FemmeFilmFest20 Day Three Showcase: ‘In a Hole’ with the charming Sarah Louise Dean

I’ve known Sarah Louise Dean for some time in a virtual capacity. Speaking to her about In a Hole, which she wrote and directed, allowed me to not only learn more about her, but also a reminder of how much goes into making a film of just 5 minutes in length.

In a Hole is a refreshing, beautifully shot delight, but clearly touches on some deeper human issues. Literally opening (and closing) in the dark, the film also takes full advantage of a glorious sunny. Meshing two sides of the same coin in portraying the meeting of two girls in very different circumstances. But who might actually have more in common than meets the eye.

Sarah Louise Dean achieves a thought-provoking, spirited little film in such a short space of time. Capturing the contrasting appearances and/or current mood of the two characters. Night and day. Happy and sad. Poised against the vast blue sky and stuck in a hole. But both fluent in sarcasm.

ROBIN WRITE: Where does the love of movies come from? When did you know you wanted to do it yourself?

SARAH LOUISE DEAN: I remember seeing The Jungle Book on the big screen when I was about 6 and it blew me away. I loved movies from then on. However I didn’t truly understand movies for years after that. I’m still learning how they’re made now.

I liked photography when I was young and I wrote stories from a really young age. I didn’t know that filmmaking was available to me until the last few years. I thought it was just for big directors and then discovered the independent filmmaking scene here in London. I also met more women which helped as it can seem like a boys club.

As you’ve grown up and got to where you are now, what other roles / jobs in the media or film have you been involved with?

I’ve always worked in the media, but in different forms. I’ve been a journalist and reviewer for online publications, worked in PR and advertising, on some productions, social media and business affairs. However most of my jobs are not glamorous at all, involving long hours and spreadsheets. Most of the money I’ve made has been through less exciting jobs but for interesting companies.

So why do you still do it?

Because art is its own reward.

Other than the obvious actuality of the title, what else did you want to express through the basic elements of this short film?

It’s an allegory for any mental sticky situation that anyone can get into, but particularly things like depression and anxiety. We as humans (as shown by Beth) find it very difficult to ask for help out of fear, embarrassment or not wanting to cause a fuss. And sometimes we need someone to see things from our side to learn how to get out of the hole.

And helping others can be good for us and help us be better people (as shown by Liza). An alternative analysis is that Liza and Beth are different ways of saying the same name. It can be about giving yourself a break and being capable of helping yourself out when needed. But it’s never for the director to tell the audience what their experience of a film is.

That’s so true. Has anyone seen it and told you how they felt or what it means to them? I know I made a casual reference to Roma because of how you shot it…

A guy at a screening said it spoke to them about their own feelings which was really nice! Everyone seems to read their own meaning into it and I couldn’t hope for more. ROMA is one of the best modern movies in my honest opinion, so thanks for that.

How did you cast the girls? And did you get lucky with that gorgeous weather?

We only had one day for the shoot so that was pure luck! But once I saw the rooftop I knew we had to shoot the outdoor scenes there.

We used The Mandy Network for casting. About 200 girls applied! We auditioned about 40 and then got it down to the 2.

200?! Wow.

I had help from a film school who also helped me with crew – I also paid people so this was not a free venture.

Yes I loved both of them and I liked the different accents which are their natural ones. I also liked the red and blonde hair. I really wanted to cast at least one person of colour but very few auditioned, and I wonder if somehow the advert was biased against them as I did say blonde for one character. But brunette for the other.

Interesting. I loved the blonde girl. She was like Sophie Dahl. She was the personification of a sunny day. And unpredictable, like British weather.

Yes. But the Beth actress was also a ray of light, however she was great at playing the sadder character.

What was the budget like for the film? And other time restrictions other than the shooting? Did you edit it?

Budget is a complex question as some people gave time for free who were experienced. Actors only paid scale, food and travel (£80 each per day). No time restrictions except getting access to people.

I helped edit with help from some editors who were just better and cleaner, so it was my composition. We also had a sound specialist who was invaluable as we had two sets and different noises. Plus loads of dialogue cuts where sometimes an actor was saying words onscreen, and sometimes they were listening. Sound edit was harder than visual edit.

And that aeroplane that soared by (a la Roma), that was real right? Not special effects?

Totally real – there were so many planes flying past it was a nightmare sound wise. And also someone hoovering. The stress.

I’ll wrap up now. Any projects you are currently working on or in the pipeline? And is Contrarah going to resurface on Twitter?

Yes I have the script finished for my next film. It’s longer, about time travel. I have a DP, producer, editor and sound. No cast yet, so will be auditioning soon. Oh and film is going to be entirely female. All cast and crew. Very excited!!

And Contrarah is enjoying being heard and not read.