Sundance 2007 Special

Shorts Program

Interview with Director Lilah Vandenburgh

by: Luis Pedron of Fanclubx.com

Luis:

Director Lilah Vandenburgh

Well at one level the film is just a very UnPC physical comedy with a lot of
profanity. Obviously, there is some kind of statement behind calling the
film BITCH. The word has a lot of negative connotations for women. But I
thought it would be funny to have a character that was called a Bitch so
much, it effectively became her name. And that's in fact the only thing
she's called in the film.

There definitely is a message about being yourself and not compromising or
changing your image to please or attract others. And definitely stuff about
self-esteem and how destructive TV and modern images of beauty can be. But
that all sounds very heavy-handed and when you see the film, it's not like
that at all, it feels way more like a raucous silly comedy.

Luis: What is the theme and genre of your film? Any background about the story
of your film? How relevant is your story to the situations we have
today?

LV: The film is a black comedy with a lot of music influences. It's about a girl
that works in a record store and beats up poseurs in her spare time. In a
weird way, it's very relatable to today. I think everyone knows people that
are like "Oh I heard of that band first. I so over them already" and BITCH
knocks all those people down a peg.

Luis: Who do you think is the target audience for your film and why?

LV: Well, I think it's young people. Teens, 20's, 30's. But also, cool older
people. Countercultural types who can remember what it's like to be young
and be a total jerk about the bands that they follow and are into. But also
just anyone that likes to laugh. It's not a good movie for people who don't
like violence and profanity. I wouldn't take little kids to it. Although I
think a certain kind of 12 year old would find it really hysterical.


Luis: Where did you shoot your film? How was your shoot like in that location,
were you embraced by the community?

LV: We shot in Venice, Santa Monica, Culver City and Century City, CA. It was
tough shooting because we had a big crew and a lot of locations, so there
was a lot of company moves. The guys that work the boardwalk in Venice were
really cool in letting us shoot on it. It's hard to get the individual
vendors permission but they lets us set up this crazy Dolly shot that went
for like 2 blocks down Venice boardwalk and hung out and were very patient
with us.

Luis: Any funny anecdotes on set?

LV: Our Assistant Director was always trying to scare people into hurrying up,
but no one was afraid of him because he was such a handsome, glam metal guy
with long, curly blond hair. He was always saying "This happens NOW people!"
By the end of the shoot we were quoting him all the time. The 2nd AD would
even secretly write "This Happens NOW!" on the clap stick under the shot
info. So while I was editing the film, I kept coming across the catchphrase
again and again.


Luis: What are the different selling points of your film ?

LV: It's a comedy. It has a great original soundtrack and an interesting,
diverse cast that doesn't look typically "Hollywood." It's also been
translated, very funnily and faithfully into four languages, French,
Spanish, German and Japanese. I'm very excited about the translations
because I can't wait for it to play in other countries and have people not
only get the physical humor but all of the funny dialog as well.

Luis: Re: the upcoming Oscars:
Which among the films this year are your favorite Oscar contenders? How
about Oscar performances? Oscar Best Pic?

LV: I think “Children of Men” was a great film. I would love to see Alfonso Cuaron
win best director. I also thought the “Departed” was really well directed and
it was my favorite Scorcese film in quite a while.

Luis: For me, Sundance means Stamp of Approval and guaranteed Distribution to
the filmmaker.....What does Sundance Film Festival mean to you and why?

LV: To me, Sundance is a chance to connect with other first time filmmakers who
are coming up. It's an investment in our collective futures. I'm trying to
not put too many career expectations on my first festival.

Luis: What words of wisdom do you have for filmmakers who would like to be in
Sundance Film Festival in the future? ( Also, suggestions in how to get
your story out there in the market, get it done as a feature film and
hopefully star in it too? Any advice about pursuing film festivals? )

LV: My best advice about pursuing film festivals is, know yourself and be honest
about what kind of film you have and who it would appeal to. Every festival
has different taste, so you have to know whether your film fits their taste
or not (regardless of whether it's good). Apply to everything you want to,
but don't be surprised if you don't get into a particular festival if your
film's not right for them. Apply to your first choice first, be careful
about premieres and apply to a lot (I know it's expensive but safety in
numbers).

I don't have a lot of advice about making features, because I've never made
a feature. But I wish luck to anyone who tries. Film is very difficult and
you have to find the right people that will nurture you and care about what
you're interested in as well.

Luis: Which filmmakers influenced your style of filmmaking? Any favorite
actor/actress? Favorite film of all time?

LV: I'm honestly more influenced by animation than any one live action director.
I also take a lot of inspiration from music. I love so many films, I don't
think I could pick a favorite of all time. I like a lot of 80's children's
films, comedy and fantasy.

Luis: What camera did you use, editing software?
Film or Video? If budget is unlimited would you use film or video? What
will be your ideal project?

LV: We shot on 35mm Black and White film stock. I edited on Final Cut Pro, my
preferred editing software, since I'm also an editor and have taught many
FCP classes.

I'd love to always work in 35mm or HD or whatever new Hi-Def technologies
come out. Maybe someday in 70mm, but that's unlikely. My ideal projects are
big budget sci-fi and fantasy, it's right up my alley.

Luis: Wow, I like the 70 mm idea, sci-fi fantasy… may I work with you on that!

LV: All the best with your article. Thank you again Luis.

Luis: Thank you so much and congratulations! See you at Sundance!

BITCH U.S.A., 2006, 15 Minutes, b/w Director: Lilah Vandenburgh Screenwriter: Lilah Vandenburgh
Love at first sneer.— Screenwriter : Lilah Vandenburgh Cast : Keira Leverton,Jaun Garcia, Katlin Rivers, Zia Harris, Kathy Bell-Denton
Screening Times Friday , Jan 19 7:30 PM Broadway Centre Cinemas VI, SLC SHTHR19BE Friday , Jan 19 8:30 AM Prospector Square Theatre SHTHR19PM Saturday , Jan 20 12:15 PM Holiday Village Cinema III SHTHR203D Monday , Jan 22 8:30 PM Prospector Square Theatre SHTHR22PN Saturday , Jan 27 5:30 PM Library Center Theatre SHTHR27LE
Screens With: Shorts Program III programme
Director(s) Bios
Lilah Vandenburgh Lilah Vandenburgh grew up in Long Beach, California and attended high school in Dallas. She was a vocalist in several bands, and a founder and artistic director of Mr. Toad's Theatre Circle. In addition to directing, Vandenburgh works as a film editor. BITCH is her thesis film from Columbia University's MFA program.

BITCH Poster

BITCH Movie stills