Dances with Films 2018 - A Picture of Other People
An emergency services operator takes a call from a young boy whose mother has collapsed. As she guides him through the CPR process while they wait for the ambulance, she is struck by numerous parallels between the boy’s home life and her own.
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Jason Fitzgerald
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Firstly because we love making films. Beyond that I really wanted to make something explicitly simple that could appeal to a broad audience but still evoke a deeply personal impact. The goal of the narrative was to present a life-changing moment, rather than to focus on the change.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
A Picture of Other People is a film that will affect each individual who watches in a very personal way. It reminds us who is most important in our lives.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Probably the film’s greatest strength is the universality of its theme. For me, it is a reflection on the fragility of the time we have with those we love, and a sobering reminder that whenever we say goodbye to someone it could be for the last time.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
This one is a little hard to answer without spoiling the entire film. After writing the first draft we felt like we hadn’t challenged the character enough. And so no change was "earned". We found that we were playing it too safe, so by scrapping this and going darker with the narrative we were able to push her (and the audience) to where they needed to be by the end of the film.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive so far. Again, with the message being so simple and universal, everyone who watches seems to be able to take in the story and make it their own. Most of the crew came back saying, "It made my mum cry."
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
Not particularly. It is not a complex film with multiple interpretations. What is interesting is seeing how people apply the message to their own lives.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
We want this film to reach as many people as possible and are strong believers in its wide appeal. We see the film as a flagship piece and want for it to be a stepping-stone to creating further career opportunities.
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 looking to connect with all of the above.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
As always, one wants their film to be received as widely and positively as possible. I would hope that this film encourages audiences to stop and take a look at who and what is most important to them in their lives.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
It really just all comes back to the reminder that every interaction we have with someone could be our last. "What if this is the last time I see this person?"
Would you like to add anything else?
Just another interesting tidbit in relation to the title: After settling upon the premise of a single emergency call, we happened upon an interview where, after a similar trauma, a victim had said, "I thought these things only happened to other people," before following on with, "Until I realised that we're all other people to someone else."
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Jason Fitzgerald is currently partnered with producer Lachlan Linton-Keane in developing their first feature-length project, The Lost Doll, a whimsical drama that follows a geriatric sleuth on a quest to return a little girl’s doll.
Interview: June 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
A Picture of Other People
An emergency services operator takes a call from a young boy whose mother has collapsed. As she guides him through the CPR process while they wait for the ambulance, she is struck by numerous parallels between the boy’s home life and her own.
Length: 10:12
Director: Jason Fitzgerald
Producers: Brittany Blacka, Jason Fitzgerald, Nicholas Kraak & Will Kelly
Writers: Nicholas Kraak & Jason Fitzgerald
About the writer, director and producer:
JASON FITZGERALD is a writer/director creating scripted drama content under the banner of Lonely Sheep Productions. His films have screened at festivals internationally and received numerous awards.
NICHOLAS KRAAK is an Australian-born, Vancouver-based screenwriter and film editor. His credits include TV's Hitstroke FM and the video game Cook, Serve, Delicious 2.
BRITTANY BLACKA is a producer based in Brisbane, Australia. Brittany works across the film, television and commercial industry, with credits including Follow My Way and House Rules.
WILL KELLY is an award-winning actor/producer and long-time collaborator with Lonely Sheep Productions. He has featured in numerous Australian TV, film and theatre productions.
Key cast: Tanya Schneider & Levi Koppes
Looking for: producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lonelysheepproductions/
Instagram: @lonelysheepproductions
Funders: Self-funded & crowdfunding
Made in association with: Lonely Sheep Productions (sole production company)
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?
Dances with Films 2018