Filmmaker Traci Hays chatted about directing “My Bloody Galentine” on Tubi, and being a part of the digital age.
‘My Bloody Galentine’ film
When asked how the film came about, Hays remarked, “It all goes back to a general meeting I had with MarVista Entertainment where we bonded over our shared love of soccer.”
She continued, “The next thing I knew, I was on a field playing with them in a women/ non-binary LA soccer league every Saturday.”
“One thing led to another, and I met with development executives Ashley Squires and Daijah Abram about the project and immediately fell in love with the witty, sharp, and dynamic script, written by Eliza Maher. Three months later I was on a flight heading to London to direct the film,” she elaborated.
Future plans
On her future plans, she shared, “I’m currently gearing up to direct my next feature film, a thriller, for Marvista Entertainment and Tubi in April. It will keep me busy through the end of July and then I’ll on to the next project.”
“I’m juggling several features in various stages of development and am very excited to see which one takes flight first – I have to have a few irons in the fire,” she added.
Inspirations as a filmmaker
On her daily inspirations as a filmmaker, she said, “Inspiration strikes me in many different ways. I begin my mornings with a 45-minute walk where I spend time thinking and manifesting what I want to accomplish that day and beyond.”
“This time is very sacred to me because it allows my mind to wonder… take in the moment, enjoy the sunlight hitting my face, watch the birds fly by, and run into a neighbor or two,” she said.
“I’m inspired by listening to movie soundtracks, going to museums and the theatre, reading self-help books, and connecting with someone new over a charcuterie board,” she added.
The digital age
On being a filmmaker in the digital age, she said, “It’s crazy to think that 15 years ago I directed a movie in film school at Chapman University using 35mm Kodak negative and with the boom of digital camera technology haven’t had an opportunity to shoot with film since then.”
She continued, “It has become much more cost-effective and accessible to make movies now. I for one, have embraced using digital cameras with the caveat that I’m always looking to make my films appear as cinematic and filmic as possible – adding 35mm grain in post-production.”
“I grew up watching movies and television exclusively shot on film so there’s something nostalgic for me when it comes to the “look” of the film. I think it’s important to keep growing and learning new things, and with so many wonderful new tools available to filmmakers (like Artemis Pro and Scriptation), it has made my job easier and helped me stay organized,” she elaborated.
“I’ve found social media to be a wonderful tool for presenting myself and my body of work — keeping people informed about what I’m up to and what I’m excited about next,” she added.
Advice for young and aspiring filmmakers
For young and aspiring filmmakers, she said, “You’re never too young or too old to begin pursuing your dream. Allow yourself grace as you walk through your journey and remember to not get in your own way. Take risks and invest in yourself.”
Success
On her definition of the word success, Hays said, “Success means making a living doing what I love every day, working on projects I’m passionate about surrounded by people who love, support, and most importantly make me laugh.”
Closing thoughts on ‘My Bloody Galentine’
Hays remarked about the movie, “At the heart of ‘My Bloody Galentine’ is a story about female friendships and women supporting one another.”
“It’s a dark comedy thriller full of laugh-out-loud moments followed by Hitchcockian tension-building moments culminating in a shocking twist that hopefully leaves them wanting more,” she explained.
“I drew my inspiration for the horror-comedy tone of the film from ‘Scream’ mixed with ‘Mean Girls’ and ‘Heathers.’ It’s the perfect girls-night-in flick to watch while eating a charcuterie board and drinking wine,” she concluded.
To learn more about Traci Hays, check out her official website, and follow her on Instagram.
