QUESTION#1: How do your top 3 favorite films influence your filmmaking?: 

My top 3 favorite films have influenced me in different ways. Any and all of Edgar Wright’s films, but especially Sean of the Dead, is my driving force for being an editor. His fast paced and efficient editorial style is something I admire and aspire to include in my works. Little Miss Sunshine has taught me to intertwine vulnerable moments with humor or sorrow. And last but not least, Rob Reiner’s witty brilliance of the Princess Bride has formed the way I direct - no matter how fantastical the story may be, it’s grounded in real emotion.

QUESTION#2: What do you wish someone would ask you about your film and why?: 

I've received a lot of questions about what my influence was for making Ladylike, but not not many about the filming process or what it was like to work with Deaf talent. I would also love to discuss how my interpreters, Diana and Kat Preza, played a huge role during both the writing and editorial process as consultants and translators.

QUESTION#3: What scared you the most about making this film?: 

As someone who seeks to create films that accurately represent marginalized individuals and tell their stories in a way that is heartfelt and honest, there’s always the fear that my story will not resonate in the way that I had intended. In the case of Ladylike, telling a story that was personal to me but in a language that I'm not fluent in and a culture that I am not a part of.

QUESTION#4: You have to choose one to make your next movie: 1) unlimited budget but only a single take of every shot 2) Academy award winning composer, but they're not allowed to watch the film 3) A-list cast, but they're directed using only charades. Which one do you pick and why?: 

If I had to choose between these three options, I would have to go with 'unlimited budget but only a single take of every shot.' My top priority would be ensuring that my cast and crew are fully taken care of for all of their hard work. While the thought of only having one chance to get the shot stresses me out, it would motivate me to rehearse with my actors and crew members even more, taking the time to guarantee that we make it on the day.

QUESTION#5: What's does the future hold for this film and you?: 

Ladylike and I will continue the festival circuit - come see us at SignLight International Film Fest and Seattle Deaf Film Fest this Spring!

Social media tags to share with our readers: 

@natalierring