Director Colleen Davie Janes chatted about her new film “Wait With Me,” which premiered on Passionflix, where Tosca Musk serves as CEO and co-founder.
Directing the film
On directing the movie “Wait With Me,” she said, “It was a thrill. The prep went very smoothly, almost seamlessly, which gave me pause to be honest. As a veteran filmmaker, I know that making films is about being in flow around things ‘going wrong’.”
“Murphy’s Law is always lurking around the corner,” she said. “So, when casting was a breeze — our first choices were available and interested in all positions — and the crew who were coming on board in a busy market were phenomenal, I was a little nervous at how well it was going.”
“I had Richard Crudo, ASC as my cinematographer, Kyle Falcon as my editor… Parker Beck as Production Designer, Elizabeth Kline-Bibal leading Wardrobe, Emilio Gonzalez as AD, Emir Isilay writing the music, from top to bottom I was well supported by the best,” she said.
“Of course, Murphy showed up the first week with a few illnesses and casting changes, but everyone was in the right ‘can do’ mindset, so we regrouped quickly and flew through the next weeks of filming,” she said.
“As the director, I set the tone of the set,” she said. “This cast and crew grew very close, and I take pride in always keeping an upbeat and professional set wherever I go that allows those kinds of connections to happen. It only supports the film. We came in on time and on budget with a great film to show for it. I really couldn’t be happier.’
Working with Andrew Biernat and Madison Lawlor
On working with lead actors Andrew Biernat and Madison Lawlor, she said, “It was a joy. A true pleasure. Andrew comes from a modeling background, but he was so dedicated to being the best Miles he could be it shows in every frame.”
“Madison is a very natural and layered actor with a strong background, so I had the right talent for this project. They were phenomenal. Once we settled into my vision of the tone and tempo it went swimmingly,” she said.
“Every film has its own energy, nuance, pace, style – so many elements come into play as a director, and it’s up to the actors and me to be in lockstep to make that come to life. Once we were all on the ‘romantic comedy’ train, things settled in very well,” she acknowledged.
Passionflix family
“Being a returning director to the Passionflix family was an honor,” she said. “The Passionistas are true fans of the romance genre – the books, the films, the authors. Together with Passionflix they are a movement.It makes me so happy to create a film that honors the original work. Every image that flickers on that screen was done in honor of them.
The digital age
“I love being a writer,” she said about the digital age. “This script was primarily written by David A. Gregory. He did an amazing job on the adaptation. I was afforded the opportunity to bring it closer to my directing voice with some rewrites, but I think together we truly celebrated the book.”
She continued, “I am currently writing a dark comedy feature film, and I’m on the long journey to create a high-concept TV series. It’s no small task, let me tell you. But the truth is, with writing, you are always in control.”
“You are always free to create if you just sit down and do it. You’re not waiting for a job, waiting for a call, waiting for someone else. You are the boss. Whatever you create is from your heart. I love it. It feels like freedom,” she added.
Future plans
On her future plans, she shared, To continue being an example of love and grace in a world and business that doesn’t always exemplify these traits. Work-wise, I’m on hold to direct another feature beginning next month (more soon). I still audition for TV/film and I write in between directing gigs.”
She continued, “Fun enough, I just co-starred on CBS last month on ‘FBI: Most Wanted’ in the cold open. I’m also actively working to move into episodic television directing. I adore directing features and I will always do it. It’s my first love. There is something about the longer story arcs, the character development, the already existing smooth-running machine of episodics that draws me as well. I plan on having both in my life, as well as my writing and acting.”
Success
On her definition of the word success, she said, “Success, to me, is living a life of authenticity, of freedom and compassion. It’s doing what you love because it brings you joy, not because of what it can get you externally.”
“You’re successful when your heart is at peace. You’re successful when you are confident, empowered and kind. You’re successful when that little voice in your heart says ‘good job’ and you feel it in your soul. I’m a big fan of Dr. Joe Dispenza and recommend checking him out,” she said.
Closing thoughts on ‘Wait With Me’
She remarked about the movie, “For this film, I want people to get the experience you have when reading the book: specifically, toe-curling sexual tension between our leads, feeling that build, going on the emotional roller coaster that a great romance can take you on, enjoy the witty banter.”
“Amy Daws wrote a fantastic book, and it was important to me to honor that,” she said. “Also, to honor the spice. It’s a fine line in a romantic comedy to have the bedroom scene – how much to show, how little, how sexy to get? But Amy’s book is sexy.”
“So really, I just want the audience to feel all the feels that the book gave us – the charm, the funny, the sexy. From the emotional angst to the comedic relief. I want them to walk away with a smile, having forgotten their lives for a short while,” she concluded.
To learn more about director, screenwriter, and filmmaker Colleen Davie Janes, follow her on Instagram.
Review: Andrew Biernat and Madison Lawlor deliver in ‘Wait With Me’ film
