A woman inspires millions with her "PIG Theory" blog promoting a formula that keeps you safe from cheating until she meets a handsome lawyer who challenges her to a competition to prove her theory wrong. It's a competition! Who will win?

Interview with Director Harvey Lowry

Watch The Competition on Prime Video and Vudu

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

I started writing at a young age and real life has always been my inspiration. In my twenties I had a few relationships that ended infidelity and that got my mind working on why some people cheat and why others don’t, and what factors come into play to help make that decision.

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

Just about everyone has been in love and so everyone can relate to the doubts and insecurities that can wreak havoc on a relationship. Look, the news has shown that the world is filled with bad behavior. Does that mean we lock ourselves in our houses and give up? No. You have to have a sense of humor about things, and you have to be willing to try again. This movie gives you permission to laugh at the bad behaving idiots out there, while still rooting for the “good guys” to make the right decision. Ultimately, it’s about love and trusting your heart to love someone.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

Pretty much answered above. The universal themes are “love conquers all” “love is stronger than fear and worth the risk” and then there’s always “all’s faire in love and war.”

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

I spent several years developing this script early on with the input of trusted friends and writers helping to guide the rewrites and make it stronger. When Thora Birch came on board as a producer and star she really helped me hone in on what the crux of the story was all about. I was able to trim the fat and focus in on Lauren and Calvin and the journey they take together.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

People love rom-coms! I’m telling you, people want to route for love and for flawed characters yearning to be loved. This movie let’s them do that. And when Calvin delivers his final speech in the finale? There isn’t a dry eye in the house.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

I’m trying to keep an open mind. A finished movie is a piece of art, and one piece of artistry is not going to speak the same to all people. So far the feedback has been all positive. As we share it with a broader audience I know there will be a few haters and I’m prepared for that, especially in today’s political climate. But I feel like I’ve drawn some strong characters who are true to life, and what happens in the movie is inspired by real human behavior. I’m proud of it. I hope people like it. I wouldn’t say my point of view has changed since writing it.

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

The more people we can reach the better. My hope is to spark a conversation so we can be truthful with ourselves and maybe make some smarter choices. If you’re in a relationship where the guy you are with is ticking off all the boxes that make him a cheater, get out! On the other hand, give your partner a chance. Don’t immediately assume he (or she) is going to make the wrong decision. I love that our “PIG Theory” applies to both men and women, because both sexes are capable of bad behavior and both sexes should be held accountable when they engage in that. To be clear, I’m not talking about sexual harassment situations where there is an imbalance of power. That’s a whole different conversation. I’m talking about consenting situations between consenting adults.

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

I’d like people to love it! I hope it makes people laugh and moves their hearts. It’s a good date movie because the group of guys surrounding Calvin are all real “guy’s guys” that men can relate to. And yet it has so much heart. I love romantic comedies. “Emma,” “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days,” “Love Actually,” “Pretty Woman,” “The Proposal” – there are so many great ones. I’d love for even one person to have that kind of love for this movie.

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

You’ve been in a relationship for 8 years and while you love your partner, you are in a rut and haven’t been having much sex lately. You’ve started taking each other for granted and nothing feels new. The hot co-worker in your office that makes you laugh every day at lunch and flirts with you non-stop is on an overnight work trip with you and you both drink a bit too much. An offer is made. Would you take it? Why or why not?

Would you like to add anything else?

Peace and love my friends! The world is a crazy place right now. It’s the perfect time to curl up with some popcorn, your lover, a warm blanket and this great little movie.

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

I have another finished rom-com about two sisters and a surprise pregnancy that I’m beginning to shop around, and I’m working on a drama about a special pill that changes behavior in a unique way. Thora and I are interested in working together again, and I’ve met so many people along the way that I’d be happy to work with again. We’ll see. I’m going to do the most that I can with the momentum that I have with this film. Wish me luck!

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, LGBTIAQ+, 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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The Competition

Length: 1:43:17

Director: Harvey Lowry

Producer: Jasmine Fontes, Thora Birch, Harvey Lowry, Kelsey Tucker

Writer: Kelsey Tucker

Key cast: Thora Birch, Chris Klein, Claire Coffee, David Blue, Kelsey Tucker, Gabrielle Stone, Betsy Hume

Distributor: Gravitas Ventures

Social media handles:

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/competitionpig

Instagram: http://instagram.com/thecompetitionthefilm