New York Lift Off Film Festival 2018 - The Heartbreak Factory
Imagine a place where you could fix the pains of your broken heart with a quick stitch. A fantastical world where such a heavy pain could be cured with a simple procedure. The Heartbreak Factory is a short that explores the inner-world of Ava, a fiery worker, determined to mend all the broken hearts of the world. One day, Ava finds a pattern in all the hearts – the ultimate heartbreak named Ollie – and vows to take him down.
Interview with Writer/Director So Young Shelly Yo
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
My friend Remo and I were on the New York subway talking about love and relationships. We thought of the concept of mixing something as fragile as love with something metallic, mechanical & calculated...then the story of “The Heartbreak Factory” was born. As a graphic designer Remo created concept art for the story and I began writing the script.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
The film is a strange, unique and twisted take on the traditional love story. It’s not only about falling in love, but also about the fear of falling in love, and failing to listen to your intuitions and the consequences that follow.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Personal connections to the film have always been very important to me when concocting the world of the story. Without any personal ties, we have nothing rooted in truth which draws falsehood to the characters and their journeys. I believe it’s completely vital that there is a strong truth behind the story because it allows the audience to fall deeper in love with the characters and to draw a purer connection.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
I wrote an insane number of versions over the course of 6 months. The only part of the script that stayed consistent was the ending.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
So far, we received positive feedback! I think those who hear the logline are really intrigued by the concept of ‘fixing heartbreak’. Many are interested in seeing it adapted into an animated feature in the likes of Pixar!
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
Definitely interested in writing the feature version of this & building out the world of heartbreak in greater detail.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I’m hoping to gain more visibility in the film world, to find collaborators to work with and to find funding for one of my feature scripts!
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Producers, film festival directors, journalists, buyers and distributors.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I would like to help the actors and everyone who worked on this film gain greater exposure. Considering the production conditions (summer in New York), this was not an easy shoot and I am immensely grateful for the cast and crew and their steadfast determination in making this film.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Whether it’s better to fall in love and risk breaking your heart or to protect your heart for the ‘right’ person.
Would you like to add anything else?
If you are interested in watching the film, feel free to reach out!
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I’m working on distribution for my latest short “Moonwalk With Me”. I am also writing 2 feature scripts—one which was a finalist of the Alfred P. Sloan Screenplay Grant and another which is about two Korean American sisters who go on a road trip to find their birth father.
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
The Heartbreak Factory
Imagine a place where you could fix the pains of your broken heart with a quick stitch. A fantastical world where such a heavy pain could be cured with a simple procedure. The Heartbreak Factory is a short that explores the inner-world of Ava, a fiery worker, determined to mend all the broken hearts of the world. One day, Ava finds a pattern in all the hearts--the ultimate heartbreak named Ollie – and vows to take him down.
Length: 11 minutes 30 seconds
Director: So Young Shelly Yo
Producer: Mark Castillo & Mica Coburn
Writer: So Young Shelly Yo
About the writer, director and producer:
SO YOUNG SHELLY YO is a Korean American filmmaker living in Los Angeles. She recently graduated from the Columbia University MFA program in screenwriting and directing. Her short films have screened at film festivals internationally including the Medal Barcelona International Short film festival, Sarasota Film Festival, Barbados International Film Festival as well as a handful of others. Prior to schooling, Shelly has also worked as an editor for a tech company known as ZEFR (formerly known as Movieclips) & has worked in the freelance commercial industry as a producer. Her feature film was a part of the Alfred P. Sloan Mentorship program and was a top 3 finalist.
Key cast: Sara Sommerer, Charlie Solis
Looking for: film festival directors and journalists.
Other: http://theheartbreakfactory.tumblr.com AND http://soyoungyo.com/the-heartbreak-factory
Made in association with: Columbia University School of the Arts
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?
At the Videology Bar in Brooklyn. It is part of the New York Film Festival Lift Off 2018.