Film: Chinatown Girls

Director: Conrad Pollock

Writers: Conrad Pollock

Actors: Grace Ward and Ciara Mcllvenna

Synopsis: In a holiday photo collage, two girls (one more excited than the other) spend a day together in
London’s Chinatown. Exploring the bustling neighbourhood creates an unexpected change in their relationship.

In a new exclusive interview leading up to the Southend Film Festival I got a chance to ask Writer-Director Conrad Pollock a few questions about the short film Chinatown Girls.

Chinatown Girls will play at the Southend Film Festival on Saturday 8th June at 13:30.

Q. Your film ‘Chinatown Girls’ has been selected to play at the Southend Film Festival. Can you tell us what we can expect from the film?

A. Chinatown Girls is a coming-of-age microfilm that explores a burgeoning friendship between two young women in the bustling heart of London’s Chinatown. It’s a short, punchy story that wears its heart on its sleeve and hopefully puts a smile on people’s faces.

Q. How did the idea for the film come about and what were your inspirations when writing the script?

A. We didn’t really have a script. I had some basic ideas of what I wanted the overall story to be, but there were also other paths it could have taken (including the two girls arguing and falling out entirely in the end). It was born from a challenge set by a friend of mine to make a silent film that was 30 seconds long and demonstrated a significant character change. I think I just about managed this, at least I hope so.

Q. What were some of the influences for the look and style of the film?

A. I wanted to make a film that resembled a holiday photo montage, in as much as it told the story of two people connecting with one another through still images. We gave it a slightly grainy look, and inserted the sound of changing slides, to help achieve this effect.

Q. Where there any elements of the original script which were adapted during filming?

A. We settled on the final ending whilst we were there, realising it would be more satisfying for one character to influence another and lead them to change, as opposed to things staying the same.

Q. What were some of your favourite moments whilst making the Film?

A. The spontaneity of the actors as well as the crew to throw themselves into any situation that arose. A lot of the time they were asked to stay in character whilst interacting with the public, which they were more than happy to do. I’m very grateful they were up for doing this, and to my DOP Arjun as well for capturing these spontaneous moments, and in focus too.

Q. Did you experience any issues whilst making the film?

A. Nothing major, although there were a few moments where we were praying for cloud when the sun decided to be extra bright and blow out our images.

Q. What do you hope people will take away from the film

A. A warm feeling, and a craving for a Chinese takeaway.

Q. Do you have any other projects which you are working on?

A. A few things, mainly as a screenwriter, that are in the process of being made. These ones have dialogue and actual movement, I promise.

Q. If someone is looking to direct their first film, what advice would you give them?

A. Find a cast and crew that you’ve worked with in other capacities before, that you know are reliable, and whose ideas you trust. It also helps if you can have a laugh with them between takes, and to make a film near loads of great restaurants which you can promise to take everyone to if they do just one more shot.

You can find out more about the Southend Film Festival on the website

Philip Rogers

Published in various websites, Philip is a reviewer who is best known for his interviews and media coverage of independent projects including; films, books, theatre and live events. Always on the lookout for something different to cover!