A whimsical representation of mental illness as Imogen gets ready for her day, accompanied by her own personal demon.

Interview with Writer/Director Jessica Erin Martin

Watch Imogen's Imaginary Friends here:

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

This was an idea I'd had for many many years. It wasn't until I was stuck in an airport, that I actually sat down to write it last year. As someone who loves whimsical/fantasy stories and visuals, and as someone who has lived with mental illness for most of my life, I wanted to create a project that melded the two. I wanted to create an entertaining story and one that also gives visibility to those who also live with mental illness

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

It's a fun, less than five-minute film, that has stunning visuals thanks to DP Sam Chatterjee, amazing creature work by performer Andi Norris and makeup artist Josie Cordovez, and a beautiful original score by Catherine Joy. And it's an allegory for the experience of 1 in 4 American adults.

Deborah Lee Smith as Imogen, cinematography by Sam Chatterjee

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

This is a very personal film for both Deborah and I. Depression, anxiety, and OCD have been a part of my life for fifteen years. I know I'm not alone in that, and any time I have shared that, it has resonated with others. As artists, of course, you want to express your experience of the world. Where possible, I also hope to help people with my work as well.

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

This was a very quick process. After I finished writing it, I immediately sent it to Deborah who loved it from the start. We shot the film about two months later and finished post-production about a month after that. The finished film was very close to the original idea and intention.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

We are just starting to release this film into the world, so we remain cautiously optimistic about how it will be received!

Deborah Lee Smith and Andi Norris in a scene from Imogen's Imaginary Friends, cinematography by Sam Chatterjee

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

We just want people to see it and know that mental illness is something that affects a lot of people (to varying degrees). And that if you are someone that shares that experience, you might feel represented and reassured that you are not alone.

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

Right now we really just want to spread the word during Mental Health Awareness Month. So any outlets or individuals who can assist with that would be much appreciated!

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

Of course, your film can feel like your child in many ways, and you want people to love it as much as you do. I'd love for people to see the incredible work put into this by our entire team. And I'd love for people to be inspired to share it just for its merits as a fantasy film, as well for its subject matter.

Andi Norris as the Demon, cinematography by Sam Chatterjee

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

What is living with mental illness like? If it were personified, what would it look like?

Would you like to add anything else?

We were hoping for a triumphant festival run for this film, but due to Covid-19, that's not going to be possible any time soon. Deb and I talked about it, and we decided to release the film online and to share it with the world during this time was more important to us. Hopefully, we can go to some festivals down the road, but right now, we think it's important just to share art with each other.

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

Producer and star Deborah Lee Smith has the touching feature, Here Awhile, with Anna Camp releasing soon!

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

Imogen's Imaginary Friends

A whimsical representation of mental illness as Imogen gets ready for her day, accompanied by her own personal demon.

Length: 4:40

Director: Jessica Erin Martin

Producer: Deborah Lee Smith

Writer: Jessica Erin Martin

About the writer, director and producer:

JESSICA ERIN MARTIN is an award-winning actor and filmmaker hailing from Seattle, Washington. Now located in Los Angeles, Jessica has appeared in film, television, and commercials. She has written and directed acclaimed shorts: post-apocalyptic drama, For Patrick, and political thriller, Dirty Laundry. Her improvised sci-fi comedy web series, Abby & Tabby Alone in the Desert, is now streaming on Seed&Spark.

DEBORAH LEE SMITH is a Los Angeles based actor, producer, and founder of Alette Entertainment. After obtaining her BA in Theater and English Lit at UC Berkeley, she traveled to Australia to pursue her Master’s degree in Film Production. She has three features in post-production including Here Awhile starring Anna Camp and the action/thriller Last Three Days, with numerous projects in development. Deborah is also the founder of mental health non-profit, More Than You See.

Key cast: Deborah Lee Smith (Imogen), Andi Norris (Demon)

Looking for: journalists

Hashtags used: #ImogensImaginaryFriends

Funders: Self-Funded

Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? On Vimeo - 5/15/20