A girl is haunted by a demon that lives within her technology.

Interview with Writer/Director Nicole Martin

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

I love ghost stories and film, so I thought why not mix them together! I have a close friend who lives in a house we believe to be haunted, and she experienced something terrifying. I loved the story so much, so I used it as inspiration to write Alexa. I find horror movies are even scarier when based on a true story. Personally, I believe there is a world beyond the one we know. Technology has become a tool to speak to what we consider "the spirit world," and sometimes we end up in contact unintentionally. I thought it would be interesting to portray an accidental connection through a common device in households.

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

You should watch this film if you enjoy a good ghost story and enjoy being a little scared. It's based off a true story, so it could happen to you!

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

I believe films should cause a reaction in the audience. Whether it's an emotional response or a physical response such as the chills, that is when you know you've connected to a film. I never want the audience to be fully comfortable in my films - anything can happen at anytime.

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

The script started with a true story that happened to my close friend. The whole chair scene was pretty much real! I needed a little more to complete the story, and I ended up making it modern with an Alexa device. It went from a short about sleep paralysis to a short focusing on spirit contact through technology.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

My audience has loved the short! It's simple and an easy view. I wanted the film to be a fun time, and that's what the audience gets. I was shocked when the film made an audience member scream at the festival! I was so happy (sorry to that person).

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

It has definitely surprised me, because I didn't realize how frightening the film was to people! It has been a wonderful surprise. I'm going to focus on going a little more in depth in my next short, and possibly a longer story. I want to hold the audience for a little more time.

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

I would love to promote women in horror. There's not enough of us, and I know we can really make some cool content. If anyone knows fear, it's women. In addition to this, I also hope to gain some audience members before I start pre-production on my next short film.

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

I would love the help of journalists to get the word out. I hope to continue making films, but can't do it without the public's help!

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

I hope this story can add a little bit of fun to someone's day, even if it's just one person. The world is in a state of chaos right now, and sometimes all we need is an escape. People underestimate the power of a fun story, especially a scary one!

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

Does the spirit world truly exist? Do you believe in ghosts?

Would you like to add anything else?

I'll be starting pre-production on my next short soon, so keep up with me on Instagram @nicoletin7 and Vimeo!

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

Nicole is starting pre-production on a new poetic horror short film. Coming soon!

Interview: March 2020

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

Alexa

A girl is haunted by a demon that lives within her technology.

Length: 4:07

Director: Nicole Martin

Producer: Nicole Martin

Writer: Nicole Martin

About the writer, director and producer:

NICOLE MARTIN is a writer/director from Connecticut. With her love of film and love of ghost stories, she decided to combine them together to create short films. Nicole heard her friend telling a personal ghost story, and used that as inspiration to write Alexa. When she's not creating her short films, Nicole works in television as a director's assistant.

Key cast: Elisa Richards (The Girl), Rachel Damitio (Alexa)

Hashtags used: #horror #shortfilm #technology #ladyfilmmakers

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