For Film's Sake / USA Film Festival - Larger Than Life: The Kevyn Aucoin Story
LARGER THAN LIFE explores the life of the iconic make-up artist, who transformed the profession into a prominent and influential art form.
Interview with Director Tiffany Bartok
Watch Larger Than Life: The Kevyn Aucoin Story on Prime Video
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
My background in the film world is in makeup artistry and Kevyn was always a great inspiration, of course. I realized there hadn't been a film made about him, so I set out to do it.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
Kevyn was the first celebrity makeup artist who became a household name, but he was much more than makeup. I want people to know how this man who was in what some might call a superficial career brought depth, honor and activism to the beauty industry. You don't need to be interested in beauty to be completely enthralled by Kevyn's story and to relate to it.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Kevyn thought every single person on earth was beautiful. Race, size, and gender didn't matter. He brought what was interesting and unique about them to the forefront and enhanced it. The most difficult thing for him was to find it in himself. Every single one of us struggles with this at one point in our lives.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
At first it was hard to get to the real story of Kevyn. We couldn't get past "He was the best! He was great!". But as we got closer and closer to Kevyn's inner circle, we realized we had to find out why he pushed himself so incredibly hard. What was he running away from? Why was his level of success never enough? Why was he unstoppable?
What type of feedback have you received so far?
The feedback has been overwhelmingly generous. Everyone feels that they know Kevyn after seeing the film and can relate to him. I'm very grateful that people have been receiving the film so deeply.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
No. Kevyn is the type of person who jumps off the screen and into hearts. What I love the most is when people are dragged to the screening by someone who already knew about Kevyn, and that person surprisingly consumed by Kevyn. Those who think they won't be into the subject matter are always taken by surprise.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I would very much love for people to to learn about this film and spread the word in the press and overseas.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
We are still programming the film and looking for press and international sales.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I want people to embrace Kevyn's legacy and see that he was more than just makeup.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
What "killed" Kevyn if anything did.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
We are working on a narrative film and another doc.
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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Larger Than Life: The Kevyn Aucoin Story
LARGER THAN LIFE explores the life of the iconic make-up artist, who transformed the profession into a prominent and influential art form.
Length:102
Director: Tiffany Bartok
Producer: Jayce Bartok, Troy Surratt, Bronwyn Cosgrave
Key cast Christy Turlington, Tori Amos, Isabella Rossellini
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists):
Film Festival Directors, International Distributors, Journalists
Social media handles:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kevynaucoinfilm/
Twitter: @kevynaucoinfilm
Instagram: @kevynaucoinfilm
Made in association with: Matador Content
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?
Cleveland International Film Festival
USA Film Festival
Newport Beach Film Festival