I'm A Writer
Screenwriting student Walter works on finishing his feature film
script as his final year of study draws to a close.
Interview with Editor/Writer/Director Ruby Walker
Watch I'm A Writer here:
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I made this film whilst locked down in Melbourne, at the height of Covid-19. Being stuck in my own house forced me to look directly around me for inspiration. I think I'm just really lucky to be surrounded by interesting people. I made this specific portrait documentary because I, over the course of said lockdown, had gotten to know Walter more intimately and I wanted others to experience the entertainment that comes from merely being in the same room as him. His story moves me and as a character, I can't help the urge to point a camera in his direction.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
The great thing about portrait documentaries is that they tend to appeal to anyone who has an interest in other humans and their lives. What this film can promise to deliver is humour and intimacy. This is a film about the underdog, and I made this film because I'm rooting for him, and, I expect after seeing this film, the audience will be too.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
I would say that this film is both a specific, local, individual story, and also a universal one, that of the struggling artist, the broke student, the disillusioned youth, and that overarching idea of having a purpose or a vocation.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
The film idea started as a photo journalism essay, following Walter and his struggle with dyslexia. Soon after, I planned to make the film in the same style as the essay, which was minimalist, observational, and involved fragmented conversations around the house. As I interviewed Walter, and began shooting, I found myself moved by Walter as he opened up more and more, and the film because much more emotionally charged, rather than the neutral tone it had started with. Now, the project is still evolving. I hope to continue following Walter intermittently over the years to come.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
Reception to the film has been lovely from friends and loved ones, but which doesn't tell me much about the quality of the piece. I have also been told it needs tightening up, cutting down, and finessing to create a really polished short film.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
I think every filmmaker who is invested in what they do can overvalue pieces within their projects. I love certain parts of this film that others would tell me to cut. Yet, having been on the other side of such constructive criticism, I know those moments will likely need to go. It comes back down to that phrase "kill your darlings".
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I hope that by being visible on wearemovingstories.com, I can get the film seen, and start creating more of a brand for myself. I also want to be part of this community of student filmmakers, and in order to do that, I feel I need to put myself out there.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Anybody and everybody, I am the sole creative behind this project. Specifically, I need producers, film festival directors, and journalists.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I would like this film to be a representation of young creatives, something that others can see themselves in. I want non creatives to root for us. It's also important to me that Walter, the star of this project, gets to see himself as someone to root for.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
How important is storytelling? I think storytelling is an ingrained part of human life, culture, growth. I want people to consider how their country, their state, their community, treats storytellers. What grants are available, and where are the gaps? The arts are important, and support for the arts has to be important too.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Walter Smithers has finished his feature screenplay, as well as two pilots, one for a drama series and one for a children's television series. He is now currently in pre-production for his short film "The Outside Dunny", which is set to begin filming this June. You can find Walter at his website https://www.wsmithersproductions.com
Interview: June 2022
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'm A Writer
Length:
5:52
Writer/Director/Producer
RUBY WALKER is a young creative based in Melbourne Australia. She is currently completing a Bachelor of Media at RMIT University, and has completed short courses at VCA and AFTRS. Ruby primarily concentrates on documentary films, though is passionate about storytelling in all its forms.
Key cast:
#writer #student #queercreatives #melbournecreative #independentfilm #shortfilm #documentary #dyslexia
Looking for:
film festival directors, journalists, producers
Hashtags used:
#writer #student #queercreatives #melbournecreative #independentfilm #shortfilm #documentary #dyslexia
Where can I watch it now?
Currently on ruby's website www.rubywalker.org