5Q's w/Laura Leigh "Imagine" Director

#1: Can you describe your movie and why somebody should see it in less than 140 characters?

During the Covid-19 pandemic, a lonely girl finds an unlikely friend. This film was shot while in lock down isolation with only an iPhone and with help from the parents of the filmmaker.

#2: What do you want the Borrego Springs Film Festival audience to know about your film that isn’t obvious from its title?

I’d like them to know the little girl in the film is my adorable niece, Sadie – and that this is her first time on camera and I’m incredibly proud of her.

#3: What is your movie making background? Tell us about yourself.

This is the first real short film I’ve made in my life. When I was younger, my sisters and I would have some fun creating small videos for Christmas, and now being older and in a more corporate role, I’d really missed being creative. With the Covid-19 pandemic, I was inspired by my little niece to make something to document these trying times.

#4: What was the biggest lesson learned in getting your film made?

I think the biggest lessons were that ideas change over time from the initial conception to the actual finished film. Sometimes you can’t afford to be too precious with things, and you need to allow for flexibility - especially when you are shooting with low or no budget. Post-production takes a lot of time, so you need to take that into consideration.

#5: What does the future hold for your film and you?

We have another film festival in the UK after Borrego Springs, and then a handful of other submissions we are waiting to hear back from, so fingers crossed.

Making this short and the positive reactions from film festivals and people I respect has definitely inspired me to make more, so I’ve been writing down ideas and I’m looking forward to hopefully bringing those to life.