Sundance Film Festival 2020 – Danny's Girl
Danny meets his online girlfriend for the first time but accidentally discovers an unspeakable possession of hers, which throws their first night together into a dizzying tailspin. Amidst the chaos, their mutual vulnerability and desire to connect pierces through and changes their lives forever.
Interview with Writer/Director Emily Wilson
Watch Danny's Girl here:
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Thank you! I've always been into storytelling, even as a kid. My Dad's VHS camera was my favorite toy growing up and the urge to make films has stuck with me. With Danny's Girl, I wanted to make something that had a strong directorial stamp on it, and that was true to my own vision without compromise. And of course, I'm always trying to improve as a filmmaker, and the only way to do that is to continue to make stuff. So there's that element, but I also really wanted to tell the story of how true human connection can be found under even the oddest of circumstances. I'm a romantic, but I'm also very dark. And so I wanted to combine the two and hit that sweet spot with this film.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
The performances are incredible, as is the music and cinematography. And the concept is sort of bonkers. It will make you laugh and cringe, but also tug at your heartstrings when you least expect it.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
I like to explore themes of loneliness, profound disappointment, and feminine frustration. And how people react when they are most vulnerable. The characters in Danny's Girl are offbeat and feel isolated in their own way, which I think everyone can relate to in one way or another. Although these themes can be heartbreaking, there is also so much room for humor and extreme absurdity within them. It's the nuances of human behavior that really tell a story.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
The actors (Danny and Rémy) and I rehearsed a lot before filming, and so we'd tweak the script here and thereafter having a chance to really dig into the character's backstories. We wanted to make sure every bit of their interactions were properly motivated. And then, as I was creating shot lists and storyboards, there were certain scenes that felt as though they were missing something, that they needed to be more dynamic, or needed more heart. So then you brainstorm, and try to fill in any holes there may be. Lots of thinking, re-working, and troubleshooting.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
So far the feedback has been very positive. Although the film is based around a pretty dark circumstance, people seem to find it funny and oddly charming, which I'm down with.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
Not particularly, although feedback on the rough cut challenged me initially. I also edited the film, so although the notes were incredibly helpful and necessary, I experienced some moments of insecurity and self-doubt.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I want to write and direct more films in the future, so I'm hoping people will love Danny's Girl and want to collaborate on some really special projects together.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
The more the merrier, I'd say. A distributor, buyer, or sales agent would be incredible along with journalists to spread the word and broaden the film's audience.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I'd love for people to talk about the film with excitement, and for them to feel that it's a well-crafted film with heart and intention. And that it's a wild ride because it is.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
What's in the box?
Would you like to add anything else?
I'm just truly grateful and excited to be premiering at Sundance. It's a dream come true.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I wrote a feature screenplay that I'd love to make. It's a dark comedy with thriller elements and has lots of style. It's fun, but also dark and outrageous.
Interview: January 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
Danny's Girl
Danny meets his online girlfriend for the first time but accidentally discovers an unspeakable possession of hers, which throws their first night together into a dizzying tailspin. Amidst the chaos, their mutual vulnerability and desire to connect pierces through and changes their lives forever.
Length: 13:00
Director: Emily Wilson
Producer: Evan Husney
Writer: Emily Wilson
About the writer, director and producer:
EMILY WILSON is a filmmaker born and raised in Syracuse. She’s edited and produced short and long-form documentary content for a variety of media companies including Vice, Conde Naste, National Geographic, The Bleacher Report, Cosmopolitan, and The Ford Foundation. Emily has worked with Vice Films where she edited the feature documentary, Reincarnated, which premiered at Toronto International Film Festival and screened at SXSW. Emily later post-coordinated the edit of Fishing Without Nets, a narrative feature film, and spent time on set in Kenya assisting during shooting. The film went on to win the U.S. Dramatic Directing Award at Sundance.
Key cast: Danny Dikel (Danny), Rémy Bennett (Cleo)
Instagram: @emilyannewilson
Hashtags used: #dannysgirl #dannysgirlfilm
Website: www.dannysgirl.com
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? 2020 Sundance Film Festival