Interview with director Emma Jackson (CONVERSATIONS)

CONVERSATIONS was shown to fanfare at the January 2018 FEEDBACK Film Festival in Los Angeles.

Matthew Toffolo: What motivated you to make this film?

Emma Jackson: At the time of writing – Trump had just been elected the president of America and there had been much talk about divisions between the human race – including the very physical division of building a wall between people. This current political topic inspired my writing. I am also interested in the psychology of how we, as a human race, tend to judge one another upon our appearances. Finally…. I had to make this film for college ha ha!

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this short?

The idea began in January 2017 and the film was completed by May 2017.

3. How would you describe your short film in two words!?

Who Dunnit!

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

Trying to produce and write and co-direct at the same time. Making this film took every ounce of my energy and time for those few months, I had to overcome pure exhaustion.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

I was just so delighted that people took the time out to discuss the theme of the film – I loved getting feedback – I would love more!

Watch the Audience FEEDBACK Video:

6. How did you come up with the idea for this short film?

Current world politics + my experiences of being a woman + feedback from classmates and family + watching many great detective shows (especially The Killing) = my idea for this film

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

The Goonies – best film ever 😊

8. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway, what are you feelings of the new(ish) submission platform from a filmmaker’s perspective?

FilmFreeway is absolutely fantastic. The platform offers so much – a list of all your submissions, it is constantly promoting new festivals and gives stats on how your film is doing. It’s so slick and fast too!

9. What song have you listened to the most times in your life?

That’s a great question… Volcanoe by Damian Rice
or Cry Me a River by Justin Timberlake

10. What is next for you? A new film?

I will be starting a Masters in screenwriting in May and I also plan to make a new short film in the next year once I motivate myself again….