Maureen Payne-Hahner, Annemette Andersen and Liv Hahner
A primary difference between working with actors for film is that there is far less rehearsal time. I think for the medium of film this is a good thing because it requires astute casting. Most directors can sense whether an actor will respond quickly to their character based on something as simple as a read-through of the script. You have to trust your instincts. However, directing actors for many years for the stage has taught me more than I could ever glean from a classroom. Each actor is different and of all things I have learned, each has their own process. You have to get out of their way, and allow them the freedom to invest in their journey, but remain very self-assured to guide when needed with a steady hand, supporting them in every way.
Yes, indeed, switching to filmmaking came along with co-developing and editing scripts for the screen. I am very hands on as an editor when working with writers and their scripts. I love the process because through it, it strengthens the writer-director relationship. Sometimes I will suggest an edit, and the writer will respond: “This is in there because of x,y,z” and in turn, beautifully clarifying the story point and thus, I can simply respond: “Then put that in the script.” I am very efficient in cutting away the extraneous and getting down to the marrow of a story; however, writers are both hard working and very passionate. Collaborations of this nature take time, but it is certainly worth it. You learn to become an even better listener, encouraging the director to remain creatively fluid.
Overall it was a good experience, but it can always be tricky given the subject matter. Every person’s experience with their own mental health is unique, so it was important not to bring too much ‘drama’ to the scene. It is meant to represent as much as it possibly can, which it never can to an absolute extent, but we wanted to generate an understanding with the audience on how the issue is significant, to both the story and to the circumstances the girl with the dog was in.