Please tell us about the projects you worked on before making ‘Paula Says Hi’. How did you start, and how did you learn to make films?
Paula Says Hi is my directorial debut but prior to that I have taken on a brief writing role for the British soap opera Hollyoaks. I’ve been making short projects for fun my whole life making my first animation at age 8, I graduated from the Northern Film School (UK) in 2020 but I feel like as creatives we’re always learning and evolving our process. Since graduating I have pushed to make my own films with a small, dedicated team.
Tell us about ‘Paula Says Hi’. How do you describe it?
I’d hope that people find the film inspiring. The film is a documentary following a disabled crossdresser with its story told through interviews and archive footage showcasing Paul/Paula’s handmade costumes. It was made with the intent of being a story about absolute acceptance of queer and disabled people, but the film is releasing in a time where the world is becoming divided regarding issues within both communities. Paula is an unapologetic part time woman and this film is explicitly pro trans rights. I’d hope that after seeing the film people can feel a sense of optimism for the future as Paul/Paula feels despite their many adversities in life.
Please tell us about your favorite filmmakers.
I’ve recently been really enjoying the films of Quentin Dupieux, I love his hilarious absurdist style and he’s very hands on with every part of the creative process. Taika Waititi is another filmmaker I really admire, his scripts are always the perfect balance of comedy and heart without one overshadowing the other. Finally, I’d say Paul King is a huge inspiration for me. His films are endlessly creative and really warm my soul, I’d urge anyone to watch Paddington 2.
If you were given a good budget, what would be your ideal project?
I’ve been writing projects with a range of budgets for years now, everything from period features to absurd super shorts. Paula Says Hi was made for just £1000 (200,000 ¥) so I’d love to do something ambitious given the resources. I’d love to make something absurd, funny and most importantly full of heart. Campy films have always captured my imagination so I´d love to make something fun.
Describe how you would ensure that production is on schedule. What steps would you take?
Thorough pre-production and a talented 1st AD are always the key to a production running on time. I’m very lucky to have worked with talented 1st ADs and producers before and they really are the glue holding most sets together. Like with anything, planning and the ability to improvise where required are absolutely necessary to the filmmaking process.
What was the hardest part of making ‘Paula Says Hi’.
Aside from the low budget, there was a lot of research involved in this project. I have been following Paul/Paula on social media for years now and through the editing process of this film I watched every single one of the 1000+ videos on Paula’s YouTube channel. It was a joy going through it all and seeing their journey to becoming Paula but it was very time consuming.
If possible, tell us about your next work. What plans do you have for your future work?
I just finished making a short horror/comedy called The Phantom of Reykjavík that’s starting its festival run and am currently pushing towards my next short film. My next film will be a scripted comedy set and shot in Iceland which I’m hoping will feel like a cross between What We Do in the Shadows and Kick Ass. I´d love to keep making short films that focus on issues close to my heart and I feel very privileged to have support in creating these films.
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