In this episode, No Film School’s GG Hawkins speaks with director Erica Tremblay and Co-Writer Miciana Alise about the film, Fancy Dance. They discuss what their writing collaboration looked like, as well as challenges they faced during filming. The film premiered at Sundance 2023 and will premiere at SXSW on March 10.

Topics discussed:

Tackling prevalent problems in indigenous communities

How Erica and Miciana met and what it was like writing the script together

Applying storytelling into different genres, platforms, and formats

Sharing breakthrough moments in complicated scenes

Realizing that one still does directing in post production

Successfully pulling off a big set piece using ingenuity and networking

Having the right people behind the scenes, who really wanted to support the project

Learning how to be a more considerate writer


Memorable Quotes

“We hope it can shine a little light on some of the struggles that Indian country has, with outside forces coming in and trying to tell us how we should be living on our sovereign land.” [5:12]

“It makes it a little less painful that you’re not just alone in these deep, dark, scary pages.” [12:29]

“There’s this symbiotic relationship of ideas and talent and knowledge that’s passing through two people, ending up on the page.” [12:43]

“The biggest thing was learning what the characters didn’t need to say….Just letting them breathe in that uncomfortable moment.” [14:56]

“Just be ferocious. You cannot hang your ego on any one scene. You can’t be precious about it.” [22:12]



Resources:

Fancy Dance

Find Miciana on Instagram

Find Erica on Instagram


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