DTLA Film Festival / Katra Film Series 2019 – Sum Of Us
Sum Of Us was first workshopped as an experimental piece that explores and deconstructs the often-mythologized beliefs surrounding acting. Director Anthony Meindl and his world-famous acting studio follow and film actors on their journey of telling stories as themselves (and as the roles they play) and demonstrates that our beliefs about art, acting, ourselves and the cosmos are not always what we think they are. The project explores such topics as Ageing, Teen Domestic Abuse, Alzheimers, Global Warming/Pollution, Carl Sagan and our role in the Universe.
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer/Actor Anthony Meindl
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I'm interested in making films that explore the human condition and are socially conscious-driven. Stories that reflect what culture is experiencing at this time are exciting to me. This film, in particular, came out of the work I do with actors all over the world and was an expression of the vulnerable work artists do in telling stories.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
I think that because there are ten interlocking stories, the film feels very individual and personal, while at the same time universal. I think an audience member will relate to each story at some level, even if the subject matter isn't necessarily something the viewer has gone through him or herself.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
I mean, we're all on this same planet for a very short time and we're all trying to figure it out. And no one has yet and that, itself, is the mystery and the process. We all are going through the same things at the micro-level. We all want to be seen and heard and understood. We all are scared and vulnerable and want to experience love and connection. We're all scared of the endings of things and excited (and maybe scared) of what the future will hold. That's the human experience, and I think these questions about life have been going on for millennia. Artists engage in them through their processes which is a reflection of their own humanity.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
I wrote the script (and the actual stories that interconnect) for the students I've been working with for years in my master classes at our LA studio. They came about by my working closely with them and wanting to write pieces for them and their extraordinary talents.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
I think people can really relate to the individual stories and the universal messages. And though I was concerned that this might be a "niche" film since it deals with the process of acting and what it's like to be an actor -- I think people have really related to the personal and vulnerable intimacy that these stories dwell in.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
I was super inspired after our screening in Los Angeles because I felt people related to the stories in bigger ways and that was exciting to me. I think the moral of the story is, if you write something personal and truthful, people will relate to it at some level.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I'm hoping to connect with other creators and developers. Or just the film community in general. I'm always inspired by other people creating art and finding ways to share their stories, so I'm excited about this platform and who I might connect with.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
I think that many people feel that because the film deals with so many current social issues that it is relatable at so many levels and should be seen. I'm hoping that a distributor or strategist will find the film and have ideas about how to get the film (and its message) out there. I think we really need to see these topics explored and talked about.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I think the whole purpose of creating anything is to move people. To have them actually feel something. Or think about something in a new way. Or provoke them out of their complacency and get them involved in something. I'm hoping that my film does that to people.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
What are we doing to our planet? Why are we so scared to connect? If we are a part of this Universe, why are we so inclined to destroy the very thing that sustains us? How can we as a species be so disconnected that our own behavior creates divisions and separation, pain and misunderstanding? I think we have to have conversations about uncomfortable things. I hope my film inspires that.
Would you like to add anything else?
Thanks for reading/watching.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I have another film that is out on the festival circuit right now called Where We Go From Here that examines three different love stories affected by gun violence.
Interview: October 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
Sum Of Us
Sum Of Us was first workshopped as an experimental piece that explores and deconstructs the often-mythologized beliefs surrounding acting. Director Anthony Meindl and his world-famous acting studio follow and film actors on their journey of telling stories as themselves (and as the roles they play) and demonstrates that our beliefs about art, acting, ourselves and the cosmos are not always what we think they are. The project explores such topics as Aging, Teen Domestic Abuse, Alzheimers, Global Warming/Pollution, Carl Sagan and our role in the Universe.
Length: 1:40:24
Director: Anthony Meindl
Producer: Anthony Meindl
Writer: Anthony Meindl
About the writer, director and producer:
ANTHONY MEINDL is an award-winning writer, director, actor, teacher. He has acting studios all over the world in nine cities (AMAW) and has worked with thousands of actors. As a filmmaker, his projects have been screened at Outfest, Provincetown International Film Festival, Santa Cruz Film Festival and others and have won numerous awards. He currently has two features on the festival circuit: Where We Go From Here and Sum Of Us. And is the author of 3 best-selling books on Creativity/Acting including At Left Brain Turn Right.
Key cast: Isidora Goresther, Brianne Howey, Emma Kenney, Ryan Newman
Looking for: distributors, film festival directors, sales agents
Facebook: Anthony Meindl
Twitter: @AnthonyMeindl
Instagram: @anthonymeindl
Hashtags used: #sumofus #amaw #amawstudios
Website: https://www.anthonymeindl.com
Made in association with: Meta Films / Intrepid Entertainment
Funders: Self-funded