I Probably Shouldn't Be Telling You This
When an oversharing, compulsive-lying e-girl is caught in the web of her own lies on her (secretly) favorite podcast, she must finally get off her bullshit.
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Emma Weinswig
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I wanted to explore the idea of using performative vulnerability for personal gain. The idea for the film originated out of experiences I had with liars and oversharers. I thought there was a fun tension in a character who was both of those things.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
We’ve all witnessed and likely personally experienced how social media perpetuates and rewards lying and oversharing. I don’t say this on my high horse or with any grand opinion of how that’s bad or good – but we all create these characters online and in our daily life. Myself included. And most of the time we faithfully curate and act those characters out. I was interested in capturing the moment of when one breaks character and how they defend themselves from telling the truth.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
The script didn't evolve much once we started to rehearse with the actors. Frank's character really came to life in a way I didn't expect but LOVE. There wasn't much about his character on the page beside his lines. I was so pleasantly surprised by David's embodiment of him. David went so hard and really made it his own.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
It was so special getting to share the film with audiences at SXSW. I had gotten so used to the film, watching it over and over in the edit. I forgot how batshit it is... So much fun finally getting to share it with an audience.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
I was surprised by how much people laughed at little nuances in David and Alexis' performance-- unspoken moments / reactions.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Yes, would welcome conversations with all of the above.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Is it better to lie about being truthful, or be truthful about being a liar? Is there any difference? I hope audiences consider this when they watch the film and reflect on their own bullshit.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Currently in pre-production for another short film that's a proof of concept for a feature. I'll direct and act in it.
Interview: March 2023
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
I Probably Shouldn't Be Telling You This
When an oversharing, compulsive-lying e-girl is caught in the web of her own lies on her (secretly) favorite podcast, she must finally get off her bullshit.
Length: 13:41
Director: Emma Weinswig
Producer: Emma Weinswig and Will Noyce
Writer: Emma Weinswig
About the writer, director and producer:
EMMA WEINSWIG is an LA-based writer-director and actor. She's currently working as a Director's Assistant to Dave Meyers at RadicalMedia. Her latest film I Probably Shouldn’t Be Telling You This, that she wrote & directed, premiered at SXSW this March in the Narrative Shorts Competition.
WILL NOYCE, is a director and producer based in LA. Check out his work on Instagram: @willnoyce
Key cast: Alexis G. Zall (Minna), David Levi (Frank)
Looking for: film festival directors, distributors, journalists, buyers and sales agents
Twitter: @carpe_____dm
Instagram: @carpe__dm
Website: www.emma-weinswig.com
Other: IMDb
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?
NFFTY Film Festival [ Stream online Saturday April 29 - April 7]