Betty loves animals, she loves them so much that everyday she puts 30 bowls of food outside of her home to feed them. She feeds skunks, raccoons, cats, foxes and the occasional opossum. This is her story.

Interview with Writer/Director/Producer James Gannon

Watch Betty Feeds the Animals here:

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

I made Betty Feeds the Animals because I think everyone should be exposed to Betty. Someone had to give a voice to the "crazy cat lady" who is so easily dismissed as a punchline but is much more than that.

She had talked to me about feeding the animals for years and the idea started to marinate in my head that it could be an interesting documentary. But it wasn't until a few Octobers ago when she came down with an illness that I really became invested. I stayed with her for a few days and helped her around the house with many things including feeding the animals. Being part of the process solidified my desire to make the film and 3 weeks later, armed with an old camera and some Kodak super 8mm film I made the movie.

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

That's a hard one...I mean why should anyone watch any movie? I think people should check this out because A) they will be entertained, B) being shot on Super 8 it's a unique look and C) because Betty is a pure a person filled with love and I think that part about her is infectious. Most documentaries are topical – this is not, and that's what I like about it.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

This movie is personal to me not just because Betty is my mother, but because I think people should experience her. This film is her boiled down to the essences of her being, she has no negative aspect to her, she will make people happy and feel something positive.

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

There was never a script for the film since it is a documentary. But there was a rough outline that I gave to the editor. The editor (Sam Goetz) took some of my suggestions but really went off on his own in other ways that made the film much better than I could have done if I was editing it myself. I would have been too inside the box on editing a film about my mother and I think the smartest move I made was handing of the edit to such a talented editor.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

People seem to be really excited about the film. People smile, they tell me they want to hug Betty. I think it leaves people with a smile on their face which is all Betty would want.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

Not really, it’s been pretty spot on with what I was hoping it would be.

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

I just want my movies to be seen. I'm not looking to make money off these short format pieces. I just want them seen by as many people as possible.

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

I want the film to show at more festivals and then have a solid online platform for the premiere. Hoping for a Vimeo staff pick.

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

I'd like people to finish their movie and call their mother to say hi. I'd like people to look at the "crazy cat lady" a little differently.

Would you like to add anything else?

When I made this film, I had one personal goal. I wanted to make a film that if a 16 year-old version of Betty saw it, she would be happy with who she became. When we are young we all have ideas of who we will become and I think that most often those ideal versions of ourselves don't pan out. That's not always a bad thing but it's a truth we must face. I think a young Betty would be happy with who she became and I think Betty knows that.

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

I have a feature script that I co-wrote and am shopping around right now for funding. It's a movie set in the late 70s/early 80's where the main character becomes stranded in the desert after a car accident. With only a case of warm beer he must figure out a way to survive and get out of the desert before it's too late. https://www.hardpanfilm.com/

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

Betty Feeds the Animals

Length: 9:00

Director: James P. Gannon

Producer: James P. Gannon, Pocket Storms Productions

Writer: James P. Gannon

About the writer, director and producer:

JAMES P. GANNON is a freelance director, cinematographer, editor, photographer and poster designer living in Brooklyn, NY. As a filmmaker he has created multiple short films over the last 10 years, his films have gone on to show at many film festivals across the world and sometimes they win awards.

POCKET STORMS PRODUCTIONS is Chris Cipriano, Matt Ferrin, James P. Gannon and Joseph K. Gannon. All four were born and raised in Bucks County, Pennsylvania but their creative aspirations eventually lead each of them to Brooklyn, NY where they all currently reside. After many years of being friends and working together on several film projects they officially formed Pocket Storms in 2012.

Key cast: James P. Gannon (Director, Cinematographer), Pocket Storms Productions (Producer), Sam Goetz (editor), "Domotic" Stephane Laporte (Original Music), Dan Dzula (Sound Mix)

Looking for: film festival directors

Facebook: James Gannon

Twitter: @jamespgannon

Instagram: @jpgannon

Website: http://www.jamespgannon.com/#/betty-feeds-the-animals-trailer

Other: Vimeo

Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? The Thin Line Film Festival/ Denton TX - 4.11.19; The Florida Film Festival/ Orlando FL - 4.14.19