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Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Aman Johnson
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I think ultimately I wanted to share something personal, something genuine and honest. I see a lot of films that are sort of super flashy and clever, but I wanted to make a film that really explored the human condition, specifically loss. I lost my father a few years ago and what I have noticed is that my memories of him have already begun to fade. So I wanted to explore the unique loss of losing the memories of someone you love. I think it is a kind of loss that is not talked about much and yet I think everyone experiences it at some point in their life.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
You know, we were blessed by amazing performances by the whole cast and I think the film ended up being a beautiful and moving piece that really allowed those performances to be the focal point. Also, in the sense of the story, I think we did a good job of not making you wait too long to get into the action. I hate being bored watching a film, so I really wanted the film to plunge the audience into the story as quickly as possible.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Well, it's definitely a personal theme for me. My son was born a few months after my father passed away, so I found there was this clear shift from me being the son in a son/father and then being the father in a father/son. The lack of overlap has led to this strange experience of me creating these amazingly vivid memories with my son while at the same time watching the memories of my father fade. And what I have taken from this experience is that this strange duality of happiness and sadness that I'm experiencing might not be as unique as I think. In fact, as I get older, I'm starting to think that it is probably a more accurate portrait of what the totality of life is really like.
The Method of Places
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
The script went through numerous versions before becoming what it is. A story about losing memories can go in all kinds of different directions. I know this because it did! One of the most significant issues I found in the earlier versions of the script was that the plot was getting in the way of the story. So I worked really hard on finding ways to simplify the plot and allow the story to be the focal point. The mind palace and we navigate through it allows us to jump from one powerful moment to the next without wasting a lot of time in between with unnecessary plot development.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
You know, we started getting our first feedback during the production. So many crew members teared up during filming, thinking about lost loved ones or about their own children. After its first screenings at the Austin Film Festival, we received wonderful feedback from so many audience members who said they either teared up or fought back tears. It has been a real joy to listen to how the story has impacted people in that way.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
Honestly, the feedback HAS surprised me. I am amazed by how many people have experienced the same feelings of regret or guilt about losing the memories of those they love.
Behind the scenes of The Method of Places - Lee Rothenflue, Producer / Editor
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
Ultimately, we want as many people to watch our film as possible. It's still going through the festival circuit, so it is not yet available online; however, we encourage people to follow us on Facebook and Instagram so we can keep everyone informed on where you can see the film next. Also as filmmakers, we want to continue to tell stories and we know that the best way to do that is to find ways to connect with our audience and to bring them along for the ride. The more the merrier!
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
We are always looking for producers, distributors, etc. to connect with. Whether for this film or for future projects, we want to build relationships with passionate creatives who want to tell great stories.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Why are memories so important and what does it mean to lose them?
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I am currently writing a feature film called The Orchard which is a supernatural-adjacent horror film.
The Method of Places poster
Interview: November 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
The Method of Places
A girl uses a mind palace to keep the memories of her father, but discovers the method has its limits.
Length: 12:08
Director: Aman Johnson
Producer: Lee Rothenflue
Writer: Aman Johnson
About the writer, director and producer:
AMAN JOHNSON is a writer/director living in Austin, Texas. Aman started his own video production company, Johnson Media Co., in 2013 and has since written and directed two short films and his work has won numerous awards including Best Drama, Most Original Story, and Best Horror/Thriller.
LEE ROTHENFLUE has over 19 years experience producing many different types of film and video projects, including feature films, documentaries and commercials. He has worked with clients like Charles Schwab, Google, Red Bull, Seton Hospital, the Tiger Woods Foundation and PetSmart, among others.
Key cast: Presley Fuentes, David Lee Hess, Elizabeth Tabish
Looking for: journalists, film festival directors, distributors
Facebook: The Method of Places
Twitter: @MethodPlace
Instagram: @themethodofplaces
Hashtags used: #themethodofplaces
Website: www.themethodofplaces.com
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? It recently had its world premiere at the Austin Film Festival and is currently awaiting acceptance in other festivals.
Set in the backdrop of a dystopian Los Angeles, Guy tries to write a movie, but instead gets pulled into everyone else's as he hallucinates his way through the surreal and bizarre indie film world.
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Read MoreThe power and hilarity of female friendship are put to the test when a woman-a-woman battle over who will face their fears first commences. Keep an eye out for the... twist.
Interview with Writer/Producer/Actor Kendra Alaura, Writer/Producer/Actor Tiffany Cornwell Duppong and Producer Jon Enge
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
KENDRA: We wanted to write a comedy about women who supported and loved each other. Comedies that center around female characters are rarely done without the stereotypes of women being catty or in competition with one another. Additionally, most female characters have to be similar to one another in order to have a deep, meaningful relationship, but in our short, we showcase two women from very different backgrounds loving each other unconditionally regardless of their backgrounds. Girl Stuff is a look at flipping common female stereotypes on their head.
JOHN: Kendra & Tiffany sent me the script and it absolutely reeked of their truth. I knew I wanted to be part of such an exciting project and that I couldn't let myself get in the way of their truth.
TIFFANY: A number of reasons! First, I liked the story and wanted to tell it. Second, I loved the idea of a film about women who looked and sounded like the relationships I actually have in my life: supportive, ridiculous, passionate, and hilarious. Finally, I am deeply drawn to stories about stereotypes being flipped on their head, which we tried to do with Girl Stuff. I love that we took the stereotypes of "The Slut" and "The Virgin" and showed what these women look and sound like when you get past their labels.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
KENDRA: Comedic relief and a genuine example of female friendship between two very different women.
JOHN: This is a real and honest story about two vastly different women who love each other and support each other through everything. They don't judge each other based on their life decisions and that's really damn cool. Plus, it's hilarious!
TIFFANY: You want to have a good belly laugh and enjoy a buddy comedy!
Girl Stuff
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
KENDRA: Girl Stuff showcases the universal themes of The Power of Friendship and Love Conquers All. Our characters test their bond through brutal (but loving) honesty in order to face difficulties in their life that cause them hurt and pain. One of these problems being the ability to open up one's heart and trust love again.
JOHN: I think the idea of people who are afraid to get hurt is personal and universal. And having friends to help us through is.
TIFFANY: Personal themes: As a woman who has dealt with criticism of my personal sexual choices, it was empowering to write a film about two women supporting and loving each other with no judgement of their choices while pushing each other to make hard but good decisions. The universal themes of women supporting women, a desire for love, hope, fear, and friendship ring true throughout.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
KENDRA: The script has grown into what we see today through outside influences such as stories, quotes from real-life friends and on the spot improvisational work between the two lead actresses.
JOHN: I came in after the script and I think most of my input was just sharpening the jokes in editing but, really, that work was done by Tiffany & Kendra.
TIFFANY: Well... we're writing a series! Even during filming the short film we were talking about expanding the project, so this has been a long time coming! Kendra Alaura and I wrote the short, but we brought on Jon Enge, our Director, to write the series with us as we found his experience and ideas invaluable.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
KENDRA: We've been told that Girl Stuff is fun, relatable, and a laugh riot. The majority of viewers have enjoyed the characters "bro-like" chemistry and that these women are blunt, sassy, and speak their minds without filtering it through what society would deem acceptable.
JOHN: Extremely positive feedback! People love the pacing and humor and really connect with the content.
TIFFANY: We are part of a very supportive film community, so it's all been good so far! We've asked for and received criticism for scripts and stories, and have gotten some very good constructive feedback. But so far, people like it!
Girl Stuff
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
KENDRA: Girl Stuff feedback has been predominantly positive with a fair amount of high praise for comedic timing and relatable content. However, the small amount of negative criticism we received has only added value to our work and is considered working on the continuation of these characters stories.
JOHN: Nope.
TIFFANY: In many ways, yes. But the heart of our story and the stories we want to tell have not changed.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
KENDRA: We hope to take the themes and characters from Girl Stuff and expand into a series. Having Girl Stuff more visible will help us to get the attention of producers, financiers, and distributors who may be interested in assisting with our expansion.
JOHN: Hopefully, more people will watch the film and think about the content, discuss it and maybe even have some thoughts challenged.
TIFFANY: A champion, producer, or showrunner to help us get the series funded and produced in some way!
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
JOHN: If I can help bring people's eyes to the material, I'm happy to do it!
TIFFANY: ... Yes. All of them! The film is just the beginning. We have a script and a show bible ready to go, we have at least one season of episodes planned, and we have characters with stories that need to be told. Anyone interested in forwarding the message of female friendship, breaking stereotypes, and telling the stories of women who look and sound like real women will love our stories. And anyone who isn't interested in those things, but who likes to laugh until they can't breathe will also love it!
Girl Stuff
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
JOHN: Positive?
TIFFANY: I want people to enjoy it. It's a comedy! It's here for enjoyment. But I also want them to want more.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
JOHN: I have no idea. hahaha
TIFFANY: What stereotypes about yourself would you like to see flipped to show your humanity?
Would you like to add anything else?
JOHN: Nope!
TIFFANY: Thank you!
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
KENDRA: We are currently working on turning the idea behind our short into a sitcom. A pilot episode is written as well as a show bible outlining what we hope to achieve with Girl Stuff as a series.
JOHN: We're working on a pilot for a Girl Stuff series. I also just finished a sci-fi short film based on a TV pilot I've been working on and writing a few different scripts.
TIFFANY: Mostly on writing (and re-writing, and then writing again) and preparing the Girl Stuff Series! I am personally also booked on a few other shorts and will be leading a feature shooting in North Dakota in May 2020.
Girl Stuff poster
Interview: November 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
Girl Stuff
The power and hilarity of female friendship are put to the test when a woman-a-woman battle over who will face their fears first commences. Keep an eye out for the... twist.
Length: 8:00
Director: Jon Enge
Producer: Kendra Alaura and Tiffany Cornwell
Writer: Kendra Alaura and Tiffany Cornwell
About the writer, director and producer:
JON ENGE is an award-winning director who has run multiple web series in addition to creating short films, music videos and more! When Kendra and Tiffany approached him for Girl Stuff he was immediately intrigued and grew excited to work on something so personal. He decided to approach it as a television director and told the creators he wanted to work closely with them to get their vision on screen instead of defining it on his own. He still brought his signature directing style to the piece and edited it as well. Of all the projects he's been involved in, he says this one he's most proud of.
KENDRA ALAURA and TIFFANY CORNWELL are filmmakers based in the Twin Cities. After a decade of experience working in front of the camera, these two friends teamed up to write Girl Stuff. They are fascinated by the idea of taking stereotypes and flipping them as well as using comedy to open discussion about important issues and ideas.
Key cast: Tiffany Cornwell, Kendra Alaura, Shawn Dunbar
Looking for: distributors, film festival directors, sales agents, producers, buyers
Twitter: @GirlSuffSeries
Instagram: @girlstuffseries
Hashtags used: #girlstuff #femalefilmakers #comedy #fearlessfemale
Funders: Self-Funded and Indiegogo
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? Sherman Oaks Film Festival, November 21 @ 7PM
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