Queens World Film Festival / Go Indie TV 2019 – The Sonnet Project #153
154 Sonnets. 462 Films. One Astounding Community. The Sonnet Project from New York Shakespeare Exchange is a tapestry of cinematic art that infuses the poetry of William Shakespeare into the poetry of the word in which we live. We began with the goal of creating 154 films in the five boroughs of New York City. But as we near the end of that journey (130 films released, so far) we realize there is so much more that can be done. And so the conversation expands to include two new series of films: The Sonnet Project US and The Sonnet Project International.
Interview with Director Jill Salvino
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I was honored to be asked to create another Sonnet Short for The Sonnet Project. Who is a better writer than William Shakespeare?
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
Because it's art. It's candy for the eye and soul.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Most of my projects have something to do with what is just under the surface. Things that are not always apparent at first sight. I like to bring out what is right under that layer.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
These Sonnets are wonderful projects to do between other projects as they are short and the crew is small. No one gets paid and I try and surround myself with talented like minded people like my composer Paul Morin and cinematographer Chris Vernale. They are both super talented and we work together as often as possible.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
That the work is both sensitive and has feminine qualities which I find interesting as the only on camera actor was a woman (Hannah Elless) so that is a given but I went out of my way to work with a female editor (Jordan Bayne) as I had never cut with a woman before.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
Hmmm. It is nice to get out of your comfort zone and change things up. I think this only adds to the experience and brings more to the next.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
We make art to share with others.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
We are screening digitally via the Sonnet Project, on Roku and screening at The Queens World Film Festival. It is nice to see that a film that is so short is getting the play that it is. This pleases me.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
Just to have someone enjoy it and connect with William Shakespeare via my interpretation is my joy.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
What Sonnet #153 meant to them and if this adds some color to that.
Would you like to add anything else?
Just thanks to everyone who helped and Ross Williams for all of his support and what he does as the Artistic Director at The Sonnet Project NYC.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Between The Shades is my first feature doc that was picked up by Passion River Films and is currently in over 200 libraries and universities. The film will be available on digital platforms on April 23rd, look out for iTunes pre-orders to start up April 14. Stay tuned to social media for further updates!
Interview: March 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
The Sonnet Project #153
154 Sonnets. 462 Films. One Astounding Community. The Sonnet Project from New York Shakespeare Exchange is a tapestry of cinematic art that infuses the poetry of William Shakespeare into the poetry of the word in which we live. We began with the goal of creating 154 films in the five boroughs of New York City. But as we near the end of that journey (130 films released, so far) we realize there is so much more that can be done. And so the conversation expands to include two new series of films: The Sonnet Project US and The Sonnet Project International.
Length: 1:30
Director: Jill Salvino
Producer: Jill Salvino
Writer: William Shakespeare
About the writer, director and producer:
JILL SALVINO is an accomplished storyteller and commercial director and native of New York. She has collected over 200 industry awards including an Emmy and directed hundreds of commercials and long form content. She has directed four short films; which have played in festivals worldwide and won numerous awards and received special screenings. Salvino directed Taking It For Granted, which played in dozens of festivals including the Big Apple Festival and won Best Drama at NYC’s Downtown Film Festival. Salvino wrote and directed Lies People Tell, which Premiered at The San Pedro Film Festival. As an invited director, her contribution as director of The Sonnet Project (#74), presented by the New York Shakespeare Exchange screened at festivals and is on tour in the United Kingdom. And now, # 153 which took second place at New York Women in Film and Television short fest and is screening at The Queens World Film Festival on 3/22. Her first documentary feature: Between The Shades, explores the various degrees of ‘gay‘ that exist in our society and frame up a conversation about the spectrum of LGBTQI and the strands of acceptance that bind us all. It will be available on i-tunes on 4/23 and is currently in schools via Passion River Films.
Enough said about WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE, really.
Key cast: Jill Salvino (Director) Hannah Elless (actress) Christopher Vernale (Cinematography) Paul Morin (music) Jordan Bayne (editor)
Looking for: film festival directors
Facebook: Jill Salvino
Twitter: @directorjill
Instagram: @directorjill
Website: jillsalvino.com
Other: IMDb
Made in association with: The Sonnet Project
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? Queens Worlds Film Festival Friday March 22nd Tickets: https://www.queensworldfilmfestival.com/films/detail.asp?fid=1246 Discount code: qwff9 & https://www.facebook.com/events/398399090977836/; Go Indie TV