Interview with director Stephanie Jaclyn (FREEMALES)

Stephanie Jaclyn directed  the comedy web series  “FREEMALES”, which was showcased at the FEMALE FEEDBACK Film Festival in December 2016. “FREEMALES” was awarded “Best Overall Performances” at the festival. 

Matthew Toffolo: What motivated you to make this film?

Stephanie Jaclyn: I wanted to see content created by women for women and while the housemate comedy genre is nothing new I wanted to create a show that provided an honest, authentic and humorous insight into lives of young women in today’s ever shifting social landscape.

MT: From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

SJ: From the scriptwriting phase to our premiere it was 7 months.

MT: How would you describe your short film in two words!?

SJ: Funny and real (or just really funny)

MT: What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

SJ: The biggest obstacle was filming on such a small budget. Luckily we had an amazing cast and crew who all volunteered their time to be part of the project.

MT: What were your initial reactions when watching the Toronto audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

SJ: I was amazed and thrilled to see that people on the other side of the world related to the themes and characters. It was great to hear reactions from people who had never heard of the show but completely understood what we were trying to convey.

Watch the Audience FEEDBACK of the Short Film:

MT: How did you come up with the idea for this short film?

SJ: I came up with the idea while living with a girlfriend of mine – there are many aspects of the series that are inspired by real life experiences and events.

MT: What film have you seen the most in your life?

SJ: Oh god, there are so many but I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of the Harry Potter films.

MT: What is next for you? A new film?

SJ: We’re currently in post-production for the final three episodes of Freemales season 1 – online by June 2017! I’m also in pre-production for my next project, a short film about a romantic novelist going through a divorced called The Final Chapter shooting in March 2017.

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Interviewer Matthew Toffolo is currently the CEO of the WILDsound FEEDBACK Film & Writing Festival. The festival that showcases 20-50 screenplay and story readings performed by professional actors every month. And the FEEDBACK Monthly Festival held in downtown Toronto, and Los Angeles at least 2 times a month. Go to www.wildsound.ca for more information and to submit your work to the festival.