Kicking off shots run of interviews with this years YDA Gold winners, director Katie Lambert at MrMr Films talks about their coming-of-age film I Hate Helen. Here, they tell us about their snapshot of teenage life, the highs and lows of filming with teenagers, and potentially bringing their film to the big screen.
How did you get into directing?
I’d been producing and exec producing for many years and I decided I wanted to write a feature. Then it seemed obvious that I should direct it… and the rest is history. The feature remains unmade of course because the process is excruciatingly long.
I Hate Helen – up to 10 mins Short Film GOLD
What was the inspiration behind I Hate Helen?
I’m interested in how lust can present itself in petty, malicious shapes, especially when you’re a teenager and it’s swimming for P.E. I also have an ex girlfriend called Helen but I never really connected the dots until the title was fixed. So sorry Helen, you’re okay really.
How long was the shoot and what was the most challenging aspect of the project?
We shot for four days and the worst day by far was the swimming day. Swimming pools are boiling hot, and this horrible, chlorine heat on the cold November days was incredibly sticky and sad.
Another tricky moment was the disco scene because we had about 30 teenage extras who really just thought they were at a real disco and they would not shut up. We were running out of time and it was incredibly hectic and those little bastards were just sipping cola and singing along to Sabrina Carpenter.
What have you learned during the process of making this film?
Working with teenagers can be difficult (see above) but ultimately I loved it. They are so funny in ways they don’t even realise. Watching our cast interact was solid gold.
That and the importance of script and story prep. This happened initially with my partner-in-crime Martha McGuirk, but then was also pushed on by DOP Konrad Losch. I am so grateful to them both.
How important was the casting for this film?
Casting is everything. Hannah Ashby Ward, Priyanka Patel (who the lead Priya is named after) and the Lane Casting legends did such an amazing job. Added to this, we had Sophie Cooch as an intimacy co-ordinator. I’d never worked with one before, and it was challenging at first as the film is essentially about being a little pervert.
As soon as I grew up a little and stopped seeing Cooch as ruining my fun, I realised she was an incredibly powerful ally. She was so helpful, so kind and a joy to be around.
What does it mean to you to win a YDA and what can we expect to see from you in future?
More scripts please. Will work for cash!
What are your hopes and plans for moving forward in the industry?
As above. Maybe the feature too.
Interview by Daniel Huntley shots
