Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Brick by Brick captures the heart of women's sports with an unlikely, comedic twist. Chris Boyd and Nate Riedel weave an uplifting narrative about a college women's soccer team stepping up to save a basketball program, combining humor and sportsmanship.
- Alex Morgan's involvement added unexpected layers to the film. The renowned soccer player and San Diego icon lent her voice to the documentary, enhancing its depth and connection to the community.
- Independent filmmaking thrives on agility and self-starting. Boyd emphasizes the power of taking initiative and staying connected to local stories, highlighting the importance of a nimble production approach.
Chris Boyd and Nate Riedel co-direct Brick by Brick, a comedic sports documentary spotlighting young women's resilience and spirit in athletics.
Narrated by soccer superstar Alex Morgan, this film finds humor and heart in a college women's soccer team unexpectedly taking on a basketball season.
As their film premieres at HollyShorts, Boyd shares insights into their dynamic process and the impact of independent filmmaking.
Q&A Interview
What drew you to make this film?
We were inspired by Bryce Miller's piece in the San Diego Union-Tribune. The combination of friendship, sportsmanship, and humor was irresistible. We felt it was a unique narrative not often seen in documentaries, especially amidst the current focus on women's sports.
What was surprising about the filmmaking process?
Creatively, Alex Morgan's enthusiasm was a delightful surprise. Her involvement as narrator added layers we couldn't have anticipated. Logistically, the speed was incredible. We read the article on Monday, contacted the Athletic Director the next day, and began shooting by Friday.
Is there a moment in the film that feels distinctly yours?
The final game scene is quintessentially us. Our crew and editor brought it to life like a national championship, with drama and perfect pacing. It culminates the film and feels the most "us."
"The greatest strength of independent filmmaking is that you don't need to wait for anyone to let you make a film."
What was the hardest creative decision you made?
The toughest part was deciding how many jokes to keep. We had to streamline the narrative, which meant cutting some comedic gems to maintain a strong runtime.
What do you hope audiences take away?
We hope they leave with the joy and laughter we experienced making it, alongside insights into the hard work and camaraderie that drive young athletes.
How has this film influenced your future storytelling?
It opened our eyes to the potential of blending sports, comedy, and captivating personalities in nonfiction filmmaking. We want to explore more stories in this vein.
"At the core of all our work is a desire to give an audience a memorable experience."
What resource or technique was invaluable in production?
Our nimbleness was crucial. With diverse production experience, we adapted to the unfolding story and scaled our shoot days flexibly, making a small shoot feel expansive.
What does HollyShorts mean to you?
HollyShorts is prestigious. Being selected validates our vision and connects us with a community that celebrates short films. It's a significant platform for our work.
What are your hopes for the film's future?
We aim for more festivals, eventual streaming, and perhaps inspiring a docuseries or scripted series. The potential directions for this story are exciting and varied.
