Interview With Charli Brown From USA | 4th KIIFF

"Charli Brown: Pushing Creative Boundaries to Explore the Price of Ambition"

KIIFF: How did the idea come to you, and what inspired you to create it?

It is intriguing to see what people will do for power, fortune and fame. I wanted to start with characters that had the pure intentions of doing the "right thing" and for the "good of mankind" and push the boundaries. I diverted from the "selling of the individual's soul" to meals where someone else's soul becomes the new craving.

KIIFF: What were the main challenges you faced during the filmmaking process? How did you overcome them?

There was a blizzard the night before into the morning hours that produced 8-9 inches of snow. I was worried that the cast and crew would not be able to make it to the location. I would have understood if they did not want to risk coming out due to the weather.  Our Call Time was 9:00 am. Apparently Mother Nature received her copy. The snow stopped at 8:45 am and everyone made it to the set. 

KIIFF: What unique features characterized the pre-production, production, and post-production phases of your film? Did any specific incidents or interesting experiences occur during these stages?

The original film shoot was to include the feeding scene. I had only seen pictures of the location. Once I arrived to the set, I started to imagine scenes that could be added to the film shoot. I wanted to take advantage of the snow that coated the Bay Ridge, Brooklyn street. I "wrote" the extra scenes while the crew set up and the actors followed my impromptu script. It was amazing.

KIIFF: Did your film include a location or setting that was particularly difficult to find or use? How did you address this challenge?

I had a small budget for location. We were able to use someone's apartment, driveway and porch. It helped that there was a fantastic deli for breakfast and lunch around the corner.

KIIFF: How was your collaboration with your production team (actors, technical crew, etc.)? What key lessons did you learn about building a successful team?

I like collaboration from the production team. We are all devoting our time and energy to make an amazing project. That is my usual stance while I am working on a production.

KIIFF: What is the core theme or message of your film, and what do you hope the audience will take away from it?

The core theme is that everyone has a "price" that they are willing to pay to get what they want. I hope the audience will be able to relate and review what they would be willing to do for power, fortune and success.

KIIFF: Is there any experience from this project that you plan to apply or avoid in your future work?

The experience from this project was from the actors and crew. I appreciate their flexibility to follow my unscripted ideas. Creativity, planned or unplanned, is a must on any and all future work.

KIIFF: How have festivals and audience feedback influenced your artistic journey?

The festivals and audience feedback is very helpful. It is a great indicator that my story is intriguing and encourages me to keep going.

KIIFF: As an independent filmmaker, what advice would you give to others who are entering this field?

Create what works for you, not the masses. Someone will connect. If it is very important to stay true to your original vision.

KIIFF: If you had another opportunity, what changes would you make in the process of creating this project?

I wouldn't change a thing. It was an amazing experience.