08 Oct Guest Blog | India Dupre
KSF Artists of Choice, is open to artists across the disciplines of dance, theatre, musical theatre, music and film. Over the next few weeks, we will post guest blogs from some of our 2015 grant winners about how the grant has impacted their work. Applications will be open in early 2016.
Name | India Dupre
Project | Stripped
Year Awarded KSF Grant | 2015
I was awarded the grant for my 7-minute short film Stripped. A true story about my childhood set in Australia in 1979 when we were on the run, making a home in a small tent, and using our wits to stay together.
I recently put out a request on a Facebook group in Australia for school uniforms (for costumes) and I’ve had an incredible response including a man sending photos of our family at a rock festival from 1979 and a photo of us actually on the campground where we lived in our tent! These photos are incredibly helpful for clothing, set and mood.
Pre-production has been exciting and unusual – how do you wash and dry a 1970s vintage tent? By shoving it in the washing machine twice then hanging it by its stringed corners from branches all over my backyard. (Hope my neighbours don’t mind the orange and blue nylon hanging everywhere.)
With all the props coming in (from eBay and Australia), there is only one way to check how to assemble them and that they are in working order - planning a camping trip 1970’s style. I’ll get my husband (although my Mum would love to come) and we’ll take these original items, set up camp somewhere, and try it out. Cassette players for music, gas stove, fondue cooker, flashlights (not the candles we once used that burned our tent down!) trash bags filled with clothes as pillows, blankets, fresh food (coolers were what the fancy people had) and our imagination.
We recently had a casting session for the three children and my goodness; I was overwhelmed by the amount of talent. So incredible to see my script come to life through brilliant, creative young actors. My casting director was able to bring in children I’ve been working with for years in plays. My husband filmed it and my great British friend (and dialect coach) checked on accents - we were all floored by their performances. Now to make a decision…
I have been turning in SAG/AFTRA Short Film agreements and confirming dates with my crew and fantastic lead actress, Katheryn Winnick, who is currently shooting Vikings in Ireland.
The KSF award has enabled me to put my project in motion with a budget that will cover the majority of the shoot. Their funding has made it possible for me to direct my short film as a proof of concept for my full-length feature.
I am recommending every artist I know to apply next year. It is an incredible foundation set to inspire and help you actually achieve your artistic goal on your project, regardless of age, sex, or race.
My advice to any emerging artists is don’t give up on your vision. Once you put something in motion, the universe seems to help and sends you what you need. But you have to take the first step. KSF gave me the confidence to take that step and tell my story myself. This was empowering and I am very thankful for their belief in me.
Follow the production on Instagram/ Twitter and Facebook with #shortfilmstripped @shortfilmstripped.
You can read more about Stripped here.