A happily married husband wakes up to a totally original idea and is the only one immune to it.

Interview with Writer/Director N’cee van Heerden

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

People, especially people in the film industry, keep talking about being original. How everyone needs to be original and how original their ideas are. It got me thinking. What is an original idea? How do you define it? What would happen if someone actually had an original idea? This is my take on it.

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

You should watch O.I. because it will never be what you expect it to be!

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

The universal theme in O.I. is that we all want to share our experiences with someone. Nothing sucks more than having an idea and being unable to share it.

Chris doesn’t believe a word of Barry’s story Chris – Kett Turton

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

The script went through about 8 drafts. I had some trouble with finding the perfect ending, but a friend helped me out. Thanks Mike!

What type of feedback have you received so far?

Everyone I've spoken to have enjoyed the film. The cinematography, the music and the acting has gotten the most praise so far.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

Not yet. I'm sure I will get some amazing feedback after our Hollyshorts world premiere!

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

I love this film. The cast, the crew and I have put a lot of love and hard work into it, which paid off. I want as many people as possible to share the experience with us.

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

The difficult part for O.I. is to find festivals that are willing to take a chance on it. It is a bit different and a little messed up, but I think audiences will find it refreshing. An online platform or streaming service looking for shorter content would also be a great fit.

Barry just wants to finish his drink at the bar, but Chris has other plans. Bartender (L) – Toby Hargrave, Chris (M) – Kett Turton, Barry (R) - Ben Cotton

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

My only goal for this film is to entertain the audience. I want them to forget about their worries for the next 18 minutes and come find out how Barry deals with this amazing, awful thing that's happened to him.

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

Ask a friend or colleague to name anyone who has ever had an original idea. Demand proof.

Would you like to add anything else?

Be open to any and all influences coming your way. It might inspire something amazing in your mind that can change the world.

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

We are working on a scary African thriller/horror and a super awkward TV series.

Interview: August 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

O.I.

A happily married husband wakes up to a totally original idea and is the only one immune to it.

Length: 18 mins 40 seconds

Director: N’cee van Heerden

Writer: N’cee van Heerden

Producer: Victoria Burkhart, Karen Wong

About the writer, director and producer:

Director/Writer: N’cee van Heerden

N'CEE VAN HEERDEN started his career in theatre, writing, directing and managing productions. He then transitioned into film working as an EPK field producer. N’cee is currently developing various feature film projects in the hopes to direct them soon!

VICTORIA BURKHART worked along side director Neill Blomkamp on films including District 9, Elysium and Chappie. She is currently seeking financing options for various features under her production company Sizzle Snap Productions.

Key cast: Ben Cotton, Kett Turton, Toby Hargrave, Paul McGillion, Jennifer Nicole Stang

Looking for: film festival directors, distributors, buyers, sales agents.

Facebook: @OIshortfilm

Twitter: @OIShortFilm

Instagram: @OIshortfilm

Funders: Sizzle Snap Productions Inc

Where can I watch it next and in the coming month: HollyShorts Film Festival (Hollywood 18th August) and New Renaissance Film Festival (London 26th August)