Film: Do unto Yourself
Director: Kat Rollinson
Writers: Kat Rollinson
Actors: Sara Willats, Megan-Rose Barter, Moke Benley, Ryan Lee, Leonardo Bartolotta
Synopsis: An ageing woman with an acute case of imposter syndrome slaughters her worst critic in order to pursue a promotion.
In a new exclusive interview on Blazing Minds ahead of the Southend Film Festival, I got a chance to ask Writer-Director Kat Rollinson a few questions about her film ‘Do Unto Yourself‘.
Do Unto Yourself will be playing at the Southend Film Festival on 7th June at 6.30pm as part of the Mostly Made in Southend Part One.
Please note that this interview contains multiple spoilers
Q. Your film ‘Do unto Yourself’ has been selected to play at the Southend Film Festival. Can you tell us what we can expect from the film?
A. Do Unto Yourself is a thought-provoking drama about the shackles of self-doubt. Protagonist Ann’s “inner” critic is so acute that Ann has materialised her into an external being, the youthful and lithe Netty, who never fails to point out Ann’s perceived failings. When Ann gets the opportunity for promotion, she has to deal with Netty, once and for all.
Q. How did the idea for the film come about and What were your inspirations when writing the script?
A. I was inspired to write the story because I took a long, hard look at my own critical voice. She’s such a cow! She talks to me like I would never dream of talking to anyone else, and judges me by unattainably high standards. It struck me that if I were to vocalise those comments, people would think I was a real bully – and hence, Netty was born. Netty takes on the appearance of Ann’s younger self because, as we age, we often compare ourselves – unrealistically and unfairly – to how we looked decades ago.
Q. What were some of the influences for the look and style of the film?
A. I was inspired by a short film called Leopard for the “murder” scene, where what Ann sees (herself killing Netty) and what is actually happening (Ann hitting the ground with a log) are two different things and jumbling those images shows the confusing transition from Ann’s initial delusion to her eventual rebirth
Q. Where there any elements of the original script which were adapted during filming?
A. In the pivotal scene, where Ann finally confronts Netty, there was initially no dialogue as the “murder” is committed. When it came to filming, I advised the actor to say whatever came to her in the moment, resulting in a brilliantly palpable, vitriolic outburst.
Q. What were some of your favourite moments whilst making the Film?
A. This is my directorial debut, and I loved being on set, bringing my vision to life and working with some truly talented creatives. The standout moments were seeing the very first shot on the monitor and thinking “Yes, this is exactly how I’d pictured it!” (oh, if I could bottle that feeling!). I loved saying “It’s a wrap” – however that was also a bittersweet moment, as it meant that the excitement of the shoot was all over. It was also music to my ears, as a writer, for people to comment on how relatable the concept is, and that they had been inspired by it. Finally, I felt genuinely honoured and excited to be selected by the Southend Film Festival. I remember last year, just a few weeks before my shoot, being sat in the audience of a Made In Southend screening, and daydreaming that “Perhaps next year, this could be me”, and I set my sights on achieving it. Of course, the festival season comes with it’s fair share of highs and lows, and I really managed my expectations, so when I was selected, I was so proud to be included alongside fellow talented local filmmakers and to find a local audience for my creation.
Q. Did you experience any issues whilst making the film?
A. We had a bit of a nightmare sourcing our outdoor location – I had planned to shoot in some local woods, but the cost was well out of budget. Luckily, I stumbled across the Essex Film Office and they were super helpful in finding somewhere, which brought the production back on track.
Q. What do you hope people will take away from the film?
A. I want people to hate Netty and wonder why Ann would tolerate her, then to realise that she is Ann’s own critical voice, then to perhaps take a look at their own inner voice, and maybe go a little easier on themselves.
Most of the people that I have spoken to about this film, and who have been involved along the way, have said how relatable it is. Even if they don’t have this toxic inner voice, they generally know someone who does. Let’s all kill our Nettys!
Q. Do you have any other projects which you are working on?
A. I wrote and am directing a micro-short informational drama about sepsis, with the aim of raising awareness. It’s the first time I’ve written and directed for someone else’s production, and on a super-quick turnaround, which is both exciting and nerve-wracking, as I am bringing another person’s “baby” into the world! I’m also refining a dramedy script about a midlife woman who is so weighed down by all of life’s little stresses and all the hats that she has to wear, that she eventually comes out fighting. (Think “Motherland” meets “Falling Down”.)
Q. If someone is looking to write and direct their first film, what advice would you give them?
A. You will never be fully “ready”. Acquire some basic skills, knowledge and experience, and try to get onto a film set before you make your own film – for example by shadowing someone, or volunteering to help. Then surround yourself with people who know way more than you do, and go for it!
You can find out more about Do unto Yourself and writer-director Kat Rollinson on the following:
Do Unto Yourself – Youtube – Kat Rollinson IMDB – Kat Rollinson Insta – Kat Rollinson LinkedIn – What A Line website
You can find out more about the festival and purchase tickets for ‘Do unto Yourself’ here:
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!
