Who chews pizza loudly? Small inconspicuous moments maybe leading to major life changes - one never knows. The short film is directed by Lauren Klocker. The producer of the film is Tahnee Nordegg who is also the lead actress of the project. It is our pleasure to interview her today. Tahnee was born in Vienna, Austria. She studied Screenwriting and Producing at Regent’s University London and Acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles. Her passion for screenwriting and filmmaking was rekindled during the pandemic; her work is always inspired by real life events.
How did you start making films and what was the first film project you worked on?
I started making films, as I wanted to put a visual spin on poems I wrote. My thought-process is very visual, and I wanted to explore that part of me. The first project I worked on as a filmmaker was in 2013. It was an ode to my career as a dancer, a goodbye so to say. It was critically acclaimed when I sent it into the film festival circuit, but I wanted to explore another side of my artistry first before emerging myself into the world of filmmaking. Being involved in making films seemed incredibly daunting to me but I am now ready.
What genre of filmmaking are you looking to work on and why?
Truth be told I am still trying to find out who I am as a filmmaker and storyteller, so I am not set on a genre quite yet. This short is a rom-com. The next short film I am working on is a thriller. First and foremost, I just want to stay true to the story I am telling.
What is the most challenging aspect of being an independent filmmaker?
In all honesty it is being able to fund a film. I wish I had a more poetic answer but that’s the way it is for me.
How challenging is it to fund indie films?
It is one of the most challenging parts, but I think it varies from project to project and where you are at in your career. I’m still new to the game so I don’t have much leverage yet.
Please name three of your most favorite directors. How have they been influential in your work?
David Lowery’s film A Ghost Story has been very influential. I remember sitting in the cinema during a matinee showing absolutely besotted by the cinematography and the way this story was told and unfolded.
I’d be at a miss not to mention Stefan Ruzowitzky who is an Austrian Director that I greatly admire. The stories he tells are not only intriguing but are also critically acclaimed, as an Austrian I truly admire that.
Wes Anderson is my favorite director. I love how detailed, stylized and playful his work is and yet there is always an immeasurable amount of depth to the story and the characters. I am clearly influenced by directors that have a very clear visual style.
What is your next film project and what are you currently working on?
I am currently working on a psychological thriller, which is based on Freud’s and Jung’ view of the mind.
What was the inspiration behind your latest film project?
I wanted to see how much of a story I could capture in a short time. My latest project is a micro short, I wanted to see what I could do in a short time, how much I could make people feel for and identify with my character. I also wanted to explore how the most mundane moments tend to lead to the biggest realizations, if not even life changing events.
How did you find the cast and the crew of the film?
Through word of mouth and social media.
What is the distribution plan of the film and did the film receive any screenings or was it featured in festivals?
The film is well received and has been selected and nominated at a few festivals, which is thrilling. Since it’s a micro short it will be streamed via vimeo but I have more specific distribution plans for my next project.
Why do you make films and what kind of impact would your work have on the world?
I don’t like the idea that my work must have an impact on the world. I am happy if one person is moved by it or walks out of the screening inspired. I am a firm believer that the little moments often shape us the most. I hope to make films that make people feel something. When I was younger, I spent a fair amount of time in hospital. Movies, shows, are what not only distracted me from reality but at times enabled me to feel emotionally vulnerable. It sounds corny but film changed and shaped my life more times than I can count.
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