Jessica

Going to film school was never an option that was available to me after life in the Army, so when my then agent and friend Amanda Andrews got in touch with me and asked if I’d like to contribute to this project, it was an immediate yes. Having never brought a story to life before, I knew that with the struggles I once faced at school, I could help bring this sad but all too familiar story to the screen. The film was based on a poem called “just Say”, that was written by Laura Bell.

After reading the poem, it was agreed that there was a story to tell there, and so the crew set themselves on a mammoth sized task to get what would eventually be called, “Jessica”, cast and filmed.

The key people in getting the ball rolling were Amanda Andrews, whose original storyline would become the template from which the story evolved, Laure Bell, who after not only trusting myself to direct the project, would also go on to help casting for it alongside myself and Amanda, as well as location scouting and chaperoning the young artistes. Suzanne James, who stepped in to produce the film, and took control of all logistics and helped in evolving the storyline, as well as helping to secure the school where we shot the film. And Darren Teale, our brilliant director of photography and editor, whose expert eye cast a shade of beauty to an otherwise dark and upsetting message.

The film was scored by the wonderfully talented Ollie Graham, whose theme throughout the film, matched that of a child whose very own existence and mental health was deteriorating.

Jessica Fay played the role beautifully, and her stars opposite shone just as brightly. All the actors were incredible in displaying such a vast amount of emotional range in this short film, and in doing that, brought a touch of class and heart to the production.

Just as it was important hiring the right cast, so to was it hiring the right crew, as this move was paramount in getting the job done right, and I can’t stress enough how brilliant everyone involved was to the production, as well as the fun that everyone had on set, despite the film encompassing such a sad and upsetting message. Working with children on a shoot like this, it was important to listen to what they had to say, and open collaboration and ideas brought forward, were heavily encouraged. Some of the dialogue in the film was improvised on the spot by the actors, who helped give the film that injection of raw, gritty realism.

Thank you for this opportunity, I’m pleased to present to you, with the help from all the cast and crew involved, my short film and directorial debut, “Jessica”.

Thank you.

Joe Vuckovic