Hello Autumn, could you please tell us a little bit more about your submitted project? How did you come up with such an original story?
The Quirk Chronicles is an outlandish comedy web series inspired by human-humorous aspects of my quirky imagination.
Tell us something about yourself and your background. Do you remember the first movie you watched? Were you enthralled?
Autumn Simmons is the creator, writer, producer and star of the sitcom web series, The Quirk Chronicles. I have written and authored several books, including my dark humorous memoir, I, Quirky Girl, by Autumn Simmons.
I host and produce the comedy podcast, Quirk of the Day. I hold a BA in Communications and an MFA in Creative Writing.
I resided in the Greater Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Area. I love music, writing, traveling, podcasting, dancing and pole fitness. I cannot imagine life without cats. The first films I ever watched in theaters were E.T. and Snow White.
Who are the directors that inspire you? What would be your favorite movie?
I respect many directors, and their films because I enjoy endless film genres. My favorite film is Pan’s Labyrinth, which is written, produced and directed by Guillermo del Toro.
Was there a particular time when you recognized that film-making is your way of telling stories?
At the age of nine, I was given a camera to take pictures. The expression of a picture projects more than a thousand words. I began writing early as well. Though I did better with a camera more often. But in time, I would become a better writer.
What are some of the biggest challenges you encountered in making this film?
No one can truly make a film without a team collectively. Some may not care to be a part of one’s creativity until they see results. The biggest challenges have been learning to charm someone to trust my project, The Quirk Chronicles, in either their homes, shops, or restaurants, etc.
What were the production realities from casting through editing that you had to accommodate?
As much as we would like to believe, there is no perfection through film-making. Most if not, all films have flaws. But editing is a skill, which allows us to improve these flaws in films and books. When we make mistakes, we often attempt to find a way to correct storytelling for viewers, who expect satisfaction through entertainment.
What are the audience reviews of your project?
Many do not choose to respect many artists, even if they assume that they know one’s work, unless they see and feel the need to dance with the devil. I permit many to speak for themselves, as they criticize my art, which no longer concerns me.
Do you believe that a filmmaker should always bring something original or he/she should stick to classic but cinema styles?
Many conglomerate industries do not seem capable of offering more original films, but originality has more potential through independent film-making.
Do you think that film festivals are playing an important role in the film-making industry? Why are they necessary? How do you get the most out of them?
Film festivals have been vital to casting, writers,producers, managers, cinematographers, actors and editors, etc. Many viewers will always enjoy upcoming ideas through movies. Film festivals need to achieve support and participation through artists, who understand the value of art.
What are your future plans in your film-making career?
Is it possible that I may create a new season of The Quirk Chronicles with a few episodes, but I have many fiction novels and short stories I am working on that are more dear to me. Especially, an animated film for my fantasy middle-grade novel, Adventures In Boogieland, including the sequel to AIB under my pen name, A.R. Bey, the recipient of a 2019 Purple Dragonfly Book Award and a 2020 Mom’s Choice Award.
Thank you for this inspiring interview and for taking the time to honestly answer all the questions. The BIA team wishes you great success with your next projects!