Sundance Film Festival 2019
Interview
World Premiere
A young woman breaks free from an overbearing friendship after learning to recognize and assert her own talents and desires.
Hi Andreina & Christopher, thanks for talking to The New Current, you all set for Sundance Film Festival 2019?
Andreina Bryne (Actor/Producer): All set for Sundance, yes! Warm clothes all packed and ready.
As this is your World Premiere does this add any additional pressure on you?
Andreina: I don't feel additional pressure, but I do feel additional excitement about it! I am thrilled we get to premiere our work at Sundance.
How did you get on board with this project?
Andreina: I've worked with Christopher for years now, and when he told me he wrote a new short, I was first off, so excited for him! So when he asked if I wanted to produce it, I thought the script had just the right amount of wackiness for me to become quite eager right off the bat about it.
Had you always intended to produce and star in this short?
Andreina: Initially, Christopher asked me to produce; I have acted in quite a few of our projects together so when he approached me about actually starring in Crude Oil, I was delighted! I really appreciated that he wanted me to bring the main character, Jenny, to life. It really was such an enjoyable experience having multiple roles - I prefer things that way!
Tell me a little bit about Crude Oil, how did the film come about?
Andreina: Christopher said he had an idea for a short and very quickly after, he had a script written! Once he showed me, we agreed it was time to get things rolling.
"When I was first starting out I didn’t really know any other filmmakers and so I more just took advice from interviews with people I admired."
What was it about writer/director Christopher Good's screenplay that attracted you?
Andreina: I love the way Christopher can come up with visuals that feels insanely fast-paced while at the same time, telling the story to a point that makes sense. The second or third time I read the script, it began to dawn on me just how much we would have to put into this short - personally, I felt like I was daring/challenging myself to see if we could make it work. And we did!
What was the biggest challenge you faced bringing your character to life?
Andreina: Having dual roles was certainly challenging at times - my brain would be focused on getting the crew fed or making it to our next location somewhat on schedule, etc., while my heart was engrossed in channelling the feeling of absolute hopelessness in a friendship. It was difficult at times, but I like adventures.
Have you always had a passion for filmmaking?
Christopher Good (Writer/Director): Originally I wanted to be a cartoonist, like when I was a kid. I wanted to write and draw comic books. Then in probably late high school, I started to become interested in film.
How much has your approach to your films changed since you started out?
Christopher: I’m sure my approach to story and character has changed to some degree but it’s probably subtle. The thing that’s more obviously changed is the way I make films from a technical standpoint. The first short film I made, I did everything- I didn’t even have a producer back then. I don’t even really understand how I did it. Now I’ve got a crew, though it’s still a tight-knit group. But I’m very thankful for it.
How important has the collaborative process been for you?
Christopher: I mean for filmmaking it’s crucial and inherent. Obviously, it’s fun to watch actors interpret what you’ve written.
What has been the best advice you have been given when you started out?
Christopher: When I was first starting out I didn’t really know any other filmmakers and so I more just took advice from interviews with people I admired. One director I think about a lot to this day is Francis Ford Coppola. There was this article in like Esquire or GQ or something that was just him imparting wisdom he’s accrued. “Don’t ask what the audience wants, ask what the future wants”, “When you find yourself in a crisis, do a 180-degree turn”, things like that. He’s so great and I think about his advice frequently!
Now you can be reflective, what is the best advice you can give an up and coming filmmaker?
Christopher: I would say just to make things and put them out into the world, but take your time and make sure you’re happy with what you’re releasing. Be patient and stick to your creative guns- just do what you believe in and don’t chase trends.
And finally, what do you hope people will take away from your film?
Christopher: I guess I don’t really think in those terms! There isn’t anything, in particular, I’m hoping people take away from it. I probably don’t even think about the audience very much when I’m making something, for better or worse.