A desperate writer tries to woo a publisher into taking on his manuscript. But has his arrogance, and stupidity, got in the way of something more real than a book deal?

Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Ashley Pollard

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

The Bookshop was my final film as part of my Directing course at the Australian Film, Television and Radio School (AFTRS). It also started out as a feature length script that I've been working on for a couple of years. I chose to do a concept style short of the feature when tasked with this final film project at film school. Because it was a film school project, I had restrictions to work within: one location (studio), two actors and one day to film. In just 8 hours my cast and crew were able to wrap production on 9 pages of script and 29 set ups. I can't thank them enough. Fantastic Production Design by Gail Pearce and exceptional Lighting and Photography from Benjamin Powell turned a blank, dark studio space into a living breathing second hand bookshop with the sun blasting through the window. My two actors, Alastair Osment and Emily Gruhl, had such great chemistry on and off screen – a relationship that turned romantic in real life and continues to this day.

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

The film is a quirky, fun, romantic comedy, but explores a sincere premise that the protagonist learns from.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

The film explores the premise of the professional verse the personal. How in relentless pursuit of professional success, personal and true happiness is sacrificed. A struggle I know too well and a struggle I think many are familiar with. At what lengths will I go to achieve my dream? With the character of Donald, I’m allowing myself to explore that level of desperation and selfishness I fear and to remind myself that materialistic success is not the key to happiness.

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

The script went through many drafts. The process of taking a feature idea and stripping it down to one locations and 10 pages was an exciting process, but a challenging one.

Donald (Alastair Osment) on the lookout for Abbey in The Bookshop.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

The film has been received very well and has been screening at a number of film festivals. Most recently it won Best Comedy at the Noosa International Film Festival.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

The feedback has been unexpectedly positive, much more so than I had thought. I'm very proud of the work everyone did on this film, but you never know how these things will be received.

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

Just the chance to have new people discover the film. Any opportunity for Short Films to reach a larger audience is fantastic and those who offer those platforms should be appreciated!

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

All of the above!

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

Just for people to have a laugh and enjoy themselves.

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

The ugliness of selfish behaviour. The character of Donald in this films acts in a completely selfish way, he's dishonest and manipulative. It's not appropriate behaviour and only leads to hurt for all involved.

Emily Gruhl (Actress), Benjamin Powell (Cinematographer), Ashley Pollard (Writer/Director, Alastair Osment (Actor) at the Noosa International Film Festival after receiving the award for Best Comedy for the The Bookshop.

Would you like to add anything else?

I'm absolutely stoked to be screening at Flickerfest and am excited to share that experience with the cast and crew!

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

I'm currently working on my next short entitled, The Perpetual Motion Machine. A magical realism, romance short that I hope to complete this year. Our wonderful actress, Emily Gruhl, can be seen in the reimagining of Picnic At Hanging Rock which is currently on Foxtel and recently completed filming on the feature Angel of Mine.

Interview: January 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 Bookshop

A desperate writer tries to woo a publisher into taking on his manuscript. But has his arrogance, and stupidity, got in the way of something more real than a book deal?

Length: 9minutes

Director: Ashley Pollard

Producer: Ashley Pollard

Writer: Ashley Pollard

About the writer, director and producer:

ASHLEY POLLARD is a dual graduate of AFTRS in Screenwriting and Directing. Writer/Director of award winning short films; O Brother, My Pet Zombie and The Making of 'Wasabi'. Most recently Ashley was awarded ’Best Comedy’ at the 2018 Noosa International Film Festival for The Bookshop.

Key cast: Emily Gruhl, Alastair Osment

Looking for: producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists! Would love to meet a potential future producing partner.

Facebook: The Bookshop short film

Instagram: @Ashrey89

Funders: AFTRS

Made in association with: AFTRS

Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? On the festival circuit and then will be released online at the end of the year.