Abandoning social norms, a woman ventures into new territory to explore her sexuality.

Interview with Writer/Producer/Actor Erika Santosuosso

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

Thank you! I made the film first and foremost because I wanted to make something: plain and simple... I chose this story specifically because I was interested in sharing some perspective I had gained. So much of why I became an artist in the first place was to help me process life and grow from it. I find the best introspection occurs when you can make something that represents a piece of you, then share it and discuss it.

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

Because you're interested in the female perspective... or enjoy content that relates to romantic and sexual exploration.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

Claire's plight, I think, is something we can all relate to in one way or another. She's experiencing a moment in her life that is very complicated and contains a whole cocktail of mixed feelings. And while life is full of highs and lows, I find it's also full of these often awkward, in-between moments... the ones where we don't even realize how substantial our feelings and choices are while we're making them.

In the end, she feels a sense of accomplishment, but it's laureled with fear. Was the experience worth the risk and what does it mean for her and Ian going forward?

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

We cut an opening scene in editing because we felt it repeated the emotion a little too much... but other than that we very much created what we had on the page.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

Mixed, haha. Most people have LOTS of questions which I loved. Some people find it very strange and off-putting, others loved it and found it to be very honest and poignant in it's own way. I love hearing it all, the positive and the negative.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

Not really, my point of view is more or less set since the story is pretty biographical.

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

I would love for more people to see my little labor of love!

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

Distributors! I would be elated to get some kind of distribution.

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

Hopefully, it will help foster a more open mind for viewers towards women and their relationship to sex in the media. Claire isn't a "whore", she isn't a "cheater", she's actually a loving wife who is trying to expand and elevate the relationship she has with Ian. It may not go as planned and she may have mixed feelings, but the point is she isn't the villain for exploring the taboo. She's just a person trying to her best.

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

Do you relate to Claire? Do you like her? Why or why not?

Would you like to add anything else?

Thank you for this opportunity :)

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

Keep an eye out for Little Boy (written by Adam Griffith and directed by me) and also for The Edge (Shakedown's next big project)... I'm particularly excited about The Edge. We have an incredible team signed on and the story really is something special.

Interview: March 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

Cake

Abandoning social norms, a woman ventures into new territory to explore her sexuality.

Length: 10:21

Director: Adam Griffith

Producer: Erika Santosuosso

Writer: Erika Santosuosso

About the writer, director and producer:

ADAM GRIFFITH is an NYC based performer and filmmaker. www.AdamGriffithActor.com

ERIKA SANTOSUOSSO is an NYC based filmmaker and partial owner of Shakedown Productions. www.ErikaSantosuosso.com

Key cast: Erika Santosuosso (Claire), Colin Van Wye (Rob), Jake Pino (Ian)

Looking for: distributors

Facebook: Shakedown Productions

Instagram: @shakedownproductions

Hashtags used: #cakeshortfilm

Website: www.shakedownproductions.com

Funders: Self-Funded

Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? Queens World Film Festival | 9:00 PM | Saturday March 30 | Zukor Screening Room, 34-12 36th Street, Astoria, NY