5Q's w/Colin Jennings "Li'l Chit Chat" Director
#1: Can you describe your movie and why somebody should see it in less than 140 characters?
When Fletch and his dog Li’l Dude venture into the world, a little chit chat is needed to make it through the day. Sometimes the voice of reason is sitting right in your lap.
#2: What do you want the Borrego Springs Film Festival audience to know about your film that isn’t obvious from its title?
It’s not just an ode to the love of dogs. It’s a romantic comedy, but not in the typical sense of ‘boy meets girl” and love ensues. It’s about discovering yourself and being open to who you truly are, eventually allowing yourself to find the love of your life. Sometimes we need our four legged friends to give us a little nudge in the right direction. Oh, and those are our real rescue dogs. They’re seniors now, and hilarious actors.
#3: What is your movie making background? Tell us about yourself.
Most of my history is in front of the camera or on stage as an actor. I grew up in the theatre from the age of seven, and when my best friends weren't rehearsing a play, we’d pick up the camcorder and make movies. Throughout high school and into college we gained more and more skills behind the camera, editing, and creating stories. I eventually focused on the acting side but continued creating stories with my friends. My partner Kristen, also in the film industry, jumped aboard as Executive Producer. My childhood buddy, James, has made a career in editing and cinematography, so I pulled him along to focus on those elements. I focused on the writing, directing, and producing.
#4: What was the biggest lesson learned in getting your film made?
We made sure to surround ourselves with good people who love storytelling and wanted to have fun but could also take their job seriously. This was extremely important to us. When everyone can have a good time on set, they remember why they got into this business in the first place. With this mission we discovered that the process of making the film became so much easier and much more creative. I’ve been on sets filled with anger, frustration, and exhaustion. My Executive Producer, Kristen, and I made the decision to create a positive environment no matter what, making it easy to adjust to new obstacles when they appeared.
#5: What does the future hold for your film and you?
After we completed the short of Li’l Chit Chat, we were inspired to use it as a concept piece for a feature film, now a script of the same title. A lot changed in the process, but it was a wonderful jumping off point to tell a larger story. We wanted to create something that would make people laugh, relate to how dogs, especially, can bring us together, and have a little escape from a sometimes darker reality. We’re currently in pitching mode for the feature. As part of the marketing for this film we are focusing on animal rescue organizations and the stories of rescued dogs.
The feature is a romantic comedy set in a realistic world with a hint of whimsy. The story is guided by way of a fantastical voice following our two heroes. Fletch, an introvert who works at a craft brewery, goes through his day hidden from the world. He only shows his true self by way of his dog. Olivia is a fiercely loyal, sarcastic, and stoic business woman who also navigates her day by way of her dog. There’s never a dull moment with their eclectic family and friends, but something’s still holding them back. Through the hilarity of their pups, they discover a perfect match.
You can find out more about the feature and our love of dogs on our instagram account @lilchitchatmovie.
