GO DEEPER
As I brainstormed ideas for my intern project I knew that I wanted to do something meaningful. I thought about doing a documentary on a non profit, or something along those lines. But I wanted to push myself and get creative, but also tell a meaningful story. I thought of this short film as an opportunity to show my skills, creativity, and absolute passion for film. This was going to be my first film I had ever made, and I wanted it to be the best project I had ever made.
As I thought about concepts I knew I wanted to do something that was current on the news, or a topic being talked about. After days of brainstorming I put together the script for “Sweet Home Alabama”. A short film about a young girl who gets pregnant by her rapist in a futuristic world were abortions are ilegal. I was TERRIFIED of pitching this story. I was afraid of getting a solid no from the team, and honestly I was ready for it.
I pitched the story, and I got the ok to move forward. I could feel a slight doubt in the room as to how I was going to accomplish all of this. But I was happy that the story got approved, now it was just a matter of making it happen.
The making of “Sweet Home Alabama”
As a designer, moodboards and color palettes are a must in everything that I do. One of the most important things for me in a film/design is to have strong visuals. Below is the mood board I created.
Most of the inspiration for my ideas came from music videos/ Tv shows and photography. Artists such as Sia, Lady Gaga, Macklemore where huge influences for this film. One of the Tv shows that inspired me the most was ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’.
Shooting day:
What a day. What a day. Picked up Chris ( intern ) and drove over to the shooting location. Chris was shooting the video as I was directing. The weather was not in our favour as the sun came in and out and it was raining. I was worried because I had pitched beautiful sunset scenery that was impossible to shoot because of the weather. I was a little stressed but had to overcome any issues and continue shooting. My main character was also nervous as she had never really acted before in her life and I kinda forced her into doing this. I knew she had it in her to be a great actress, and she did amazing.( Big shoutout to Chris Tocchet for being one of the best cinematographers I know, he captured exactly what I had envisioned. Thanks Chris!)
Editing:
As I went to edit I realized I had so much footage that I would not be able to use as the story was dragging. I needed to keep it short and simple. With help of JTWO ( Shout out to Maria, Omar, Justin and Steven!) I was able to finalize a great cut to show the team.
Takeaways:
One of the hardest things I have ever had to do in my career as a creative is to shoot a rape scene. It was uncomfortable and disturbing. As a director I knew I needed to be very responsible and mindful on how I talked to the actors and the crew. How I talked about rape, specially when explaning to the characters the scene. This is when I realized how important it is to direct in film. I had to make an uncomfortable situation somehow comfortable for everyone in the room.
Shooting this film has forever changed me and I want to give JTwo a big THANK YOU for believing in me and helping me make this happen. I have pushed my creative limits and have made a short film I will always remember, especially because it was my first film ever.
Meet the Director
Viveka Galindez is graphic designer with a passion for film making. She loves coming up with new ideas/concepts , creating mood boards and making a project come to life. She is hoping to continue her career in film as she knows how powerful and influential film can be.
This project was created as part of the JTWO [INC]ubator Project. A semester long internship program built from the ground up to give young filmmakers, content creators, and all around hungry for a challenge individuals a place to stretch their creative minds while preparing them for the road ahead.
Credits
Director – Viveka Galindez
Assistant Director – Jordan Brown
Cinematographer – Chris Tocchet
Sound – Steven Layton