In another dimension, the Creators are working on a project. Gradually, they come closer to a result. But creating a world that mirrors their imagination is no easy task, even for the Creators.

Interview with Writer/Director Madeleine Homan

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

I decided to make The Creators out of a fascination with life. This film is filled with a lot of ‘what if?’ questions and delving into these possibilities brought me a lot of joy. Additionally, it serves as a testament to the immense effort required to bring any creation to life. Creating can be terribly hard work and it takes a lot of time, and even then you’re not always happy with the result. In many ways, it’s a tribute to the art of creation.

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

The Creators invites you to ponder how things might have been different, while also bringing joy and laughter. The film acknowledges the challenges of creation, where things can often go awry. Seeing our creators make mistakes or stumble can be a comforting reminder that imperfection is a natural part of the process. It's a gentle nudge to be kinder to ourselves and to accept that having flaws in our work is perfectly okay.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

Many people ponder why we are here and what our purpose is on this planet. While this existential theme is significant, it's also about embracing the unknown. With The Creators I wanted to bring a fun and weird possibility to how we got where we are now on this earth.

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

There was never a script from the start. This non-dialogue animation relied heavily on movements and sounds, making the animatic the primary focus of our work. I created numerous versions of the animatic, experimenting with different endings and scenes. Instead of a traditional script, I worked on various rough animations. The entire film hinged on tone and humor, which are often too subtle to capture in words and need to be conveyed through action.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

People really enjoy seeing it! After making two short films that were tearjerkers it was a relief to make something with humor. Hearing the response from an audience in a cinema is absolutely a joy.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

Not yet to be honest, maybe in the future!

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

Eventually, you want to reach as many people as possible with your story, I hope The Creators gives joy and wonder to people.

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

Spreading the message about The Creators is key, and my wildest dream would be to make a longer version of the film.

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

Eventually, I want The Creators take over the world…

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

The film subtly raises the question of how wonderful and amazing our world truly is, and it expresses hope that we, as humans, are not destroying everything the Creators have built with such care.

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

I’m working on different animation and illustration projects at the moment, for personal projects and commissioned work.

Interview: June 2024

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 Creators

In another dimension, the Creators are working on a project. Gradually, they come closer to a result. But creating a world that mirrors their imagination is no easy task, even for the Creators.

Length: 4:31

Director: Madeleine Homan

Producer: Madeleine Homan

Writer: Madeleine Homan

About the writer, director and producer:

MADELEINE HOMAN is an animation director from the Netherlands. In 2018, she graduated with her first short stop motion Swimming to the Moon. In 2022, she directed the 2d animation film Fur. Recently, she graduated from the University of West England in Bristol with the 2d animation film The Creators. Currently, she is developing her work as an animation film director for stop motion and 2d animations, for commissioned and  personal work. She finds inspiration in all corners of daily life, from the tiniest moments to epic milestones.

Instagram: @madeleinehoman

Website: Madeleine Homan

Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?

Tribeca Film Festival (5 - 16 June, New York)
Leiden Shorts (6 - 9 June, Netherlands)
Mo & Friese Children's Short Film Festival (4 - 9 June, Germany)
Festival du Film d'Animation de Savigny (8 June, Switserland)