Father & Daughter Film Report
INTERVIEW with PAIGE MORROW KIMBALL
– writer & director of PLAY DATE
- What stage of your life did you become interested in working with films?
I have been making movies as far back as I can remember. My father had 8mm cameras and film editing equipment in our Brooklyn Apartment. We made our first short film together when I was 5: “The Great Cookie Bake.” I wish I still had that film!
- What gave you the idea / What event led you to making films?
I was a Reality TV producer for many years. When I had my first baby, I stopped working in that end of the industry, because the hours were grueling. I started to work as an actor and soon realized that stories I can relate to about women around my age, are just not out there. There was (and still is) a void of female protagonists who are fully dimensional and in the middle of their lives. So I got mad. And then I got busy. I started making movies about women in the middle… who we really are, and how we really speak.
- What was the most difficult thing you had to deal with in producing a film? (Either filming-wise, organizational-wise, business-wise, editing, etc....?)
Finding the balance as a mother is the most challenging aspect of making films for me. I tend to become consumed when I’m making a film and it’s challenging to fully immerse in a project and also be present for my children who are now 9 & 12. I find myself working a lot of late nights to pull it off!
- What did you learn about yourself personally by being in the film industry?
I learned that I have a gift to offer. I learned that my voice matters and has power to create positive change. The ‘industry’ itself, doesn't interest me except as a vehicle to get my stories out there to have positive impact for others and I don’t need anyone’s permission to do it! I learned that I’m a powerhouse.
- What advice can you give others who wish to make a film?
If you get too far ahead of yourself and focus on the result it can feel overwhelming. Just take it one task at a time. Also, if it’s not in the script, it won’t be on the screen…so REWRITE until it’s there.
- What have you done to get your films ‘out there’? How do you feel distribution is changing?
I have entered my films into film festivals and have used social media as a tool to get the films 'out there'. Building your audience is crucial. Distribution has changed greatly - it’s like the wild west because there is no road map. There are many avenues to take depending on your goals.
-Where do you see the future of films heading? As an industry? As content?
I see films heading to the small screen, to online distributors as longer series’ in a shorter format. I think that the viability of the Two hour feature film is slowly disappearing. On line there is greater distribution potential and with technology it is so mush easier to get a film made, creating more accessibility for artists. As a result there will be more diverse voices...We no longer need permission to get indie stories told.
- Any examples of "deals" that were made which seemed involve unexplainable forces?
Not entirely sure what you mean by this? But I think you’re talking about the faith it takes to get a film made. Getting a film made always feels like such a leap of faith, and a trust that you’re on the right path. I think in many ways, you have to let go and trust that things will work out for the best. As an example of this, I met Tami Roman on stage at a Film Festival Q & A for my last film Ending Up. I was casting Play Date and not only was she perfect for the Mother role, but she shared with me later that she had been homeless as a little girl. It was an inexplicable force that I met her…and very meant to be.
- In your own words, what makes your films unique?
I think one of my signatures is that my films can make you laugh and cry at the same time. My films find humor in sad situations and they find touching moments in comedy. Kind of like life!
- Whatever you can think of you wish to be known that I'm not asking that you would like expressed.
I just want to say that each persons voice is unique and it’s important that we have more stories about Women and more women and ethnically diverse directors. We all have stories to tell that can share a perspective that can help us understand each other and heal the world. I hope that Play Date makes people think in a more open minded way about homeless individuals and opens their minds and hearts to difference.