Interview with filmaker Helen Caldwell
Welcome Ms Caldwell, we are very excited to have you today and discuss about your work. Who is Helen Grace Caldwell and how did his passion for filmmaking start?
My career path has been in the Financial industry since college, but 10 years ago, began a side life as a filmmaker. The love for filmmaking began in 6th grade in a class which produced a short comedy. I realized after college I needed to pursue a business career first so I can afford do be a filmmaker when I grow up. It has worked out well. I love having the best of both worlds: Business and creativity. Helen Grace Caldwell is business minded with a creative side.
Can you tell us about your previous work?
I have participated as an Executive Producer / producer for several film projects, watching and observing everything film related. I have participated in several feature projects, including documentaries in Cuba and a scout in Prague. Those are in development phases. I have recently finished a dark comedy called Give Till It Hurts, directed by Thomas Callaway of Los Angeles.
CONVERSATION ABOUT: PRISONER
What would you describe as your directing identity style ?
I would say, rhythm and tone of the script. I like facial expressions to create the mood, some curiosity left for the audience imagination to add to their personal emotions to attach to the film. Slow, rhythmic
Talk to us about your film? How was it created ?
In lunching with Leslie Easterbrook one day, she had mentioned doing a solo film, which she has not done before. We discussed something mysterious and something grabbing, maybe something mental, with a great score. In writing something short, it was difficult to do a solo without the aid of others to depict some curiosity. So we added a couple of characters, minimum, just to add that curiosity factor and eeriness to the story.
Does the scenario have an importance to you on a personal level ?
No, not at all. I think it was just the fun to do a film with some curiosity and some mind-boggling social and mental issues of society today. I wanted something real too. And something where someone in the audience can relate.
How was the style, genre and atmosphere selected ? What helped showcasing this paranormal drama ?
Mood. All mood. And tone. And the capacity in which Leslie can perform to her best ability. I loved how she can, with her voice, belt out tunes to show an operatic moment for the mood that I wanted to depict.
FUTURE WORK AND CLOSING LETTER
What is the message the audience should convey leaving the screening of your film ?
Wow. Some wondering if it really means she has mental challenges, or some sort of feeling that they have felt before, whether self or with someone else.
What is the target audience of your project ?
I would say 30-65. I know someone somewhere, in this age range have had some relativity to the character, whether it is themselves or someone close to them. The film would not pull in the curiosity of the younger audience.
Any future projects incoming ? Along with personal aspirations.
Yes. A comedy feature in its very early development phase to be filmed in Chicago. I’d like to do a complete about face, with different scenery and showcasing Chicago’s best places, depicting an intern in a law firm, hence the title Summer Associate. Written by two lawyers who actually lived this cut throat world.
That was the interview with our beloved creator Helen Grace Caldwell. Our community is rising everyday, new talented filmakers and screenwriters get onboard. Be sure to check the rest of our interviews and why not schedule one for yourself to promote your work. To publish an interview simply submit on the INTERVIEW OF YOUR FILM category on our Filmfreeway page.
