Who are you and what’s your filmmaking background?
I’m a London based British-Australian actress turned writer/director following two inspiring years in Los Angeles. I finished my second film Sogni D’Oro, as writer, director and performer last year and we’re currently competing in the LA Shorts Fest Showcase over 10:00.
What are you working on right now?
I’m currently in pre-production for my next short film Art in Heaven– a story about music, loss and faith restored through an unexpected friendship.
What do you want the audience to take away from your films?
Still from “Sogni D’Oro”
The stories that we remember and pass down, like fairytales, are the ones that resonate forever, at any age and in any place. That’s what makes them so special. With Sogni D’Oro I wanted to write a timeless story like that, one that could be shared with everyone.
What’s your favorite story from filmmaking?
Something ridiculous happened every day when we were shooting Sogni D’Oro. Not a single day followed the shooting schedule. Mind you, we were working in Italy and with children and with a goat making her film debut!
The most challenging scene was a large funeral procession involving lots of local volunteers as extras. We turned up ready to film, only to be told by our local contact, Anna Maria “You can’t film today, there’s an actual funeral in the town today and everyone is going to that!”
What are your wildest dreams for your filmmaking career?
To be able to tell stories, make the films I’m inspired to make without having to worry about money or commercial pressure and to be positively recognized by my peers. Oh and to get paid for it would be nice!
What currently inspires you?
Film and television makers who value the narrative and the quality of writing and performance above all else.
What’s your best advice for an aspiring filmmaker?
Just do it! I waited far too long to make my first film. We made the first one with four people in four days with about $100. After that I felt completely liberated and had the confidence to approach the next one as a much more ambitious project.
Find our more about Jessica at www.stelmopictures.com.
And vote for her film LA Shorts Fest Showcase over 10:00 competing film, Sogni D’Oro.
Follow Jessica Elisa Boyd’s career at The Audience Awards.
The Audience Awards is film’s social network connecting audiences to films, filmmakers, film schools and film festivals. The Audience Awards hosts short film competitions where the audience chooses the best films.
