce Thomas is a portrait and fashion photographer.

Millie Sykes is a stylist, photographer and model.

Key cast: Patrick Jhanur, Corinne Shields, Adrian Giribon & Indigo Hallet

Social media handles:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brycethomasphoto

Twitter: @_brycethomas

Instagram: @brycethomasphoto

halfsiesthefilm.com

Funders: Brendon Follingotn

Made in association with: UTS

Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? Flickerfest Jan 13