On her first day of basic training, an army recruit stands out as she defiantly fights to be the first female guidon bearer.

Interview with Writer/Director Paige Compton

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

Why thank you! I chose this story because of what it meant to me. I based it off of a personal experience that I had during Basic Combat Training in the US Army. Uplifting, bittersweet stories of female grit and determination are really my bread and butter. I wanted something that made the audience feel good by the end of it.

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

A few reasons:
It is a corner of the military that is rarely put on the screen.
Curiosity of what a female Drill Sergeant is like.
How about the feeling of inspiration it leaves with you at the end?
A feel good snippet of a military adventure.
Women that challenge and uplift other women.
All of the above.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

The relationship of between our main character, Halle, and our Drill Sergeant is highly relatable to anyone that has ever had a mentor take them under their wing. Halle's desire to achieve a standout position quickly turns into a lesson of responsibility and earning one's place in leadership.

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

The script started as a carbon copy of my entire two month personal experience in Basic Training, but we quickly realized that version was way too long for a short. So over the course of six months. We were able to whittle it down to the first 24 hours of a recruit's experience in Basic Training. Focusing on the core message of the story and building out from there.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

The Army audience members say it took them directly back to Basic Training and their own experience. It felt very realistic to them. The non-military audience members tend to enjoy the ride, the message, the overall entertainment they get from watching it. They have also mentioned that they loved learning about a different part of Army that they didn't know about.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

Some of the more negative feedback hasn't surprised me. I listen to what they have to say and try to learn from their opinions, if they are constructive. There is always room for improvement, and I only improve I know what's not working.

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

Exposure. Exposure. Exposure. It's a new filmmakers currency when they are first starting out. I'm not sure anything will come of this. But, if this write-up inspires someone to see the film... great! If it inspires them to reach out to me or any of my team members to collaborate... even better!

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

Anyone and everyone. If you're any of the above... drop me a line. Let's chat and see how we can help each other. Or we can just grab a beer and some coffee and talk about the meaning of life and how we all try so hard to capture it in film.

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

As corny as this may sound... if this film inspires even one person to follow their dreams... it's a success in my eyes.

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

Do you think the role of women in the military is impactful and how?

Would you like to add anything else?

I'm serious about the coffee or beer. Haha! No, but seriously.

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

Unfortunately, I can't talk about it yet. But... I'm excited.

Interview: July 2021

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

Guide On

Length:

15:43

Writer/Director

Paige Compton is a recent graduate of the American Film Institute with a MFA in Directing and prior to that the Art Institute of Washington, with a BFA in Digital Filmmaking and Video Production. During her time in the US Army she held the title of Visual Information Equipment Operator/Maintainer (25R) and cross-trained into Graphic Design and Photography. The last four years of her military service were spent as an Audio Visual Director for the offices of the 44th President and VP of the United States. Paige is currently working on writing her first feature.

Producer

Tara Donovan has spent her time in LA as the owner/operator of an acting studio, an actress and an award-winning producer. In four-and-a-half years, Donovan has produced over 50 plays, developed a handful of world premieres and directed/produced short theatrical trailers for the theater. She is the founding Executive Director of Broads' Word Ensemble — a theater company whose focus is stories by women, about women, for everyone. As a film producer, her shorts have screened around the world. Additional experience ranges from PA to locations, makeup and casting. She received her BA in Theatre Performance and Political Science from San Diego State.

Key cast:

Shantell Lee Cuevas (Halle Varro), Chiara Maya (Drill Sergeant Mallet)

Looking for:

journalists, film festival directors, producers

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/GuideOnFilm/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/guideonfilm/?hl=en

Hashtags used:

#guideonfilm #femalefilmmaker

More info:

Made in association with:

AFI Conservatory