My Left Arm Film Spotlight
Today’s film spotlight focuses on the short film My Left Arm directed by Melissa Vitello and Christopher Sheffield.
What is the title of your film and what inspired said title?
Our title is My Left Arm, and it’s a pretty straightforward reference to the arc of the story revolving around a stroke survivor and the subsequent turmoil she endures as her left arm takes on a life of its own.
Tell us a little bit about the story and origins of your film.
The story originated from a random rabbit trail of a thought I had in the shower, where I pondered how it would be to have a part of your body turn against you, an enemy you can’t escape because it is you while being entirely separate at the same time.
Our synopsis is: After a debilitating stroke, Malorie, on the brink of a career breakthrough, finds herself at war with her own body and is forced to watch as her life slowly unravels. As her condition continues to worsen, she begins to detach from herself and those she loves, eventually placing her young daughter, Cam, in mortal danger.
Any films or filmmakers that inspired this film?
We were heavily influenced by both The Babadook and The Shining, both in respect to their creeping psychological dead and, more so in The Shining, the rich color palette. We wanted it to be moody and atmospheric, something that conveyed a sense of unease on to the viewer.
What is the goal of the film for you?
The goal of My Left Arm, for me, was to tell a good story, make good art, and have fun with a group of insanely talented friends all doing what we love to do. We wanted to push ourselves and take a risk in producing our own work at a level that we hadn’t achieved before, and I am so happy because I believe we succeeded.
What has the journey been like getting the film into production?
We were about ten days into our Seed & Spark fundraiser and four days away from filming when Los Angeles shut down for the first wave of Covid. We were so bummed but honestly, I am so thankful for the time we were forced to take with the project. We went through some additional script rewrites, changes on our cast and crew occurred, and we ended up in some completely different locations – all for the better. Our Seed & Spark Campaign was relaunched on August 2nd, 2021, and principal photography started on October 8th.
One thing you learned from this project?
Taking on this project was indicative of a huge mindset change for me, for so long I was resisting making my own work, preferring to work predominantly as an actor who was hired by others for their visions. Having set be such a place of collaboration and positivity, then completing the film and having it be received so positively really opened my eyes to the possibilities that are out there in making indie films. I’m so excited for other projects down the road! We already have another script in the pipeline and are also hoping to make the feature-length version of My Left Arm.
How can folks find you and your film online?
You can follow our film on its festival journey and beyond primarily on our Instagram @MyLeftArmTheFilm.
Other accounts are:
Melissa Vitello (Director/Producer) @Melissa_Makes_Movies
Christopher Sheffield (Director) @Sheff_Shoots_Indie
Pete Schwartz (Writer) @PetesMiddleName
Bryan Ricke (DP) @BryanRicke
Elizabeth Mae Alan (Producer/Lead) @ElizabethMaeAlan
Adrienne Rose White (Supporting) @AdrienneRoseWhite
Gianna Bilby (Supporting) @GiannaBilby
Micheal Minnis (Supporting) @JMichaelMinnisArt
Trevor Wilson (AC) @trevororisit
Paula Crichton (Gaffer) @PaulaCrichton
Ashley Gianni (Props and Wardrobe) @AshleyGianni
Meg Hart (Props and Wardrobe Assistant) @Meg_Hart
Stacy Snyder (Producer) @StacySnyderLA
Andres Barrientos (Sound) @_AndresBarrientos_
Sarah Gardner (script supervisor) @SarahGardnerArtist
Marissa Pistone (script supervisor) @MarissaPistone
Sebastian Reyes (PA) @seabasswastaken
Lian Uritsky (SFX) @Lian_Uritsky
Crista Llewellyn (SFX & HMUA) @Cristallewellynmua
Carrie Mercado (HMUA) @Camercado6
Emily Margaret (HMUA) @EmilySFXMUA
Any last pieces of advice for fellow filmmakers?
Surround yourself with passionate people who are as determined to build relationships and lift each other up as much as they are determined to pursue their own careers. Work your hardest to be prepared and knowledgeable but start before you feel ready, you’re never going to be %100 prepared! Stay curious. Be resolutely hopeful and don’t let the industry make you cynical or doubt that you have something unique to offer. Get your sleep. Always have good Crafty.
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