Slamdance - Birds Without Feathers
Unable to make a human connection, six broken individuals will give everything away in an attempt to receive love.
Interview with Writer/Director Wendy McColm
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I made Birds Without Feathers out of the need for survival and finding self.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
To expect nothing and receive all you want in return.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
The film is very personal, in the sense that I have at one time or another been a piece of all of these characters. And universal to the sense that I believe everyone could possibly relate to one of these characters, or felt that they could not express their needs or wants in fear of losing love or connection- when in fact they may not have had a real connection to begin with.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
The script was developed as we filmed with the actors. Each character is so much a composite of these actors it’s hard to deny the inspiration they caused within me, talking with them, listening to them and uncovering their shadow side one scene at a time. I do believe the film was intended to be this sort of film from the beginning though.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
I don’t think I could do the comments and sincere reactions justice. Tears, thank yous, and just hearing “thank you for being real” helps me accept myself and my feathers more and I think the movie is helping others as well from the reactions.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
It has surprised me because to believe your whole life you are wrong or weird or different only to make a film that people say they relate to and is so human- hell! The audience is changing MY life! I thank the feedback and lovely expressions and viewpoints being shared with me.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
To get the film out there. It would be great to spread the word, and hopefully give people who feel alone or stuck some inspiration to take flight. To share that we are all beautiful and gift as we are, and You are not alone.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Distributors, sales agents, buyers or financiers - hell! The whole shabang ( we have a great producer Brian Robertson already though)
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
To induce self love, and change. Someone told me once “you are going to keep hitting the same walls, and one day you’re going to ask why?” It’s time to ask why.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
How do you feel now?
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Right now I'm working on my second feature. It's a little bigger in concept - a futuristic "L'amour en fuite".
Interview: January 2018
_______________________________________________________________________________
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
_______________________________________________________________________________
Birds Without Feathers
Unable to make a human connection, six broken individuals will give everything away in an attempt to receive love.
Length: 84 mins
Director: Wendy McColm
Producer: Wendy McColm & Brian Robertson
Writer: Wendy McColm
About the writer, director and producer: Wendy McColm is a Los Angeles-based Writer/Director and all around expressionist, living and creating in light of authenticity. Wendy has a body of work that ranges from working with and reinventing brands like H&M, Saks 5th Avenue, and &OtherStories, to building a prolific amount of short work that has screened at festivals like TriBeCa and others. Birds Without Feathers marks McColm’s debut feature film.
Brian Robertson is a Toronto-based producer who co-founded the Canadian production banner Seedaylight in 2012.
Key cast: Cooper Oznowicz, Alexander Stasko, William Gabriel Grier, Sara Estefanos, Wendy McColm, and Lenae Day.
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): Distributors, Sales Agents, Buyers, Film Festival Directors & Programmers
Social media handles:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/birdswithoutfeathers/
Twitter: @birdswithoutfeathers
Instagram: @wendymccolm
Funders: Private
Made in association with: Films Films and Seedaylight
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?
Keep your eyes on www.birdswithoutfeathers.com for upcoming festival and theatrical information.