By Kelly Strodl
We talked to Gayla Kraetsch Hartsough, Writer/Producer of the short film SLAP, which will be screening in the EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED shorts showcase tonight.
Somewhere in an American car garage, two regular guys take a break to discuss world events – and smack each other across the face as it quickly becomes apparent that they will never see eye to eye. A shocking and simultaneously hilarious romp through small talk that quickly turns ugly, SLAP will shock you into laughter, again and again.
Q: How did you hear about the Newport Beach Film Festival?
I met Ginny Laird, Senior Film Programmer for Newport Beach Film Festival (NBFF), when our short film SLAP premiered at the Palm Springs International Film Festival last June. She had seen SLAP, liked it, and suggested that we submit it to NBFF. I liked her enthusiasm and love of edgy, quirky, indie films. We were ecstatic when we learned that NBFF accepted SLAP. It screens Saturday, April 24, at 4:45 pm in the perfect program title – 'Expect the Unexpected' – at Edwards Islands 2.
SLAP came together very quickly. I’m a screenwriter who became a producer to make my scripts a reality. I had made an earlier film with Grant Barbeito and he had found a great garage to do a shoot in. He mentioned it would be funny to watch two men slapping. I then listened to the Presidential campaigns and the angry rhetoric around political issues, which formed the basis of SLAP. Our country has become so polarized about issues with a lack of tolerance or appreciation for differing viewpoints. From this kernel of an idea sprang SLAP. We were fortunate to have Calle Borresen, a top cinematographer of Norway, shoot SLAP on the Red Camera and capture the actors’ reactions and gritty setting. Q: Tell a little about yourself and your story in filmmaking.
I’ve written several award-winning, feature screenplays and knew so many talented screenwriters but discovered that few films actually get made. So, in 2008, I decided to make a short film, A PIG’S EAR, which went to about 15 film festivals. I was enjoyed meeting the other filmmakers and hearing the audiences’ reactions and feedback. I finished my 2nd short, SLAP, in June 2009, and it has now been to about 15 film festivals. Tribeca is including SLAP in its AMERICAN: NOW AND HERE traveling museum, which will tour 18 U.S. cities over an 18-month period. Finally, I’m about to release my 3rd short, HELOISE, and am pitching three of my feature scripts. Q: Your take on the performances of the lead actors, (set backs, triumphs, impressions, good surprises, etc.)
As the title implies, SLAP has a bit of slapping in it – 147 slaps to be exact. SLAP stars Clancy Brown and Mel Rodriguez – both superb actors and behemoth men. My major concern was that no one was hurt. Throughout the day’s shoot, Clancy and Mel were artful in projecting their slaps without making contact. In the final take, however, Clancy actually slapped Mel! Mel’s eyes rolled, similar to Tweety Bird in a Looney Tune cartoon. It was all in good humor and no one was hurt. If you watch SLAP, I’d like to know if you can tell which SLAP was real. Christo Brock did a steller editing job so you’ll find it quite challenging to sort out the real from pretend slaps. Q: What do you do when not making a smash indie film?
By day, I’m an entrepreneur, president of KH Consulting Group, a management consulting firm that has served 200 clients in 25 states and in 6 foreign countries. I know… management consulting is a major departure from what most filmmakers do. I also have a hubby and a son and travel whenever I can get the chance.
SLAP screens as part of the EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED shorts showcase @ 4:45 PM today, Saturday, April 24 in the Edwards Island 2.
Click here to purchase tickets for shorts showcase:
http://newportbeachfilmfest.tix.com/Event.asp?Event=256812
Watch the trailers for SLAP here:
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