The Blue Ducks is about Mallory, a teenager who must humiliate her younger sister in order to not lose face in front of her clique.

Interview with Writer/Director Ellen Richardson

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

This short was my graduating film from The Victorian College of the Arts. I'd had an idea for a while to make something about sibling rivalry and sexual coercion, so this film was me having a crack at that.

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

I think it's good to feel uncomfortable, especially if you feel like that because you're moved by what you're watching. Ideally people watch this and see a little glimpse of themselves as teenagers in some of the characters. Hopefully this makes you reflect on that time and your experiences and want to share something too.

The Blue Ducks - Phoebe Richardson who plays Nevaeh

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

The film covers themes we all see or experience when growing up, navigating peer pressure, sibling and friendship rivalry and the hunger to fit in.

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

The script started off about an older sister protecting her younger sister and throughout developing the script, it made it much more interesting and gut wrenching to have the older sister throw her younger sister under the bus (metaphorically).

What type of feedback have you received so far?

It hasn't really been seen much! The film is going to its first ever festival (For Film's Sake) this week but I've had positive feedback from people who saw it at the VCA ACMI screening.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

Not yet, but the film hasn't been out there for people to see. I'm really looking forward to chatting to people about the film.

The Blue Ducks - Left Mia Barrett, right Liam Warren

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

Ideally people read this and want to watch it. I'm also looking for directing attachments and peeople in industry who know anyone who's hiring right now!

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

I think having the film shown as a educational piece for students could be interesting, but some of the scenes may be too confronting and it may not be allowed.

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

Hopefully you feel moved by the film and it stays with you.

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

Will the sisters' relationship be the same after the events in this film?

Would you like to add anything else?

Hope you like the film!

The Blue Ducks - Top left, Liam Warren, bottom left Jason Kolenda, top right, Isaac Anderson, bottom right Mia Barrett

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

I'm currently developing a web series about an abused intimate object and a short film about a girl gang who commit a horrific act.

Interview: April 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 Blue Ducks

The Blue Ducks is about Mallory, a teenager who must humiliate her younger sister in order to not lose face in front of her clique.

Length: 10:48

Director: Ellen Richardson

Producer: Gabrielle McLeod

Writer: Ellen Richardson

About the writer, director and producer:

Ellen Richardson - Writer/Director

Ellen Richardson is an award winning writer and director. In 2017 she was a finalist for the Lexus Short Film Fellowship.

Gabrielle McLeod - Producer

Gabrielle McLeod has produced various short films, most recently Two Piece, which won Tropfest earlier this year.

Key cast: Mia Barrett, Phoebe Richardson

Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): Festivals interested in screening this short film.

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

Made in association with: The Victorian College of the Arts