Chandler International Film Festival 2020 – Ready
Parenting. Work. Bills and all the challenges in between. What do you do when it all falls apart?
Interview with Writer/Director Abigail Dell'Orto
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
It was a project for my senior thesis film. Each student is required to create a short film.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
It's realistic. The situations Maggie and Johnny go through are real and parenthood doesn't always equal happiness. With Maggie and Johnny, they are constantly struggling and through their struggles they can't seem to see eye to eye in their ways of raising Lilly.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
It deals with the theme of choice. If we knew what our challenges were in our future, would we be willing to go through it? The choice of struggle and ultimately the choice of raising a child.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
The script started off rough, definitely in the writing as this was my first real screenplay. I wanted this film to be easy as possible location wise. Originally I wanted to film the argument scene at my apartment, that is how I envisioned it but we ended up shooting at our producer's place and it worked out so much better. Also, both main characters Linda and Johnny were casted entirely different. Maggie was supposed to be played by this actress from NYC but she cancelled last minute so I hired my great friend and roommate Linda who ended up blowing me away with her acting ability. When it came to casting Johnny I couldn't find anyone who fit such an understanding but struggling character. I wanted people to not hate him but connect with his side of the story. I had my cinematographer Joshua go up and read Johnny's lines for a girl auditioning for Maggie and I was amazed at how well Josh did in that audition. And he wasn't even trying! It was so natural and I hired him on spot. He never acted before!
What type of feedback have you received so far?
I received great feedback. People loved how real these characters have become and also how adorable Lilly is! She stole the show! I've also got some concerning feedback due to the sensitive topic of abortion. But, some people who are pro-life liked the film because they believe that Maggie does walk out of the clinic and then I have pro-choice people that believe she did get the abortion. It becomes an open discussion which is what is great about this short film.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
It surprised me. I was afraid nobody would get the ending. Would they think Maggie got the abortion? Was Lilly just a figment in Maggie's imagination? Is this a pro-life or pro-choice film? I get mixed feedback all the time and my answer for the ending is the same. Maggie did get the abortion because she knew it was the right decision for herself and Johnny.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I hope to achieve a new point of view for the audience. This film gives an insight into what could go on in these women's minds when they are sitting in these clinics. A lot of them think what their life could look like in five years if they just got up and left. You imagine this child you could have and some people do think they can make it work but others know that it is just not possible and that is okay for them to decide. We can't control these women's choices but this film lets you see what they could be thinking when they get put into this difficult situation.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Buyers, Distributors, and film festival directors.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
An impact on Women's Choice. I hope this impacts women to know that whatever choice they choose, it is going to be okay. Their life is going to be okay. Their choice is their choice only. Nobody else should be making that choice for them.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
What did Maggie choose in the end?
Would you like to add anything else?
I don't want this film to be seen as an "in your face abortion film". It's just a film showing two people struggling with how their life turned out. I respect those who are for or oppose it (abortion) and all I wanted to do was shine a light in a situation that is constantly hidden in the dark.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I am directing a feature-length drama film called Placeholders. It is about two people struggling to find an emotional connection in their relationships. I am also directing my first horror short film called Flashlight Tag. It is about a group of kids who decide to play tag in the woods, however evil lurks and some won't make it out alive.
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
Ready
Parenting. Work. Bills and all the challenges in between. What do you do when it all falls apart?
Length: 12:14
Director: Abigail Dell'Orto
Producer: Allison Reindel
Writer: Abigail Dell'Orto
About the writer, director and producer:
ABIGAIL DELLORTO is the Writer/ Director of Ready. She came up with the concept by starting at the ending and then working her way backwards. She always wanted to be a writer whether it was for films or novels. Ready is her first writing project and it certainly won't be her last. Abigail was chosen by her classmates to direct Ready. It was her first directing project and she loved every second working on the project. Even for those chilly outdoor shoots. She graduated with a tv/film degree and is excited about her upcoming directing projects.
ALLISON REINDEL, the producer of Ready, graduated Cum Laude from St. John’s University with a degree in Television and Film Production and a minor in International Studies. After graduation, Allison moved back to California and has been working as a freelance production assistant.
Key cast: Linda Gillard (Maggie), Joshua Cajas (Johnny), Christina Gobes (Lilly)
Looking for: distributors, buyers, film festival directors
Hashtags used: distributors, buyers, film festival directors
Other: IMDb
Funders: Indiegogo: Indiegogo
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? Chandler International Film Festival/3159 W Chandler Blvd, Chandler, AZ 85226-January 18th, 2020