Linda Marie Curry is an Australian Writer, Producer, Director, who has just completed work on a one shot drama short film ‘KNOW BY HEART’ for her company LMC FILMS. Her previous credits include short films, drama ‘FINDING LILY’ action/fantasy ‘DRALIEN,’ comedy short ‘DENNIS MAYHEW”S MAGIC MIRROR’ and ‘FOUND’. Her short documentary ‘SHANE’, caught the attention of the Quadriplegic Benefit Fund, who asked to have it edit it into an eight minute accident prevention video for use in secondary schools.
https://t.co/f5XgWaklMm One shot short film out by end of October 2015 pic.twitter.com/ArJ9TW3w0c
— Linda Marie Curry (@lindamcurry1) October 22, 2015
Linda was involved in community theatre for five years, directing and producing well-known productions such as Robert Harling’s ‘STEEL MAGNOLIAS’, Agatha Christie’s ‘MOUSETRAP’ and Ken Ludwig’s ‘THREE MUSKETEERS.’
Linda is an enthusiastic writer and storyteller who had her first children’s adventure fantasy story published in 2014. ‘THE CALLING’. She has written or created the story for all her own films as well as directed and produced them. Linda enjoys the process of bringing her vision to life on the big screen. Linda is passionate about filmmaking and is always seeking new challenges and thieves when learning new things. Currently she is studying Screen and Media at The Performing Arts Conservatory, Brisbane QLD.
How would you describe your work as a director
I am still finding my way as a Director. I have been versatile in my filmmaking, drama, documentary, comedy, action/fantasy, however action/fantasy and comedy are the main two styles I like to make. It is good to find the one genre you like best and become an expert in it.
How did you get into directing
I fell into directing by accident. I started out in a church drama group as an actor/writer then move into community theatre as an actor. After writing, directing and producing my own plays I found it too much to try and act as well as everything else. I really loved and enjoyed directing more than acting so I chose to become a director.
How do you choose a project to direct
After directing and producing my own work I wanted to do other plays. I started out with some of my favourites. Robert Harling’s ‘Steel Magnolias’, Agatha Christie’s ‘Mousetrap’ and Ken Ludwig’s ‘The Three Musketeers’. Even though I was in community theatre and loved it, I alway had a five year plan to move into film.
What uniqueness can female film directors bring in to TV or Film or Cinema
I don’t seem to separate myself from being any different to a male director in the scene that I have the same ability to break down a story and have a vision on how to achieve what the writer is saying. I just get on with making a film that I hope people will enjoy. I don’t really see why females are considered less of a storyteller than a male. I can’t change my gender, no would I want to so I will just keep making films.
Do you take courses to increase your craft
Yes, I am always learning, I don’t think you ever stop.
What books do you read
I have read ‘The Story’ by Robert McKee. Mostly books earlier on to do with the history of theatre or theatre games and voice techniques. ‘Sophocles’ The Theban Plays, ‘The Theatre’ A concise History’ and others. I prefer to watch interviews and commentaries of other directors such Catherine Hardwicke, Sofia Coppola. Her documentary on Heart of Darkness is worth watching. Nora Ephron, Jane Campion, Quentin Tarantino, Victor Fleming, James Gunn just to mention a few. One of the best commentaries I have ever watched is by Guillermo del Toro on Hellboy 2.
Why will you choose an actor, writer or producer. What do you look for
As I grow in the industry and gain more knowledge I learn more of what to look for. When auditioning actors, I look to see if they are trained actors, If they have the right look and sound for the role. How they conduct themselves, while waiting to be auditioned.
As for writers, I have two writers I work closely with on projects, Nicholas La Salla and Rush Welsh. They are able to see my vision and understand what the story is I want to tell. I write some of my own projects by myself or co/write them and sometimes just give the writers the characters, story and plot and get them to write the script.
At this stage I Produce my own films, however I would research someone to see what they have produced previous and how successful they have been before asking them to Produce a project.
When you are offered a job, what things do you put in place to deliver a good job
I always look for the best person to do the job in their given area; e.g.: DOP, Lighting, Sound, Set design, Wardrobe, Make up an so on. I like to surround myself with positive people who love what they do.
Briefly explain your latest work
My latest project is my first attempt at a one shot short film ‘Know by Heart’ . It is a love story, drama and is just over 9 minutes long. I was very fortunate to have an experienced cast and crew. The story came to me one day when I was sitting at a set of local traffic lights. I co/wrote it with one of my writers Russ Welsh. It is in post production as we speak.
Explain the key challenges on your last film
We had several challenges on my last film.
1. The pin broke on the arm of the MoVi broke when the crew were setting up. They had to film coming from outside to inside, up two lots of stairs as well as other rooms. The came up with a solution where by the cinematographer’s Kent Markus and Yoshuya Josh Shimasaki used a towel to secure the rig. No easy feat.
2. There was a great challenge for the male lead to go from a walking robe to an ensuite and then back to walking robe before settling in to do his lines all still in character. It was a huge ask but he did it.
3. Some of our budget came from crowd funding which is not easy as there are so many projects looking for funding.
4. We also had issues in post production. Lee Stripp who has been involved with Dralien and Dennis Mayhew’s Magic Mirror has been an integral part of the solution to get KBH ready by using his VFX skills. smile emoticon
Christopher Sommers is another great influence and help as I find my way in this industry. Lee Stripp has been a wealth of information, support and a good friend working with me on all my projects and I am really grateful to know him and work with him. I was also fortunate enough to work on a one shot film, The One Shot Project with Darwin Brooks, Wade Boyes, Susan Bush, Kym Melzner, Angel Christos and many other talented people. As a result I have made some really good friends to numerous to name but they know who ar
What thing/situation helps you during production
I have to be prepared. Make sure everyone is on the same page before even stepping on set.
Explain a creative choice you took on set on a recent production
There were several creative choices made for this last production the first being it was a one shot film. Using lamps for lighting and shooting from outside to inside.
How do you advise female directors to find projects
I think if they can write their own or look for a subject they know.
How can filmmakers finance projects
There are several ways to finance a film. Grants from Governmental bodies, crowd-funding platforms such as Indiegogo, Kickstarter, and possible are a few.
What do you want from an actor in production
The first thing I need from an actor is commitment. That they are easy to work with and are direct-able. That they know what they are doing or asked to do.
How do you prefer to work with a producer during a production
I like to have good communication with all departments when making a film but especially the Producer.
What do you think a female director can do to get into the film industry
I think anyone who wants to direct needs to make good short films and keep making good films working their way up to a feature. Times have really changed and you can make Indie films which I feel is the best way to get into the industry for a female director.
Who is your favorite director
This is hard question. I have a few directors I really like but there aren’t many female action/fantasy directors. My first film I ever fell in love with was ‘Gone With The Wind ‘directed by Victor Fleming. I was only a young girl when I first saw the film so it is only as an adult that I appreciate why I loved it so much. It was such an epic film and I think Victor Fleming captured the story and characters beautifully.
What advice would you give to directors around the world
Don’t ever give up on your passion. Just start with short films and build your way up to a feature. Learn as much as you can from your mistakes because you will make them. Learn at least the basics of lighting, sound and editing this will help you a lot. But most of all believe in yourself and back yourself.
Briefly write about your career
I am a late starter. I made my first short film ‘Finding Lilly’ in 2012 my second film was an action/fantasy 16 minutes film in post Production; this is the trailer ‘Dralien’.
My third film was comedy/fantasy ‘Dennis Mayhew’s Magic Mirror’ My fourth film is a one shot short film ‘Know By Heart’ in post Production. I have includes two photos of an up and coming young actor Cameron Caulfield. He is an amazing young man and talented actor. He will be seen on the big screen.
Christopher Sommers is another great influence and help as I find my way in this industry. I was also fortunate enough to work on a one shot film, The One Shot Project with Darwin Brooks, Wade Boyes, Susan Bush, Kym Melzner, Angel Christos and many other talented people. As a result I have made some really good friends.
I was also fortunate enough to work with very talented Steve Nation and Carolyn Dante on my last film. Each and every person I have worked with on my films being cast or crew have been a blessing in one way or another.
I also directed and produced Robert Harling’s ‘Steel Magnolias,’ Agatha Christie’s ‘Mousetrap’ Ken Ludwigs ‘Three Musketeers’ for community theatre.
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