Table of Contents
Three Key Takeaways
- Ambitious storytelling attracts top talent: Erin discovered that shooting a "oner" required relinquishing control, but it also drew incredible collaborators to the project.
- Thematic clarity through reflection: Erin realized the recurring theme of tension between performance and authenticity in her work through repeated discussions at Sundance.
- Creative boundaries and respect: Erin hopes audiences learn to respect others' boundaries and set their own while enjoying the film's engrossing narrative.
Erin Brown Thomas, the visionary behind Chasers, is thrilled to showcase her latest short film at this year's HollyShorts Film Festival. A dynamic storyteller, Erin has crafted a 30-minute single-shot narrative that delves into themes of exploitation and agency, starring Ciarra Krohne and Louie Chapman. With a background in post-production and a penchant for ambitious projects, she navigates complex themes with authenticity and flair.
Q&A Interview
What drew you to make Chasers?
I was looking for a way to synthesize all the exploitation I've witnessed and/or experienced in Los Angeles, but still through the lens of a protagonist with agency. Ultimately, I've been wondering if, in my career, I'm paying my dues or chasing my abuser. Chasers is a thematic amalgamation of all of that!
"Do the thing that requires insane talent and then insanely talented people will want to join you."
What surprised you most about the filmmaking process this time?
I was shocked by how much I enjoyed staging the film as a "oner." I've been a post person for two decades, and have always enjoyed how much you can shape or fix a film in the edit. You have to relinquish a lot of control to shoot "oners" - but I found that ambitious stories attract incredible collaborators. Everyone was at the top of their game, which made it easy... and dare I say addictive... to trust them.
What was the hardest creative decision you made while making this film?
I wasn't 100% sure we had the ending. I was like 80% sure. But I was so tired. And so was everyone else. I made the choice to end the shoot, knowing we probably couldn't do any better than we already had. By the time I had some distance from the day, I reviewed the footage and concluded we totally had the ending. It was everything I wanted it to be.
"I'm more clear about a theme that unites my work—the tension between performance and authenticity."
How do you hope audiences will react to your film?
Creatively? - I hope they are engrossed and surprised.
Emotionally? - I hope they learn to respect other people's boundaries and learn to set their own.
Professionally? - I hope they determine I can direct the F*ck out of a movie or TV show.
What does it mean to you to have Chasers selected for HollyShorts?
Every opportunity to screen in Los Angeles is cherished, especially on such a nice screen.
"At the core of all my work is a desire to be happy."
For more information, connect with Chasers on Instagram: @chasers_film. You can also watch the trailer below.
