A Golden Marriage
A couple recounts their marriage through seasons of struggles and joy as they are about to celebrate their 50th anniversary.
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Stephen Bullen
Watch A Golden Marriage here:
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
While traveling through China, I met this couple who were about to celebrate their 50th anniversary. It's hard to grasp 50 years together and the totality of those years. I've been married for only 5 years now and here was this couple who were open and willing to discuss their marriage and their ups and downs. I felt like it's a story we should hear more of.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
On Valentines day there's always these cliche romantic depiction about love. Hearing a couple be honest about how they approach these notions of what it takes to be together is a much more sober picture of a marriage or relationship.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
I suppose marriage and the struggles that come with that is very universal.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
I had a few different ideas on how to approach this film. The entire film had to be done in just a few days, so we filmed a lot during that time to have options in post production. Once we started editing I found that my initial ideas didn't work with the core message of the film and being open to change made it a better film. I think that's really important, particularly in documentary filmmaking.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
It's fairly early, but audiences have been very receptive to this couple's story and find it to be a sweet film about their relationship.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
No, not really. While making it I knew it wasn't going to be a hard hitting expose on corruption or injustices in the world. Those themes tend to dominate most successful documentaries. So instead of thinking of it as a weakness I see it as a strength. Sometimes we need a respite from all the horrors in the world and hear a down-to-earth story about something we can all relate to.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I'd like people to watch and enjoy the film.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Everyone, really. I think if they can get behind the film's driving point I welcome everyone to take part in the film's message.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I hope more people become inspired to work with their partners through their struggles. I hope it has a positive impact on them.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
I find myself asking: “What are some of the assumptions about marriage that we’ve all accepted versus the reality.” Overt romantic gestures are nice, but what’s most important are the small day-to-day acts we make because in the end that’s your marriage. I always think about what happens at the end of the standard romantic film. Did all that pageantry we watched just mask its superficiality, or was there something of substance at the end of it all? How are they after 50 years of marriage?
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I have a small travel series I'm producing now and a few other short narrative films that I'm really excited for everyone to see. You can follow me on twitter to get updates as well.
Interview: February 2019
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 Golden Marriage
A couple recounts their marriage through seasons of struggles and joy as they are about to celebrate their 50th anniversary.
Length: 4:27
Director: Stephen Bullen
Producer: Stephen Bullen
Writer: Stephen Bullen
About the writer, director and producer:
STEPHEN BULLEN is a driven new filmmaker who strives to tell innovative and intimate stories. He began his career as a film composer before working as a photojournalist covering stories across the US. A graduate from University of Rochester in Music Composition, and attended Rochester Institute of Technology for an M.F.A. with a focus in cinematography. Stephen Bullen is now the Creative Director at Between The Notes Productions, LLC, producing a diverse range of projects.
Key cast:
Looking for: journalists, producers, distributors, sales agents, film festival directors, buyers
Facebook: Between The Notes Productions
Twitter: @stephenjbullen
Website: https://www.betweennotespro.com/
Other: Vimeo
Made in association with: Between The Notes Productions, LLC
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? I'll be posting updates on my Twitter as the film goes through festival selections. For now you can check it out here: https://vimeo.com/btwnnotes/gold.