This week’s filmmaker spotlight is on Producer and Co-Writer Katie Uhlmann of “A Very Office Christmas.” Uhlmann’s film was selected to be part of the NewFilmmakers Los Angeles screenings at Sunset Gower Studios this month. Learn about the film, Uhlmann’s inspirations, goals and current projects.
“A Very Office Christmas”
Katie Uhlmann
Producer and Co-Writer
Tell us a little bit about your project and how long you’ve been working on it.
“A Very Office Christmas” is the first film for Producers’ Katie Uhlmann and Claire Stollery and Director Maital Falkovitz’. We would like to pretend that it was a long and thought out process, but the whole project came together in under a week! We chest-bumped each other.
The film starts out as your typical office Christmas party. Everyone is having an okay time. But when the secret Santa gift exchange takes an unusual turn, peoples’ true natures are revealed. You might laugh, you might cry, and you’ll definitely learn the meaning of Christmas. Or will you?
Is there anyone you’d like to thank for helping out with this film?
We would like to thank Tony Edgar, Chris Stacey, Barak Falkovitz, and our friends and families who also made their screen debut in our short (some not by choice).
How does it feel to have your film part of the NewFilmmakers Screening at Sunset Gower Studios?
We are very excited to have our film screening at the NewFilmmakers festival. This is the first festival that accepted our film and we could not be more thrilled! So thrilled, that our director and some members of the cast are flying from Toronto to attend.
What inspires you?
Celine Dion and her life’s work.
Who are your influences and who do you admire?
People who have taken risks, especially in comedy, have always influenced our projects. Judd Apatow, Kristin Wigg, Tina Fay, Lauren Graham and Lenah Dunham have completely transformed the way women are seen in comedy in the last ten years. We also admire the greats, like Lucille Ball and the ever-controversial Joan Rivers.
What lessons have you learned from the industry so far?
You can’t please everyone. We received a lot of hate mail about our short. Literally, these people said we ruined their lives with our film. But then there were other people who just “got” it who loved it. At the end of the day it’s important to remind yourself that you can never reach everyone.
If you could collaborate with anybody, who would it be?
Celine Dion, naturally.
What is the toughest experience you’ve ever had to overcome?
When we couldn’t get tickets to see Celine Dion because they were sold out. And then our cat died. Her name was Celine.
What is the best piece of advice someone has given to you?
Make your own work. Be prepared when opportunity arises. Also, don’t tell anyone you like Celine Dion. I guess for us it’s too late…
What advice would you give to new filmmakers starting out in the industry?
Sleep your way to the top or at least to the middle. We haven’t done it yet (clearly), but we hear it helps.
Where can we expect to see you next?
Cannes, actually. “A Very Office Christmas” will be screening at the Short Film Corner this year.
Let our readers know where they can find more information about you and your projects.
Twitter:
@ClaireStollery
@KatieUhlmann
@RealProfesh We are also on IMDB.
For more information on the screenings in Los Angeles, see below:
NewFilmmakers Los Angeles invites you to join the Monday April 16th 2012 film screening series and after-party event at Sunset Gower Studios in Hollywood with a filmmaker lounge throughout the evening.
5:30PM Shorts Program Pre-Screening Reception
6:00PM Shorts Program #1 Screening:
* Dumpling (Dir. Wesley Du)
* Bugbaby (Dir. Rebecca Lorenne)
* Ticket to Hell (Dir. Enrico Natale)
* The Contract (Dir. Ryan Goldstein)
* A Very Office Christmas (Dir. Maital Falkovitz)
7:00PM Feature Film Program #1 Pre-Screening Reception
7:27PM Shorts Film Program #1 After-Party
7:30PM Feature Film Program #1 Screening:
* The Maiden Danced to Death (Dir. Endre Hules)
9:15PM Feature Film Program #2 Pre-Screening Reception
9:35PM Feature Film Program #1 After-Party
9:45PM Feature Film Program #2 Screening:
* The Mighty Mavericks (Dir. Casey Kriley)
11:20PM Q&A with Feature Film Program #2 Filmmakers
11:35PM Feature Film Program #2 After Party
You will have the opportunity to meet the directors of each film, the actors and other crew + participate in a live audience Q&A.
There are pre-receptions and after-parties for each program. Admissions to the programs are only $6 which includes the screening ticket and access to the filmmaker lounge. Visit the NewFilmmakers LA Official Website at http://www.NFMLA.org for more information and to purchase your ticket now!http://www.newfilmmakersla.com/tickets.html
var addthis_config = {“data_track_clickback”:true}; http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#pubid=hgflipgrltweetmeme_url = ''; http://tweetmeme.com/i/scripts/button.js
DISARRAY 