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03 Apr12

"The Fundraising Never Stops: How 'Gwapa (Beautiful)' Is Keeping It Fresh"

by Thirsty Girl Films

I’ve been making films for awhile now, in all sorts of genres. Each process posing a different set of issues and downfalls. But I’m certain that documentary filmmaking, at least in my experience, is the most difficult of all processes I’ve dealt with thus far. Like all art, filmmaking is very emotional and draining. But documentary filmmaking, specifically social based projects, is much more nerve-racking because it’s not just your future at stake. In most cases, like my own, a social action project comes from a deep place in your heart and the desire to make a difference. My upcoming feature documentary, Gwapa (Beautiful), isn’t about profit or numbers. It’s about spreading awareness and bringing not only hope, but true change to the people who need it most.

But just having passion and dedication isn’t enough. Like all things in life, it comes down to money. Don’t get me wrong, you don’t need a lot of dough to make something great. I’m a firm believer that “Where there is a camera, there is a way...” But what do you do when your inspiration lies across the Pacific Ocean? Fundraise, fundraise, and fundraise some more. My current film, Gwapa (Beautiful), is about two poor Filipino families and their struggle to help their kids with facial deformities. This project started back in the fall of 2010 when Faces of Tomorrow founder, Dr. Brian Rubinstien, told me about these special families and their remarkable stories. We’ve been fundraising ever since.

Last fall, bound and determined, I assembled a dedicated team, Lindsey Rowe, Sabina Padilla, and Carlos Espinoza, and we ran a successful crowd-funding campaign via Indiegogo. This campaign proved to be invaluable in terms of promotion and growing an organic audience for the project. The immense support and backing from our fans helped to keep the fire alive while we were running this tough campaign. People from all walks of life, from all over the world, come out to show their support for Gwapa (Beautiful). We even snagged IndieWire’s “Project of the the Month” for December 2011, winning a consultation with the Sundance Institute and SnagFilms. Although we didn’t reach our funding goal, we raised enough money to bring a small team to Bohol and Pitogo Islands, both remote areas in the Philippines. As you can imagine, that money went fast, but well spent. I think I speak for the entire Gwapa Film Team when I say it was an incredible experience and we captured an inspiring, life-changing film in action. And due to the project's exposure, we partnered up with Rayomar Outreach, the social action branch of the Filipino distributor, Rayomar Marine, who donated $2,000 for a new motorized fishing boat and supplies to the family featured in this film. A once in a lifetime experience indeed.

Now, I’m in the thick of post production, anxiously awaiting a rough cut from my amazing editor, Eamon Glennon. But the fundraising never stops. We’re actively seeking funds to finish and implement this important film. Since we’ve already hit the social networking platforms, we’re trying a more tradition funding strategy this time. On April 5th, we’re holding a fundraiser and call to action event in Los Angeles at Tuff Sissy & Co on Melrose. And, like we’ve seen before, people are lining up to support this great cause. It’s wonderful to watch so many talented people come together like this. Here are some highlights we have planned, just to name a few! Good friend and comedian, Iliza Shlesinger, winner of Last Comic Standing and Host of CBS’ “Excused," will provide some good laughs. Appetizers by Cooking With Corralez, featured on Virgin Mobile’s “Sparah” Web-Series. Cupcakes by Sweet E’s Bakeshop, featured on FoodNetwork’s “Cupcake Wars.” Blues entertainment by renowned guitarist, Ray Bailey. The world famous Laugh Factory graciously donated tickets to our silent auction too. Likewise, Bill Ostroff of FirstGlance Film Festivals, donated the “Indie Filmmaker’s Startup Package:” VIP passes, lots of merch, 1 year subscription to MovieMaker Magazine, and Gorilla Production Software. We even got a media board donated and we’re actively building a celebrity guest list. Once we put the word out there, people are jumping to get on board. This event is bound to be not only financially successful, but like the online funding campaign, it will bring more eyes to the project and thus help spread awareness. It just goes to show that if you build it, they will come!

If you’re in LA on April 5th, please join me and the Gwapa Film team for a wonderful evening. All proceeds go toward the completion and implementation of Gwapa (Beautiful), a grassroots effort to bring awareness to the thousands of Filipino children born with facial deformities every year. Support a great cause and get a Special Thanks credit on this inspiring film. Join the movement, tell your friends, and spread the word! For more information, please vist www.gwapafilm.com and be sure to join our Facebook Invite too!

Meg Pinsonneault is an award-winning filmmaking and screenwriter in the LA area. She is the founder of Thirsty Girl Films and the director/producer for Gwapa (Beautiful). She is easily excitable and her passion for filmmaking is known to be contagious. She believes that with inspiration, dedication and passion, anything is possible.

For more information:www.thirstygirlfilms.com. Follow Meg on Twitter:@ThirstyGirlFilm

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15 Feb12

Garage presents FILM COURAGE with David Branin & Karen Worden Ep.#151

by filmcourage

GARAGE IS PLEASED TO PRESENT FILM COURAGE

WITH KAREN WORDEN AND DAVID BRANIN......

Filmmaker Meg Pinsonneault on LA Talk Radio’s Film Courage (Ep. #151)

Filmmaker Meg Pinsonneault of Thirsty Girl Films is in the Film Courage studio to tell us why every filmmaker should make at least one documentary in their life, her latest film Gwapa (Beautiful) & why it means so much to her, and the sacrifices independent filmmakers make.

Connect with Meg at www.gwapafilm.com, www.ThirstyGirlFilms.com &@ThirstyGirlFilm

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05 Feb12

How Documentary Filmmaking Can Change Your Life

by Thirsty Girl Films

It’s been well over a week since my return to the states from a 16 day adventure to the Philippines to finish shooting my first feature documentary, Gwapa (Beautiful), about a poor Filipino family’s struggle to help their three children with cleft deformities. The film is told in two parts as the kids go through two sets of surgeries, lip and palate reconstruction, each 12 months apart. So this was my second trip to the Philippines and my third trip to document a medical mission with Faces of Tomorrow, a non profit organization that provides free facial reconstructive surgeries for children in developing countries. Needless to say, this wasn’t my first rodeo. But that being said, I don’t think there was anything that could have prepared me for the shear greatness of this last shoot. All three experiences were life changing and magnanimous in their own way. But my last trip to the Philippines was certainly the most unique and meaningful and I will the cherish memories for the rest of my life.

Last year, fellow filmmaker and friend, Sabina Padilla, and I spent over a week with Violetta Bulabos and her children, Ruby, Aires, and Zubair, documenting their long journey to Tagbilarin City, where they underwent reconstructive surgeries all in the same day. Again, it was quite a moving experience and one that changed my life forever. Although I couldn’t communicate with Violetta or her kids, there was a level of trust and mutual companionship that was like nothing I’ve ever experienced. Needless to say, there were a lot of tears when we had to leave. At that moment, I knew I needed to go back. I promised Violetta that she would see us again and we would return the following year.

I always keep my promise. Thankfully, we raised enough money for a 16 day shoot with a four person crew, Lindsey Rowe (producer), Sabina Padilla (director of photography), and Ed Silberstien (audio). Upon returning to Pitogo island one year later, I wasn’t sure if the Bulabos family would remember us. But they certainly did and they greeted us with a heart warming welcome. Instantly, we were shocked to find a new addition to the family, Harold, who is four months old. Both Violetta and her husband, Teodoro, have children with another partner. Between the two of them, they have ten kids in total. There are eight kids that live with them in their tiny nipa hut made from bamboo and plywood scraps. They live on a fish farm which is a sugar coated term for muddy swamp. Nearly two feet of the foundation has washed away since January 2011 due to torrential downpours, causing the hut to lean drastically toward the water behind it. Needless to say, this growing family needs a bigger and safer place to live. Moreover, Teodoro is a fisherman which can be a very tough career in the Philippines. He brings in about $1-2 dollars a day. Teodoro fishes from an old one person fishing boat that he borrows from his uncle. He uses a handmade net and paddle. During the wet winter months, the waves get too big and Teodoro can’t fish when it rains. Teodoro hopes that one day he can buy a motorized boat which would allow him to go greater distances and fish during the winter months. It doesn’t seem like a lot to ask. But for desperately poor families like the Bulabos, this reality is one they’ll never see.

So, we decided to change that. During the making of this film, we were able to partner up the Rayomar Outreach Foundation, the social impact branch of Filipino boat manufacturer, Rayomarine. What’s the secret? In the words of publicist by day, producer by night, Lindsey Rowe, “Don’t be afraid to ask.” Lindsey sent out about 25 emails and received one response. On Christmas Day, we got the amazing news that Rayomar Outreach agreed to donate $2,000 toward a fishing boat and supplies. My dear friend and volunteer, Charina Asunto, tracked down a local shop and found the perfect boat or “bank.” She even arranged custom paint job with Rayomar Outreach on one side and Gwapa Film on the other. Before we knew it, we had a really big secret to keep.

After two successful palate surgeries and five days in the hospital, the family was ready to go home. We made the long trip from Tagbilarin City with Violetta and her kids. Upon arriving back to Pitogo island, we finally had the pleasure to present Teodoro and Violetta with their brand new boat. Jacqueline “Jack” Fedalizo of the Rayomar Foundation was in attendance to hand it over, complete with two large boxes of food. It took a second for the realization to sink in before the tears started. Teodoro looked to the heavens and thanked God for sending us to help his family. He even called us angels. Violetta hugged me countless times and always with a big smile. We told him the the boat was a gift for allowing us to invade their life with cameras. But he just laughed and asked “Why do you keep thanking me? I thank you for this new beginning.” It was one of the happiest moments of my life so far. Special thanks to Rayomar Outreach for making this dream come true!

Later that day, we missed the last water taxi to the port of Ubay on the island of Bohol. We sat near the water as the sun was setting, hoping another taxi might come by. Suddenly, Teodoro came speeding around the bay in his brand new banka and drove straight over to us. He looked incredibly happy and full of pride. He smiled, realizing our issue. Then he took off to a nearby island and brought back a water taxi to take us to Ubay. As the sun was set behind a late afternoon rainbow, Teodoro drove along with our boat. Strong and proud, he looked like a very happy man. As he took the turn back to his house, he waved goodbye. I held my camera as still as possible despite the tears streaming down my face. It was an incredibly magical moment and one that happened completely on its own. We couldn’t have planned it better if we tried. With every shoot, there are always disagreements and mistakes. But watching Teodoro drive off into the sunset full of hope, made everything else seem trivial and trite. And despite all the hardships we faced, that moment was payment for our sacrifices. We became part of this Filipino family forever. To have a rich friendship with amazing people thousands of miles away is something very true and wonderful. Violetta even asked me to be Harold’s Godmother which I gratefully accepted. Just another way I feel eternally bonded to this amazing family. I left Pitogo Island that day with a invigorating sense of worth and the feeling that anything is possible.

Based on this incredible experience, it is our hope to start a foundation one day to help struggling families in developing countries build sustainable homes and lifestyles. It’s a true testament to how creating a film like this can impact your life. Making this documentary has swayed the course of my career forever and made me passionate about helping people who are less fortunate. I feel extremely lucky to have the chance to use to my skills as a filmmaker to give back to my fellow mankind. Creating this project has been an incredibly rewarding experience thus far and I cherish the opportunity to make films that help people like Violetta and Teodoro. I hold dear the rare gift of true friendship like theirs and all because I chose to a filmmaker with a conscious. Documentary filmmaking is tough and certainly not for the weak of heart. But I speak from experience when I say it’s worth it.

Meg Pinsonneault is an award-winning filmmaker in LA. She is the founder of Thirsty Girl Films and the director of the upcoming documentary, Gwapa (Beautiful), winner of IndieWire's "Project of the Month" for December 2011. Watch the teaser and more at www.gwapafilm.com. Learn more at www.thirstygirlfilms.com. Follow Meg on Twitter at @thirstygirlfilm.

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05 Jan12

"It Takes A Village..."

by Thirsty Girl Films

The last few months have been the most exciting yet for Gwapa (Beautiful), a feature documentary about a poor Filipino family’s struggle to help their 3 kids with facial deformities. In case you haven’t heard, here’s a short recap. Nearly a year ago, we set out to create a no-budget short documentary about the Bulabos family, who have multiple children with severe cleft issues, as they embark on a journey to get free surgical care from the Faces of Tomorrow clinic. After assembling a rough cut, we quickly realized that there was a lot more than just a short film there. Many children need more than one surgery and extensive speech therapy. With reverent themes like family, love, and determination, we knew that we had to film the rest of this incredible story. Knowing that Faces of Tomorrow will travel back to the Philippines to treat these kids again in January 2012, we set out to film this journey as well. Fast forward to November when we ran a kickass crowd-funding campaign to fund the completion of our project. We didn’t reach our goal, but $12,411 our of our $16,500 goal ain’t bad! (In the end, we’re left with $11,291 after Indiegogo’s 9% fee. If we had reached our goal, then they would’ve only taken out a 4% fee.) Fortunately, we raised enough to fund production in January and we’re very excited to film the second part of the project!

To add to all the excitement, I was notified on our last day of the fundraising campaign that Gwapa (Beautiful) was nominated for indieWIRE’s “Project of the Week.” Gwapa (Beautiful) was chosen as “Project of the Day” the previous Wednesday.) This was quite the honor, but overwhelming too. This news came at such a crazy time of the campaign and it is was quite the task to promote the campaign and the contest at the same time. Fortunately, we won indieWIRE’s "Project of the Week" competition! Our reward is a digital distribution consultation from SnagFilms and Gwapa (Beautiful) is now officially a candidate for “Project of the Month.”

Fast forward to present day to where we’re now vying to win indieWIRE’s “Project of the Month” contest! Ring the year in right by helping to bring awareness to Filipino kids with cleft deformities. Winning a consulation with Sundance Institute only solidifies the importance of this film. Be a part of the movement! Please consider voting for Gwapa Beautiful for indieWIRE’s “Project of the Month” contest. The competition runs through a Facebook poll from January 2nd to the 6th, ending at 10am EST. You must have a Facebook account to vote. Help save lives forever and help spread the word about this important issue! Click HERE to vote this film.

This has been a truly magical experience for everyone involved with the film. I think the best part has been the incredible support we’ve received and are still receiving for Gwapa (Beautiful). I’m humbled by the outpouring of love from the indie filmmaking community, not only in monetary donations but spreading the word as well. The saying “It takes a village...” never felt more appropriate! We were a featured campaign on Indiegogo. Likewise, we snagged featured stories on Take Part and Film Courage, and were mentioned on Perezitos blog too. As a filmmaker, it’s truly inspirational to have so much love for your film and your vision. I feel honored and blessed for this. Because of all this support, I know in my heart that Gwapa (Beautiful) will be a success and the indie film community is a major part of that! Not to mention, this campaign garnished a lot of buzz for the film and we have some very exciting stuff in the works! So be sure to check out www.gwapafilm.com for updates from our Filipino production and beyond. In case you wanted to back to this inspirational film but didn’t get the chance to, we’re accepting donations via Paypal on our website as well.

Back to the indieWIRE competition. If you’re running a crowd-funding campaign right now, I suggest you consider submitting to these contest. Each week, indieWIRE readers can vote for their favorite in-the-works film project using a Facebook-based polling system. Each weekly winning project will also be voted on for the best project of the month; the winner with the most votes will score an in-depth consultation with a senior member of Sundance Institute’s program staff.The projects are selected by indieWIRE editors from filmmaker-submitted applications, documentaries or online video. Digital distribution is a rapidly changing industry. According to IndieWire blog, this is what filmmakers can expect to get out of the consultation:

Discussion of new platforms and devices, including iPad and other tablets, smart phones, and connected TV platforms -- and how they can become part of your distribution strategy
How theatrical and digital releases can work together
The promotional and financial value of theatrical distribution vs. digital distribution
How to get the most out of digital-distribution platforms.

If you want to submit your film for consideration as “Project of the Day,” click here.

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18 Nov11

Gwapa (Beautiful): An Inspirational Documentary Worth Supporting

by Thirsty Girl Films

Last Saturday marked the launch of Thirsty Girl Films' second crowd-funding campaign to complete our documentary, Gwapa (Beautiful). This is the first feature length documentary dedicated to bringing awareness to the high number of children born with cleft deformities in the Philippines and the great need for free reconstructive surgeries in poor countries. This stunning and remarkable film will draw you into a powerful tale of strength, love, determination, and hope. Gwapa, meaning beautiful in Visayan, is the fitting title of this vibrant, real-life story that follows two Filipino families and their struggle for a healthy future. Every year, 4,000 - 5,000 Filipino children are born with cleft lip, cleft palate, or both. Cleft lip and palate are two the most common and curable of birth defects. Sadly, most clefts go unrepaired in developing countries. Just one surgery can change a child's life forever. Gwapa (Beautiful) will serve as an educational resource to help perpetuate local, national, and international discussions pertaining to cleft issues in developing countries like the Philippines. Since many people in wealthy countries aren’t aware of the problem, this documentary will shed light on a culture hardly explored and how its poorest deal with personal strife. Not only will this film spread awareness to other countries, but it will act as a tool for families affected by cleft deformities in developing areas. The main cause of clefting starts with lack of information and medical care. This film will serve as a beacon of hope and a positive resource for achieving a healthy future for all families affected by cleft deformities.

Since many children need more than one reconstructive surgery, Gwapa (Beautiful) is told in two parts. Filming for the first part is complete, depicting the first round of successful surgeries that took place in early 2011. We're raising funds to complete the film and are planning to go back to the Philippines this coming January to revisit that families as they undergo their second round of surgeries. Supporting this film is a reflection of the willingness to promote and encourage the awareness of cleft issues in poor and developing countries. It is a direct contribution to helping families in need and spreading the word about the importance of free surgical missions like Faces of Tomorrow. This is a collaboration to create a unique, dramatic, educational, and revealing story about two remarkable Filipino families and how their struggles are indicative of the amazing Filipino culture as a whole. Ultimately, this is a chance to get involved with a very special project that will document and create a historic record dedicated to bringing this incredible journey to life for generations to come. Thus ensuring many more healthy futures for children born with facial deformities in developing countries.

Gwapa (Beautiful) is a story that needs to be told because every child deserves the chance at a beautiful and healthy future. In honor of our generous donors, we've secured amazing perks from companies like Dyson, SodaStream and Crosley, and even a Carnival cruise for two! Stay tuned as we release these perks over course of the campaign! Ultimately, we hope this project will reach people who care about issues like this and who want to help change lives for many generations of Filipino kids to come. To help make this film a reality, please visit www.indiegogo.com/gwapa-film. Please consider liking our Facebook Fanpage and sharing it with your friends. Join the conversation on Twitter by using #GwapaFilm hashtag. Please be sure to spread the word about this campaign on all our favorite social sites. Together, we can make a difference!

Meg Pinsonneault is an award-winning and festival screened filmmaker living in LA. She is the founder of Thirsty Girl Films and director/producer for Gwapa (Beautiful). She is a crowd-funding veteran and discusses her experiences on filmmaking panels and popular indie websites. Her other noteworthy projects include “Feast of the Foolish,” as short period thriller shot on the RED One, and “A Lost Love Story,” an award-winning stop motion short film that won 2010 Filmmaker of the Year award from RAW: Natural Born Artists, among other accolades. She has been featured on websites like Film Courage, Film Radar, Mubi Garage, Atypical Tales, Talk Nerdy To Me Lover, and StigMed1a. Learn more by visiting www.thirstygirlfilms.com. Find Thirsty Girl Film on Facebook and Twitter.

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22 Oct11

Journey of a Documentary: How Gwapa (Beautiful) Became a Feature Film

by Meg Pinsonneault

Last January, I had the amazing opportunity to travel to the Philippines with Faces of Tomorrow, a non profit organization that offers free surgeries to children born with cleft deformities in developing countries. Along with fellow filmmaker, Sabina Padilla, we followed two families with children with severe clefts for over a week, as they traveled to the mission in hopes of a life changing surgery. This project was meant to only be a short documentary, but it inspired so much more. After shooting it and assembling a rough cut, it became apparent that the story wasn’t finished. Not only do the children have another round of surgeries coming up in January 2012, but there is so much more about these remarkable families that I want to capture. After much deliberation, I decided to make a feature length film, the first of its kind on the subject. I’ve assembled a killer team, including producers Carlos Espinoza and Lindsey Rowe. We’re currently seeking finishing funds through private investment, grant funding, and sponsorship to complete the film. We are also searching for other production companies looking to partner up or back outside projects. Likewise, we’re launching a crowd funding campaign on November 12th to help raise money to finish the film. With lots of amazing perks and an awesome launch party in Los Angeles, CA, it’s bound to be an exciting campaign. Stay tuned for updates. For now, watch the teaser, LIKE our Facebook Fanpage, and tell your friends about the film. Read below to learn more about Gwapa (Beautiful) and visit the film’s official website: www.gwapafilm.com. If you or someone you know is interested in backing this project in anyway, please send an email to thirstygirlfilms@gmail.com.

On the tiny island of Pitogo, off the coast of Bohol, Philippines, lives the Bulabos family. Teodoro and his wife, Violetta, have five children, three of which were born with severe cleft lip and cleft palate deformities. Teodoro and Violetta are very poor, but they are hard-working and loving parents. Sadly, the Bulabos children do not socialize much with the other kids in their village for fear of getting teased. As a mother, it has been Violetta’s long-term hope to get their clefts fixed as it hurts her to see her children ridiculed. Beyond that, kids born with cleft deformities, especially open palates, are far more susceptible to disease that can result in serious illnesses and death. Like many other Filipinos, Teodoro and Violetta have little access to medical care. They certainly can’t afford the expensive surgeries their children so desperately need. The dream of a healthy future for their family is a distant one until Violetta hears about a free surgical clinic on a neighboring island. Teodoro can’t afford to miss a day of work, so Violetta and her eldest daughter must make the long journey with the young kids alone. There is no guarantee that the children will receive the surgeries they need, but the hope alone drives a mother’s ambition. The same goes for Lucy Alac, the mother of a teenager born with severe facial deformities and mental retardations to a poor family. Her daughter, Irene, can’t speak or dress herself. She has lived most of her 19 years indoors. Due to lack of education, Lucy was previously unaware of the reconstructive surgeries and now hopes that Irene will be chosen as a patient. But just like the Bulabos kids, there is no guarantee, especially considering Irene’s weak mental condition. In a country where children with clefts are often abandoned or shunned from society, Gwapa (Beautiful) follows two incredible families that refuse to give up. Despite desperate poverty, this documentary depicts a mother’s will to do whatever it takes to give her children the brightest future as possible. The Filipino culture is wonderfully rich. Its people are as beautiful and caring as the stories they share. Gwapa (Beautiful) is a powerful story of family, hope, strength, and determination.

Since many children need more than one reconstructive surgery, Gwapa (Beautiful) is told in two parts. Filming for the first part is complete, depicting the first round of successful surgeries in early 2011. The second part will be shot in January 2012 when Thirsty Girl Films plans to travel with Faces of Tomorrow on their second mission to Bohol, Philippines. The second part of the documentary will revisit the Bulabos and Alac families one year later as they prepare for another long journey to the surgical mission. Supporting this film is a reflection of the willingness to promote and encourage the awareness of cleft issues in poor and developing countries. It is a direct contribution to helping families in need and spreading the word about the importance of free surgical missions like Faces of Tomorrow. Again, please help us spread the word about the remarkable project. Watch the teaser and share it with your friends. Learn more by visiting our website and LIKING our Facebook Fanpage. Be sure to look out for the launch of the crowd funding campaign on November 12th. If you or someone you know is interested in backing this project in anyway, please send an email to thirstygirlfilms@gmail.com.

Meg Pinsonneault is an award-winning and festival screened filmmaker living in LA. She is the founder of Thirsty Girl Films and director/producer for Gwapa (Beautiful). She is a crowd-funding veteran and discusses her experiences on filmmaking panels. Her other noteworthy projects include “Feast of the Foolish,” as short period thriller shot on the RED One, and “A Lost Love Story,” an award-winning stop motion short film that won 2010 Filmmaker of the Year award from RAW: Natural Born Artists, among other accolades. She has been featured on websites like Film Courage, Film Radar, and Mubi Garage. Look out for her featured article in StigMedia’s November 2011 issue. Learn more by visiting www.thirstygirlfilms.com. Find Thirsty Girl Film on Facebook and Twitter.

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19 Sep11

A Lost Love Story

by Thirsty Girl Films

Unlike most of my peers, when it came time to graduate from film school in ‘05, I was not ready to go. I felt like a newborn wanting to crawl back in the womb. Most seemed to have their lives planned out, and knew exactly what their next step would be, and that only emphasized the fact that I had no idea what to do next. I had this expectation that when you graduate you would know all there is to know about your craft, and instead, I was left feeling like I still had so much to learn. I put so much pressure on myself to reach certain goals by a certain age, that I kept myself living for the future, and not living in the present. It took me years to snap out of this mindset and realize that the learning never stops. In living for the future, I was ignoring my process as an artist, and was trying to jump from point A to point Z. What I finally have come to realize and appreciate is that the best parts are all the steps in between.

I did a total disconnect from film making and photography for three years post undergrad. While most of my friends took off to start their careers in the obvious film cities - New York and Los Angeles - I moved back home to Miami, FL, and tried several different paths on for size: makeup artist, stage manager, personal assistant, and unit production manager. After 3 years of having my camera collecting dust on my shelf, I was asked to shoot stills for my friends’ feature (White Whale, a Hybrid Moment Productions) in Joshua Tree and Big Sur, CA . That experience, camping and shooting in nature, was all it took for me to pack up my life and move west, and my camera hasn’t left my hands ever since.

Meghan Pinsonneault is a dear friend of mine who moved to Los Angeles immediately after film school (Emerson College in Boston, MA). She is also one of the major motivating factors in my move to LA. We worked on films together in undergrad, and she lured me out west so we could continue making movies together. A Lost Love Story is the first short I’ve shot since college. Talk about a fun project to dive into after all these years.

What I love most about working with Meg, is that she has total confidence in her vision, and she gets everyone around her excited to work. When she came to me with this script, I couldn’t help but want to be a part of it. She had such a strong vision and had storyboards ready to go. That being said, Meg is always open to creative input, which makes the creative process that much more exciting.

Meg founded Thirsty Girl Films last year and we’ve been active in productions ever since. I look at those who enter my life as my teachers, and since I’ve moved out to LA and have been working with Meg again, I can say that she has definitely helped to inspire my growth as an artist, and for that I am forever grateful.

When Meg started forming the idea for A Lost Love Story, and said she wanted to shoot a stop motion, we decided to do a quick test shoot, to see what we would be getting ourselves into as far as time and logistics go. Due to our shoestring budget and everyones conflicting schedules, we only had one weekend to shoot it. So basically, the test shoot became the actual shoot and we ran into a slew of technical difficulties: From the cheap lights we had blowing up (all rental houses closed!) to our HDMI adaptor snapping!

When the second light blew, we thought we might need to throw in the towel. But the crew really pulled it together, and we came up with some ghetto lighting rigs, and did the best we could with our resources. It’s really a wonder that we were able to pull it all together, and I am really proud of our team. No one was paid for their time - it’s all for the love of making movies.

Sabina Padilla, Carlos Espinoza, Meghan Pinsonneault

To say the least, we are humbled by all the attention this little movie has brought to Thirsty Girl Films. It has really motivated us to step it up and to keep the projects coming. We are currently working on the rough cut for the documentary Meg and I shot in the Philippines this past January, called, Gwapa (Beautiful). But that’s a story for my next post. Until then, thanks for reading and keep an eye out for our documentary.

Written By Sabina Padilla

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