Shannón: The Making of a Star
Synopsis.
Shannón Parker would describe herself as an amazing actress. She has recently been given the chance to prove this in the school's upcoming production in which she intends to play the lead. However, there are trials she must overcome - Molly, another aspiring actress up for the role, as well as the general incompetence of everyone else in school. Despite this, she believes she will get the part, and the production will jumpstart her professional acting career. The film is in a mockumentary style, as she hires a camera crew to document her rise to stardom.
In conversation with Jordaine Kehinde
December 18th 2015 by Chris Daniels
Chris Daniels: One of the things I enjoyed about the film was the way it parodies the behaviours of some teenagers.
Jordaine Kehinde: Well aside from having once been a teenager myself, not too long ago I might add, I also have a little sister. Both of these things gave me plenty of inspiration to base Shannón's character on. It was easy enough to capture the sense of rivalries and friendships most teens feel, but it was harder to direct this from a rich point of view, per say. It was quite hard to try and convey the 'rich girl' persona humourously, without seeming too satirical - it would not have been possible without Eleanor Brockwell's amazing acting skills.
CB: I wanted to discuss Shannón from the Making of a Star and Ringo from Ketchup Killer - they both appear extremely harsh, but have softer, more insecure personalities when their guards are taken down.
JK: I find that the mean exteriors help to distance the audience emotionally. In Ketchup Killers, this helped to antagonise Ringo as the killer and added humour to Shannón as the main character. Prompting this kind of response I found to be useful and different from dictating the audience's opinion - they could dislike the main character if they choose to. It also made for shocking moments in both films when the emotional disconnect was taken away. Besides, it was just more fun to write!
CB: It was fun to watch as well! Killer Ketchup was an amazing movie too - did you feel any pressure making another film after your debut?
JK: If I'm perfectly honest, I did. But I think the independent film scene is a lot more creatively driven than the mainstream industry - I made another film because I had another idea I believed in. There isn't a whole lot of money to be made, although I did take Ketchup Killers some festivals in the UK and abroad. I've also entered the Making of a Star in the Little Picturehouse's competition. More, than anything, though, I just want to make films.
Shannón: The Making of a Star is showing locally 8th March
Eleanor Brockwell
On her acting debut
On Shannón: The Making of a Star
Eleanor Brockwell speaks on her debut role in the upcoming film and how...
