Paulina Lagudi is Competing in the Pre-production REELPITCH Challenge

August 13, 2016

How did you get inspired to become a filmmaker?

I have always been intrigued by film for as long as I can remember. The idea of becoming a filmmaker was always so overwhelming and large to me that I didn’t think it was a possibility for me. I got involved in the process through acting. It didn’t take me long to then realize, “Oh wait! I can do this!” Shortly after my epiphany, I developed my production company, Jax Productions, where I was able to produce a diverse  array of content. After my second short film was accepted into festivals, I knew that I wanted to direct and produce films that served a purpose. They did not just litter the media, but changed or offered another perspective on an aspect of life. I have always gravitated towards films that sparked intense conversations and debates. I want to do that with my life.

What is your favorite part about the short film form?

My favorite part of the short film form is the freedom it gives you to delve into a very specific topic. It seems counterintuitive that a shorter format could provide more freedom, but short films do not limit you to having to stick to a three-act format, a continuous plot, or one character’s journey. It really allows you to do whatever you want. I, personally, love using short films to highlight a certain topic through a slice of a character’s life. There does not have to be much of a story arc. To me, it is about using that character to speak to something bigger.

Who were the people that supported the making of this film?

A lot of people have been extremely supportive. My friend, Molly Welsh, and I wrote this short film when we discovered that we both went through similar struggles in our lives. Our close family and friends are very aware of our stories, and therefore, have been very supportive in the making of this film. It has given many of our friends and family to open up about their own struggles that we were not aware of before.

What resources do you use as a filmmaker? Music, locations, props, editing, crew, etc.

I use every resource necessary to tell the story. I own quite a lot of gear (i.e. camera gear and a lighting package), but I have actually utilized peerspace.com for finding my location. It has turned out to be a pretty incredible resource for independent filmmakers.

Paulina Lagudi

“Watch and vote for F-K the New Skinny”

What is your next project?

My next project after “Holly’s Girl” will be a feature film. I cannot disclose too much about it yet, but I am very excited.

The independent film business is a difficult one. What keeps you motivated? Where do you see the industry going in the future?

Amen to that. Haha it is definitely a difficult one. The work keeps me motivated. I try not to get caught up in anything else other than being a better filmmaker than I was yesterday. The industry is going in all kinds of directions with VR and interactive video becoming more popular. I am very very excited to see where those go and hopefully be a part of that growth in the future.

Which filmmakers, artists or individuals have most influenced your work?

I was a dancer growing up, so I find dance and choreography has actually influenced my work a lot. My boyfriend is also my cinematographer, so being able to see the world through that perspective has opened up my opportunities for inspiration a lot, too. With that said, the individuals that influence me the most are Reed Morano, Ryan Heffington, Sonya Tayeh, Juan Jose Campanella, David Fincher, and Quentin Tarantino.

What advice would you give new filmmakers?

The advice I would give new filmmakers is ALWAYS make sure to treat your crew well. Pay them when you can, and make sure you really make an effort to find the funds to pay them. Being able to rely on a crew that respects and trusts you will always make your film better.

Like the Holly’s Girl Facebook page.

Watch and vote for F-K the New Skinny.

Check out the website here.

This pitch is competing in the REELPITCH Challenge, Remember you can vote once a day for the duration of the contest for as many pitches as you deem worthy!

VOTING OPENS

Aug 09, 2016 at 9:00am MDT (America/Denver)

VOTING CLOSES

Aug 18, 2016 at 9:00pm MDT (America/Denver)

The Audience Awards provides filmmakers opportunities to create short video content for brands and win money. Sign up today for your free account and join film’s community.

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