Eleven-year old Casey and her mother live alone in a quiet house. Casey’s mother ensures her daughter receives the education, protection, and loving care little girls need. But an altercation with some local schoolgirls reveals that Casey’s life is based on a lie.

Interview with Producer Jennifer Hawley

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

This film was made through the picture start program funded by NIFCO and Telefilm Canada. The director, Cody Westman, likes dark dramas with a twist, he had the idea for the film while talking with his wife who is a psych nurse.

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

This is a film that creates a conversation among audience members. After watching it you’re going to want to know what happens next!

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

This script went through many changes over the course of development. The key to this film was really developing the characters. Cody Westman and Bridget Canning spent a lot of time asking themselves why each character was acting/thinking a certain way. We would meet as a team and bounce ideas off each other. We came up with backstories for the characters to try and make everything work on screen.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

The film has received very positive reviews so far. It has screened at many international film festivals and we are thrilled it is going to be shown at the Short Film Corner at Cannes!

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

I might be biased but I really do love this film, not just because I produced it but as an audience member. I love films that spark a conversation, and that’s what this film does. I am not surprised other people have been provoked by Cody’s work.

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

We want people to know this film is out there and maybe someone will be interested in making it available to a wider audience!

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

We would love to have a distributor on board to help us reach a wider audience.

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

The audience is going to be watching multiple short films and I want this film to be the one people are still talking about at the end of the day. We hope to shock and thrill the audience with the story we are trying to tell.

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

Why did she do it?

Would you like to add anything else?

We want to thank our crew and cast for their amazing support and commitment to the film! They are the reason we have had such success with the film!

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

Right now producer Jennifer Hawley and Director Cody Westman are working on a documentary film about the life of a Canadian musician struggling to survive the industry and everything that goes along with it. Writer Bridget Canning has recently had her first novel published, The Greatest Hits of Wanda Janes.

Interview: May 2018

_______________________________________________________________________________

We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, 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

_______________________________________________________________________________

Casey

Length:

12 mins

Director:

Cody Westman

Producer:

Jennifer Hawley

Writer:

Cody Westman & Bridget Canning

About the writer, director and producer:

Key cast:

Alex Rodgers

Casey

Alexis Koetting

Anne

Sheliagh Guy-Murphy

Neighbour

Grace Keeping

Mean girl 1

Beth Parsons

mean girl 2

Lauren Patten

Means girl 3

Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists):

Distributor

Social media handles:

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/caseyshortfilm/

Made in association with:

Picture Start Program

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

The next screening will be in St. John’s, NL at the Independent Nickel Film Festival.