A golfer and his caddy have a very difficult conversation on the green.

Interview with Writer/Director/Actor Julia Bales

Watch Golf! here:

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

Thank you! I wanted to make something different from any of my other work.

Golf! came to be in a few different phases. I knew I wanted to write something that was set in a more 'masculine' world. At first, I thought that would be billiards, but it eventually turned into a golf course due to budget and time. I really wanted to explore the custom of apologizing by proxy. It’s a weird survival instinct people have that I find it really interesting. It's something that we do that's both ridiculous and serious, and that's exactly what I wanted for Golf! . From there, I figured out the narrative of Hank and Bud, which felt like an important conversation to show and socially relevant. I also knew I wanted to play the lead role of Hank. I feel like women don't get a chance to play the 'dress-up' character as often as men do, so I thought I'd give myself that challenge.

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

This short film drops you into the life of a sad man who doesn’t get that he is the problem. It's something that I think a lot of people can relate to... and it just so happens that the main character is played by a young woman.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

I think everyone at some point in their lives has been on either end of an apology where they're so embarrassed by their actions, that they ask someone else to say ’sorry’ for them. In that way, you can relate to either Bud or Hank.

There's also the theme of status. In general, golf is a very expensive sport that creates a separation between those who are playing it and working it. Whether or not you play golf, this is a theme that runs our society.

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

Throughout the development, the script remained pretty much locked, but the performance of Hank and Bud changed a lot. Once I could fully find Hank's character the dynamic between Bud and Hank really flourished and changed to what you see on screen.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

Everyone has been very supportive and positive. It's great to see people connecting with the short.

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

I hope this can inspire someone else to make something out of their comfort zone!

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

It would be great if journalists connected with Golf! I think it would really help to amplify the film's message.

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

I hope people just keep watching and sharing!

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

Is 'sorry' enough?

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

Julia Bales is currently finishing an adaptation of a book into a feature film as well as writing her next short film.

Interview: August 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

Golf!

A golfer and his caddy have a very difficult conversation on the green.

Length: 7:20

Director: Julia Bales

Producer: Jim Cummings

Writer: Julia Bales

About the writer, director and producer:

JULIA BALES is a writer/director based in Los Angeles. She is a Vimeo staff picked filmmaker with projects streaming on multiple major platforms, as well as festivals around the world.

JIM CUMMINGS is a filmmaker based in Los Angeles. His feature, Thunder Road, can be seen on most major streaming platforms as well as iTunes.

Key cast: Julia Bales (Hank), Bud Galloway (Bud), Chris Doubek (Bill), Dustin Hahn (Steve)

Looking for: film festival directors, journalists

Facebook: Julia Bales

Twitter: @juliabailz

Instagram: @julia1sabella

Hashtags used: #comedy #narrative #drama #womeninfilm #golf

Website: www.julia-bales.com

Other: Vimeo

Funders: Kickstarter

Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? Hollyshorts/Los Angeles(Aug 16th); Vimeo.com (live now!)