Sister Tempest
Anne Hutchinson's troubled relationship with her missing sister is under alien tribunal. Meanwhile, her new roommate's mysterious illness causes her to go on a cannibalistic killing spree.
“Sister Tempest wears it’s weirdness like a badge of honour, a stunning achievement that lingers with you for days after viewing”
In Depth with the Director -
Joe Badon
Hello Joe, tell us a little about yourself and your background in filmmaking I'm an illustrator, musician and filmmaker based in Louisiana. I've been a storyboard artist on films such as Desiree (2014) and Keanu (2016).
I've written and directed two feature films - The God Inside My Ear (2018) and now Sister Tempest.
How did Sister Tempest first come together as a project?
I wrote the script in early 2019, then ran a couple crowdfunding campaigns to raise the money for the film. We ended up shooting the film for $30k.
The film is incredibly dense and sprawling in scope. What did the storyboard process look like?
Because the film had so many moving parts, I knew that I had to storyboard the entire film, from beginning to end, shot for shot. Being an illustrator myself, I drew all the storyboards. This really helped make sure that we didn't forget any shots that we would need during editing. Especially because we would not be able to get back into a lot of the locations after the initial shoot so we had to make sure that we didn't need 'pick up' shots.
There are some spellbinding performances throughout from your cast. How much direction do you give your cast with regards to the script and delivery?
Not very much at all. I like to let the actors interpret the characters how they see fit. Sometimes I'll have a specific direction but I like to give the actors as much freedom as possible. I feel like this ultimately gives the best performances. I also LOVE to collaborate so if an actor has a better idea than I do for a scene, I'll let them try it and if I like then we'll go with it. Film, like a good band, should be a collaboration. Even though in the end I'm steering the ship, I still believe everyone should have a voice.
You mentioned your background in illustration and you also had a hand in the music for Sister Tempest, how did your experience in different disciplines help in putting the film together?
My illustration background definitely helped with storyboarding the film but also with costume and character design. Plus we had some animated moments that I and other artist friends created for different scenes.
Being also a musician, I think in musical structure a lot. I think that's why there can be moments of weird repetition in my films. Like how songs have a verse/chorus/verse/chorus. I'm also into free jazz and experimental music which I feel bleeds into the way Sister Tempest is strangely organized. Almost like free jazz in a weird way.
What was the biggest challenge in making this film?
Money. $30k is pennies to shoot a high concept 2 hour plus movie. And going forward, I'd definitely want a budget where people don't have to volunteer their time. Also, scheduling was a challenge. Trying to get everyone, with all their various schedules, in the same place at the same time was quite a feat!
What projects are coming for you in the future?
I'm writing a surrealist, sci-fi, fantasy TV Series about hair which I'm looking for investors to partner with. I've also already shot a short film with my family during quarantine that I might extend into a feature.
Do you have any message for our Melbourne audience?
Sister Tempest is non-traditional. I hope you'll enjoy the ride and hopefully it'll speak to you personally. Thank you for taking the time to check it out!