During quarantine, it's nice to reflect on the past and even let it inspire your imagination and see how far you have come and even better to see that some good things “will never change”.

Interview with Writer/Director/Producer/Editor/Actor Crystal Correa

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

Thank you! I got an email from Women In Film regarding their "Curbside Shorts Film Challenge.” They said they were focusing on "Short Shorts" about the current state of the world and what it feels like to be in quarantine. I had actually started to create a series where I put my character (Crystal from Crystal the Webseries) in more awkward situations, because why not? One of the episodes questioned what Crystal would be doing if she were in a "quarantine." And now we know!

I’m so glad I finished it and submitted now with such a powerful group of female filmmakers.

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

For a laugh!! Right now the world feels so grim and sad. We are all hurting and I just wanted to make something fun and colorful. I think it’s important to create things that are full of life, so we get that burst of energy and remember who we are and that it's going to be ok. During this time for me, it's about reflecting on things and working on new things. For Crystal, she decides to start a blog with the cheesiest name ever - so look out for that little treat. This was really fun to make and it brought out the kid in me.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

Well, the photo in the short is a real photo of me as a kid. And let's say my sense of humor hasn't left me yet! I think during this time, we can't forget to laugh. It's ok to cry too, but balance is key. Everyone can relate to that. Also snacking. We are all doing a lot of that too.

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

As I keep writing for this character, I am learning to take more risks and not be so scared to open up about myself and my ideas. I feel comfortable showing what is going on in my head through art. It feels incredible to be able to add that energy into the world alongside all the other amazing ideas artists have been sharing these days. I will always write things that matter to me and the people I love. I want them to know they are heard and I am listening.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

With LAUGHS, a ton of LAUGHS. Everyone is having a good time and that's what I wanted. We can't party with each other but we can party at home. And most importantly, we can still have a good time alone. I think we forget sometimes what it’s like to spend time alone and entertain ourselves. Kids do this every day and there comes a time when we lose that energy. It was also my goal to bring that out again. It's been great to reconnect with people through this short and it makes me happy to see people enjoying it. I hope to inspire people to do things that make them feel joy, especially during this time.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

To be honest, I am overwhelmed with the love and support, because I took a big risk by letting people inside the mind of my character. Especially since it's a bit more sexual than what I have done in the past. But it's all good fun.

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

For people to check out my character and join me on this "on-going journey." I want to keep storytelling through her and my other characters and let people in on these relatable stories.

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

Distributors and TV Producers with a "sense of humor".

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

I want people to feel good and I hope this inspires them. Let's work together to be together soon.

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

Have you reflected on your past lately? Because you should and focus on the good when you are there.

Would you like to add anything else?

Thanks for letting me share my short and enjoy! Also I love salsa for life so there is that too…

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

I am working on my first horror called Simon & I which is about a demon named Simon, who tells you what to do.

Interview: May 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

Copy, Yourself

During quarantine, it's nice to reflect on the past and even let it inspire your imagination and see how far you have come and even better to see that some good things “will never change”.

Length: 2:18

Director: Crystal Correa

Producer: Crystal Correa

Writer: Crystal Correa

About the writer, director and producer:

CRYSTAL CORREA is the founder of C+MEDIA PRODUCTIONS. She is an award-winning writer, director, producer and actor. Oh, and Crystal loves a good story. As a kid in a hyper-portable military Puerto- Rican family, she relied on storytelling and reinvention to keep herself entertained. When she worked on a movie set for the first time, the familiar craziness of production calmed her and reignited her childhood obsessions. Crystal the Webseries, her production company’s debut project, is part-love letter, part-heinous reminder of her painfully ridiculous twenties. It had a three-year festival run and was screened at the HollyShorts Film Festival, HBO’s NYLFF and Seoul Webfest just to name a few. Crystal the Webseries is now available on Amazon Prime Video and international distribution. For Crystal’s new project she decided to focus on the current employment struggle many people face. The Interview, spotlights what people are willing to do to land their “dream job”. Keeping true to her sense of humor, Crystal was able to take a very serious subject and find the light. But also adding twists for the audience to enjoy. Also making sure to keep things as relatable as possible. The Interview teaser shows a glimpse of the new chapter in Crystal the Web-series and poking fun of that classic joke “...walks into a bar”. And staying true to her artist’s roots she has refocused on “Creating Characters” as a way to inspire her young son to learn about the world and bring out her inner child out in a colorful fun way. Correa lives in Los Angeles, where she immerses herself in creative chaos at every chance she gets while raising her young son with her partner.

Key cast: Crystal Correa

Looking for: distributors, producers

Facebook: C + Media Productions

Twitter: @C_PlusMedia

Instagram: @cplusmedia

Hashtags used: #comedy #femalefilmmaker #latinx #food #childhood

Website: www.cplusmediaproductions.com

Other: Vimeo

Made in association with: C+Media Productions

Funders: C+Media Productions